Thread: Another health problem to overcome.

Hi Peter,

Often wondered how things were with you. I hoped no news was good news. It's a shame you developed secondary cancer but you are under good care and I'm glad the treatment was again successful. The progress in research on Prostate Cancer is going in leaps and bounds so there is really a hope for a real cure and even vaccination to stop it developing. Sorry about the unrelated lung problem. Perhaps with exercises you'll increase your lung capacity and get back to almost normal.

We need to get ALL men to get tests from age 30 -35 if there is any family history of the disease or 40 - 45 if there isn't. If blokes did this there would be lot less men dying because of the cancer. It has now reached the stage where more men die of prostate cancer than women dying of breast cancer and look at their screening processes.

My cancer is under control. I get another PSA test early next month so get a little edgy as it gets closer in case the result is not good.

John

Originally Posted by whitewood

Hi Peter..... I hoped no news was good news. It's a shame you developed secondary cancer but you are under good care and I'm glad the treatment was again successful.
John

John, indeed the no news meant it was good news for about half way through the radiation treatment my PSA dropped to below 0.01 and has remained that way ever since.

The progress in research on Prostate Cancer is going in leaps and bounds so there is really a hope for a real cure and even vaccination to stop it developing.

That's why I'm a patient of the Austin's Men's Health clinic which is actually a study in managing potential adverse side effects for patients of hormonal treatment.

FYI it was great to read this work by Dr.Grossmann recognised:

Austin's Mathis Grossmann has received the prestigious 2011 Mid-Career Research Award from the Endocrine Society of Australia (ESA) in recognition of outstanding research in endocrinology.

Dr Grossmann's work out of the Men's Health Clinic has been prolific. His observational and interventional clinical trials researching the effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on men with prostate cancer have led to the development of national guidelines for the management of the endocrine side effects of ADT. These guidelines have been endorsed by the Australian Endocrine, Urological and Bone Mineral Societies and are now included in the National Health and Medical Research Council Clinical Practice Guidelines portal.

Dr Grossmann says the guidelines are an important step forward in managing potential adverse side effects for patients. "ADT is a type of therapy that reduces the level of male sex hormones called, ‘androgens' in the body. This therapy can bring with it significant side effects such as osteoporatic fractures and type 2 diabetes. The guidelines I developed go some way in helping to define how best to monitor and manage these side effects," he said.

Dr Grossmann also conducted one of the largest cross-sectional studies of men with type 2 diabetes showing that testosterone levels are commonly reduced in these men.

"Low testosterone levels have been related to poor health outcomes in diabetic men but whether testosterone treatment is helpful or harmful is not known. To help answer this important question, we are now conducting a clinical trial of testosterone therapy," said Dr Grossmann.

In August, Dr Grossmann travelled to Perth to deliver a plenary lecture about his research at the Endocrine Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting, where he also received his award.

The best part of being in this study is that under regular, quarterly, expert doctor's care that is monitoring every aspect of my health.

Peter.

Originally Posted by Sturdee

Will find out more when I see the doctors at the respiratory clinic.

I had an appointment with the doctors at the Respiratory clinic at the Austin this afternoon.

The tests so far have ruled out a number of causes but at this stage they are not sure what has caused the eventration of the midriff diaphragm which allowed my liver pushing into my right lung causing me being out of breath when I exert myself too much.

So more tests have been ordered to eliminate further causes for this. These include blood test to see if my auto immune system is working, respiratory stress tests, as the other respiratory tests have been whilst at rest not whilst exercising, and a chest CT scan amongst others.

My next appointment is in 7 weeks so more waiting whilst these test are done.


Peter.

Not knowing is the hardest Peter, thoughts are with you.

Peter
All the best and look forward to catching up with you at 's next in house with good news.

Good luck with all those tests Peter.

Peter positive thoughts

Originally Posted by Sturdee

So more tests have been ordered to eliminate further causes for this.

Peter.

Got the details of my appointments for these test this week. Looks like Wednesdays in March I'll be busy.

7th March, Stress respiratory tests, cycling whilst hooked up to machines.

14th March, A fluoroscopy - Diaphragm screening and also a CT scan of my chest. Both from the same department so they are scheduled on the same day with a little time to rest in between. Very good scheduling.

21st March my next appointment with the Respiratory doctors.


Peter.

I want to say something flippant, like "All that work, I thought you were retired". But what I mean is all the best and hope to see you well and soon.

You will be busy in March Peter!

All the best with you tests!

Foo

Peter, as we say here, you're in ''de lappenmand'', you know what I mean.
I hope the tests went well out for you.
Ad

Originally Posted by Ad de Crom

Peter, as we say here, you're in ''de lappenmand'', you know what I mean.
I hope the tests went well out for you.
Ad

I agree rather in the "lappenmand" then in the "vuilnisbak"

I know all these tests are necessary to find out the cause and the exact extent of the problem but in the meantime I'm not able to be as active as I used to be. A quick temporary fix in the meantime would be nice though whilst the tests go on.

Peter.

All the best with the treatment and tests Peter.

Cheers Martin

All the best Peter!