Thread: Secret men's business or my Prostate cancer

Best of luck mate,

Ian

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.

Thanks guys,

Originally Posted by jow104

Is there a known cause or things to avoid getting this condition.

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.

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.

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
Russell

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

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

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.

Originally Posted by Ashore

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. Rgds
Russell

Russell,

A regular little prick is essential but this should be followed up with a rectal examination when necessary. Whilst it may be a bit embarrassing and slightly uncomfortable it doesn't hurt and is over in a couple minutes.

No big deal really.

Peter.

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.

Originally Posted by Sturdee

Russell,

A regular little prick is essential but this should be followed up with a rectal examination when necessary. Whilst it may be a bit embarrassing and slightly uncomfortable it doesn't hurt and is over in a couple minutes.

No big deal really.

Peter.

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

Good luck with the op & recovery, Peter.

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 )

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.

Joe