Another health problem to overcome.

**Sturdee** · 21st January 2012, 04:32 PM

As some of you know four years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer which resulted in me having a radical prostectomy.

Then a year later I found out that some of the cancer cells, having already escaped my prostate, started to give concern so I had radiation therapy in conjunction with three year course of testosterone blocking injections.

As this testosterone blocking treatment can lead to osteoporosis and diabetes in men I was enrolled in a long term study at the Austen hospital in their Men's Health clinic.

At this clinic I'm regularly tested for that and a lot of other health indicators as well and so far I've not had any problems with these possible side effects.

My PSA is still undetectable, being less then 0.01, so I'm fairly confident that I've beaten my cancer, although I will need regular testing for a long time.

And now another problem has arisen.

About 5 months ago I noticed that I was getting tired easily, got out of breath easily and I noticed that I couldn't eat large meals anymore as I felt full very quickly. Some of you who have met me might have found me rather quiet and needed to sit down a lot.

So I went to my GP who immediately ordered an ECG, blood tests and a chest xray. This showed that something was pushing into the bottom of my right lung. So I had a CT scan that showed that my liver was pushing into my right lung causing me to be so out of breath etc. According to the Xray my right lung is now only 2/3 of the length of my left lung.

So I have been having at the Austin two sets of breathing tests at their respiratory laboratories, specialised blood tests, an ultrasound heart stress tests and this morning an MRI in preparation of my first visit to the Respiratory outpatient clinic on the 1st of February.

I'm still getting out and about as I intend not to let this affect me too much, I just can't do too much hard physical work but I can still turn. That's why I have been making pendants.

At least it's not all bad as I can still pursue my hobby.

Another good thing was that the other day, whilst having some tests done at the Austin, I was able to meet a fellow forum member SJT who works there and share a coffee and chat. Made visiting the hospital a pleasure.

Any one who has had something similar can you let me know what happens next.

Hopefully they can fix it sooner than later.

Peter.

**Cliff Rogers** · 21st January 2012, 04:43 PM

Bummer. Why is your liver pushing on your lung? Is your liver getting bigger?

**Sturdee** · 21st January 2012, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers

Bummer. Why is your liver pushing on your lung? Is your liver getting bigger?

As far as I know the liver is a normal size but the diaphragm is weakening allowing it to push up rather than my tummy pushing out. They call it an eventration of the right hemidiaphragm.

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

Peter.

**Trav** · 21st January 2012, 08:49 PM

Sturdee

Sorry to hear your news. Best of luck that is sorts itself out or, at the very least, doesn't get worse. Glad to hear you can still turn.

Trav

**Grommett** · 21st January 2012, 09:08 PM

At this stage I was diagnosed with prostate cancer three years ago, didn't operate but had radiation therapy and those lovely f.... Injectionns for the last three years. PSA still not detectable but the side effects, well need a rest now and then. As an ex smoker you worry about the cough, but turning doesn't help.

I just get on with enjoying what I do.

Look forward to seeing you at the next 's day. Take care.

Michael

**munruben** · 21st January 2012, 09:23 PM

Sorry to hear you are having more problems with your health Peter, you sure have had a rough ride over the past few years. Hope everything turns out well for you and you are back fighting fit in next to no time. Good luck mate.

**cookie48** · 21st January 2012, 09:35 PM

Peter.
Sorry to hear about your problems. I hope all turns out well for you. Keep turning and enjoying it is probably the best way to go.
All the best.
Cookie

**Sturdee** · 21st January 2012, 09:46 PM

Thanks guys.

It's another challenge to overcome as I'm not prepared to give up enjoying life.

Meanwhile I have to put some projects on hold, like painting the house, building the rest of the wood store and altering some sheds into a secondary workshop. I would like to get onto those but I'm not fit enough to do so and I don't want to aggravate my condition.

After a whole life of being fit and well I've had to cope with my prostate cancer and the radiation treatment so I'm sure I'll cope with this as well.

Meanwhile I can still turn.

Peter.

**The Bleeder** · 21st January 2012, 09:54 PM

Hey 'Stubborn One',

I think you will use the same determination this time round as last.

I'm sorry that it always happens to the good guys.

Just keep letting us know how your going.

**Scott** · 21st January 2012, 10:32 PM

As you know Peter, anything I can do to make your stay at the Hotel Austin a pleasurable one (and anyone else on these forums). Looking forward to catching up for our next coffee.

**Ad de Crom** · 21st January 2012, 11:58 PM

Peter, I'm sorry to read about having this problem.
Anyway you have the right positive attitude, with enjoying the life.
Being positive thinking is always the best you can do.
Peter, chin up !

**tea lady** · 22nd January 2012, 10:58 AM

Sorry to hear Sturdee. Weakened diaphragm?

Maybe you should take up singing to strengthen it.

I guess the docs might have suggestions.

Meanwhile keep making pendants

**Sturdee** · 22nd January 2012, 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by sjt

As you know Peter, anything I can do to make your stay at the Hotel Austin a pleasurable one (and anyone else on these forums). Looking forward to catching up for our next coffee.

It is indeed a wonderful hospital as I found out last time I was in there and being a regular outpatient. I also have complete confidence in the doctors there and I know the nurses and other staff care about you.

Only thing missing is that the ward doesn't have a small turning workshop, maybe I can bring my mini lathe.

There always seems to be a friendly attitude by the staff. A number of times I was unsure where the department that I had to go to was located and staff went out of their way to show me.

Scott, I'll keep you informed as I go along.

Peter.

**Sturdee** · 22nd January 2012, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by Ad de Crom

Anyway you have the right positive attitude, with enjoying the life.
Being positive thinking is always the best you can do.
Peter, chin up !

I think it comes from my Dutch background.

You know that kind of stubbornness that will not give in whatever the weather and sea wants to throw at you.

Peter.

**Sturdee** · 22nd January 2012, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by tea lady

Maybe you should take up singing to strengthen it.

I guess the docs might have suggestions.

Meanwhile keep making pendants

I doubt there is a choir that would want to have my voice ruining their performance.

I'll keep making and experimenting in making pendants. The're small enough so that I can rest in between and sit down while sanding and polishing.

Peter.

Thread: Another health problem to overcome.

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Another health problem to overcome.

Similar Threads

Health and Diets?

Health Club

Fwd: World Health Day.

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions