Thread: Another health problem to overcome.

Good luck with it Peter. Hope the quacks can find a solution.

Fingers crossed for you Peter, let's hope you hear some good news when your tests are assessed.

Today I had the further tests ordered by the Respiratory doctors. I was booked in for a Fluoroscopy - Diaphragm Screening and a Chest CT scan at the Repat Hospital which is part of the Austin.

I had a few things to do on the way which went quicker than expected so I arrived about an hour early and was prepared to settle down and wait for the appointments.

To my surprise they moved my appointments around and I had the first one within 20 minutes and followed immediately by the second one. So I got home even before the appointed time of my second test.

Amazing service by the Radiology department.

Next week I'm seeing the doctors and no doubt will find out more.

Peter.

It is now four years since I found out that I had prostate cancer, and it was a very aggressive form of the cancer. As soon as was practicable I had a radical prostectamy which removed my prostate and other affected bits and pieces.

The next year was what I still think was the worst year of my life, when I didn't know if the surgeons got it all or not and then finding out every 3 months that the cancer was still growing within me. That socalled watchful waiting was the worst.

Then three years ago the Urology doctors referred me to the Radiation Oncology doctors who recommended that I started immediately on a three years course of testosterone blocking injections and a 7 weeks course of radiation treatment.

So the operation targeted a very specific area, my prostate, the radiation targeted the adjacent areas and the testosterone blocking injections was to stop and remaining cancer cells settling anywhere else in my body.

About halfway through the radiation treatment my PSA dropped to an undetectable level and has remained so.

Now that the three years of blocking injections is over I hope that my PSA levels remain undetectable else I will go back on the injections even though the risks of unwanted side effects is there. I have some of them already but am coping with them as they are not health threatening. Only time will tell.

During the last three years whilst having this testosterone blocking treatment my health has been monitored by the Austin's Men's health clinic and I have had better care then most guys of my age.

At times it has not been a fun journey but the alternative is worse so I hope they can find out and possibly do something for my current problems, which I think has been caused by my cancer treatments. Of course I could be totally wrong about this.

Peter.

You have certainly had your share of battles during this time Peter but the power of the
mind should never be forgotten and that is something that you seemed to have had.

Hope all goes well for yor future.

Foo

Originally Posted by Sturdee

Next week I'm seeing the doctors and no doubt will find out more.

Peter.

Saw the specialist at the hospital last Wednesday and unfortunately all the tests so far hasn't shown what has caused the eventration of my midriff diaphragm.

Without knowing the cause they can't treat the problem so more tests have been ordered, a CT scan of my neck, a stay at a sleep laboratory and more breathing tests that hopefully give the answers as to what is causing my problem.

Peter.

Originally Posted by Sturdee

Saw the specialist at the hospital last Wednesday and unfortunately all the tests so far hasn't shown what has caused the eventration of my midriff diaphragm.

Without knowing the cause they can't treat the problem so more tests have been ordered, a CT scan of my neck, a stay at a sleep laboratory and more breathing tests that hopefully give the answers as to what is causing my problem.

Peter.

"eventration"? After googling it reads worse than it sounds. Hope they work it out soon!

Originally Posted by tea lady

"eventration"? After googling it reads worse than it sounds. Hope they work it out soon!

It is as bad as it sound. My right lung is reduced to two third of the normal size and that space is taken up by my liver pushing up. This has stretched a number of related bits as well.

I'm a bit like a car running with only 5 cylinders, okay whilst idling but trying to do much work and I get tired and out of breath and need to rest and recuperate.

Peter.

How's it going Peter?

.After three weeks you must have had some news. I hope it's been good news.


Wishing you all the best.

Hi Peter,

As a Prostate cancer survivor ( nearly 7 years now ) I have followed this thread and your health issues. I second Artme's message. They say no news is good news. I hope this is so in your case.

John

Unfortunately these things take time. My CT scan for my neck is booked for 30th of May and the overnight sleep clinic is not until the 11th of June. I suppose it's good that these expensive facilities are fully booked so far in advance, but waiting is a pest.


Peter.

In regard to my prostate cancer tomorrow will give some indication if it has all been successful when I have my regular visit to the Men's health clinic at the Austin.

Three years ago when my psa indicated that the cancer was still growing I had the Radiation treatment for 35 visits which targeted the immediate area around where my prostate had been as well as a 3 years course of testosterone blocking injections.

Half way through the radiation treatment my psa had dropped to below 0.01, which meant that the tests could not detect any, and has remained that way since.

A month ago the three years were finished and I did not get a further injection, although I could have, as I wanted to see if it has all been successful.

So tomorrow I will find out my current psa and I have a further one booked for 2 weeks later and a third for the middle of June, all coinciding with regular follow up visits of the three outpatient clinics involved.

If at any stage during the next few months my psa rises again I will immediately go back on the injections and put up with the side effects again but hopefully that part is conquered.

Can't wait until tomorrow.


Peter.

So far so good. My PSA is still undetectable after being of the Eliguard for one month.

Now for the next one in 2 weeks. Still very early but here's hoping.


Peter.

Peter,

I posted the other day that i was a survivor of 7 years. My treatment was radiation and 2 years post radiation of hormone injections. This was to treat a Gleason 9 grade cancer. I now get a PSA test every 6 months. (DRE every 12 months.) Over the last 4 years it was 0.06, 0.05, 0.05, 0.07, 0.05, 0.05, 0.07 and 0.08. So without the help of the hormone injections my PSA has remained low and relatively stable. With an extra year on hormones you should expect a good result.

John