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6th March 2008, 07:44 PM #1Deceased
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Secret men's business or my Prostate cancer
In another thread on mens health dealing with prostate cancer on November last year I posted that my PSA tests were consistently around 4.8 to 5.1, which because of the accuracy of the equipment gives an average of about 4.9, high but satisfactory reading considering my age.
Then on the 19th of February I posted that my next PSA test around Christmas came in at 5.3 showing a small but regular increasing trend, so my doctor gave me a physical examination and that based upon this, and considering my brothers had prostate cancer, he referred me to a specialist.
The specialist decided that a biopsy was necessary, which unfortunately showed that I have a very early stage of prostate cancer and that it needs to be removed. I'm told that as it is in its infancy removal will cure me.
Today I received advice from the hospital that my preop. interview/examination will be in 2 weeks time, which is in line with what my specialist told me at the time.
I'm still coming to terms with the fact that I'm not immortal, having lived a life that so far has excluded doctor's visits apart from the odd flue visit, and am still worrying about the forthcoming operation however if Sam Newman can survive it surely I can.
I'll keep you all informed as to the progress but meanwhile make sure that you guys get regularly tested.
Peter.
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6th March 2008, 07:51 PM #2
Best of luck mate,
Ian
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6th March 2008, 07:59 PM #3
Read your post Peter, best of wishes and luck to the future.
Can I mention that we should all have tests but, the medical profession never seem to put anything out how to avoid the problem.
Is there a known cause or things to avoid getting this condition.
After all they tell you not to smoke these days to reduce the risk of lung cancer.woody U.K.
"Common looking people are the best in the world: that is the reason the Lord makes so many of them." ~ Abraham Lincoln
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6th March 2008, 08:25 PM #4Deceased
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Thanks guys,
John, there is no way to avoid this. With the passing of age the prostate normally enlarges in all men, some quicker then others. This normally causes urinary problems and may need to surgically dealt with, but not always.
However, sometimes the prostate cells turn cancerous. Normally all cells die and are replaced by your body with new ones. With cancer the cells lose some of it's genetic imprint and don't die and instead want to live forever. These then multiply and take over with disastrous results.
Whilst the cancer cells are confined to the prostate they grow very slowly but once they escape the prostate they become very virulent and start growing in your bones. Whilst it may grow steadily within your prostate for about 7/10 years once they escape and is not treated you have about 3 years to live.
Whilst there is still a lot to be learned about this illness they know genetics plays a major part so if there is any history testing very early and regularly is essential.
BTW there are 18000 cases of prostate cancer discovered in Australia each year and about 3000 people die from it each year.
More people die of prstate cancer then breast cancer and yet it appears to be a secret illness that few are willing to talk about.
Peter.
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6th March 2008, 08:35 PM #5
Sorry to hear of your problems, it is a worry at our age. As you say it is genetic, my father had prostate cancer as well, so I have twice yearly PSA tests for that very reason.
Be glad that you were smart enough to go for these tests and that as a result it was detected in the early stages, with a high chance of a cure.
Thinking of you in these difficult times, keep your chin up.
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6th March 2008, 08:46 PM #6
Thank god for PSA tests, a lot of men, myself included were reluctant, to say the least to having a physical examination each year or so, but a little prick I can live with. I hope yours goes well peter thankfully its in its early stages and I believe the sucess rate of cure with early detection is quite high.
Thoughts are with you
Rgds
RussellAshore
The trouble with life is there's no background music.
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6th March 2008, 09:34 PM #7Awaiting Email Confirmation
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I am sorry that you are one of the chosen few to have the cancer. So am I.
I had my operation 4 years ago. I have friend who had his last week. So you are not alone.
If you feel that you want to talk about it just PM me.
les
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6th March 2008, 09:35 PM #8
G'Day Peter
Sorry to hear your news, guess main thing is for you to think positive, am sure you will be in all our thoughts until your over this hurdle.
Cheers
Bernie
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6th March 2008, 09:56 PM #9Deceased
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Thank for the support guys.
I'm sure that the outcome will be okay as indeed I found out early and with the removal of the prostate the cancer will be gone and with a skilful surgeon there will not be any long term side effects.
I have no choice as I'm not prepared to give up and let a part of me as small as a walnut (and one that has finished its purpose) slowly kill me. I still have a lot of life to live and enjoy.
Peter.
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6th March 2008, 10:01 PM #10Deceased
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6th March 2008, 10:32 PM #11
Peter,
Goodluck with the Op, sounds as though you don't have that much to worry about in terms of timing. Goodluck luck with the recovery bit as well, like you it runs through my family and from what I've been told and seen thats the bit that sucks.
The rubber glove isn't the worst experience in life, although the first time I had the examination about the only thing that crossed my mind is why blokes would want to be gay
Cheers, John.
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6th March 2008, 10:51 PM #12
Peter I hope all goes well for you .
I also was diagnosed with prostate cancer about 5 years ago , unfortunately mine was well advanced ,and the surgical removal was too risky .(There are a couple of options available for treatment , radio therapy , and bracyotherapy (sp?) This would depend on your specialist and circumstances.)
My only option was to have radiation therapy .It meant nearly three months living away from home and family ,travelling back and forth to the hospital every day to get zapped .
I can report that due to the expertise of the Oncologist , the radio therapy staff and the very latest equipment the treatment was a complete success .
Basically ,I am enjoying a normal lifestyle ,with very little side effects from the treatment.
My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years before me ,he is 78 and still going strong , my grandfather (paternal ) also had prostate cancer and was operated on and lived . My maternal grandfather suffered a long and agonising death from the same .
My advice is any one with this disease in their family or any man over 40 should be having regular check ups, not only for prostate but any form of cancer .The rectal examination is a mere inconvenience compared to the other option.
Kev"Outside of a dog a book is man's best friend ,inside a dog it's too dark to read"
Groucho Marx
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6th March 2008, 10:54 PM #13
Good luck with the op & recovery, Peter.
The beatings will continue until morale improves.
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6th March 2008, 11:28 PM #14
All the best to you Peter and your recovery. I'd rather see you on the first news story at 6:00 than some idiot called Sam. ( Sam)
(everyday everyday-people have something hit them real hard in the guts, but it's only famous people who we hear about )
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7th March 2008, 01:01 AM #15
High PSA doesn't necessarily indicate cancer. It can also be due to BPH (BENIGN Prostate Hypertrophy) - simple enlargement treatable with antibiotics. I had an episode several years ago. So you need the extra examination too.
My Dad had his removed, but I forget what age he was. He wasn't the type to complain, so I'm not sure how well it went. My barber (age about 77, I think) opted for the radioactive BB's and is quite pleased. One of my pals had his removed about a year ago; pee'd through a pipe for a while, but now cheerful as ever.
Urologists have a "Rule of 85" or something like that: At age 85, 85 percent of men may die WITH prostate cancer, but not necessarily OF cancer.
I have a checkup scheduled Friday (also for kidney stones). You do the same ASAP.
[Still Thursday arvo here. "Friday" is tomorrow.]
Best of luck, Peter.
JoeLast edited by joe greiner; 7th March 2008 at 05:34 AM. Reason: [added clarification]
Of course truth is stranger than fiction.
Fiction has to make sense. - Mark Twain
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