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This post has brought out some very good comments, and a few laughs, good for all. But the fact remains that the word Cancer counjors up in many peoples mind, total disaster. It can in many cases be terminal, but also in so many cases can be cured if caught early, as was my case in question. How to cope with it is the big question, but even harder for the relatives and friends of the person diognosed. For some even though they recover from the disease they never fully recover mentaly, whils others sail through it without a problem. For me the only way was to look forward, convince my self all would be OK and remain positive. So far it has worked as I fell no different than I did before being diognosed, apart from still pissing my pants on occasions that is. Incontinence is a bummer, but it is getting better and I am informed will eventualy stop. Back to the hospital the other week to see post operative specialist who told me I am now fully cured. you would think I was a bloody ham the way he said it, fully cured! The cancer was fully contained within the prostate, none getting out. Here in Oz much emphasis is now being put on how the carers cope with all of this. My wife had to fill in a questionaire on hope she reacted when informed, coped with all the additional tasks, extra driving etc, and any other matters that bothered her. The medical profession is now coming to understand how the family can be effected by something such as this and how it has an effect on their health. Many of you here have had Cancer in some form and are willing to talk of it, how did you cope with it?
Happy daze John in Oz. Life is too short to blend in. John Strange R737787 World Traveller
John, my Margaret was concerned but outwardly her nature is to worry but not show it. After 56 years she can't hide too much from me so I knew she was struggling with the prospect of the upheaval that she would have to face. Our daughter and husband have been very supportive and our son, who lives in South Carolina and went through a divorce, is somewhat remote. Fortunately a bone scan was clear five years ago when the cancer was diagnosed and as time has gone by and the radiation and the one year hormone treatment to December 2010 my PSA has since only gone up to 00.04 (19.00 on diagnosis). My oncologist on my six monthly visit a couple of weeks ago, said I was unlucky to be one of those that have radiation damage and that now he injects gold into the prostate. As the prostate moves about he can then hone in with the beam and not have to widen the beam to ensure that it gets its mark. As mentioned in an earlier post, a PSA (funny, that is also Port of Singapore Authority!!) reading of 4 is the point of concern but he said he would hold off further treatment unless it became 10. He also told me that whatever I'm doing it's working and that when I fall off the perch it will be with it, not of it. And after my next visit in September he only needs to see me anually. I went home and gave Margaret a hug and then one for Cleo the dog for insisting, when it looks like we are not going for a long walk. So, I suppose that for those near and dear to us our attitude must be positive and optimistic.
Our Ship was our Home Our Shipmates our Family
Fourteen years ago I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. My PSA was only 0.6.[don't always believe the numbers] I was told by an urologist I was ok, but my wife insisted we have a second opinion. A week later I went to Vancouver to see an oncologist. He informed me that if I don't get treatment soon I would not be around much longer. It was already out of the capsule, so surgery was not an option. Nine months of replacement therapy, and seven weeks of radiation. I was given 5-10 years[sounds like jail time] to live. Since then I have had absolutely no problems. Even the old wedding tackle was back working. If you have questions, PM me. My dear wife, RHS, was with me throughout.Even when I was on medication, which has now been discontinued, as it caused depression and suicidal tendencies.She went through a rough time as my moods would swing from shouting to sulking. Like you don't have enough problems living with cancer! Those of you who have had radiation, may be interested to know. There is not much that can be done when your PSA escalates again. I was given three options. None of which I am about to take. My PSA is on the rise, but still only 3.5, so no panic. Hope my rambling helps some of you. Den.
Dennis and Richard, thank you for that. The whole purpose of telling as much as we can, as survivors of this gastly thing, is in the hope that others will learn from it. Learn that it is not something to fear, but something that can at least be contained. Help is there, but first you must ask, and sadly some will not out of fear of what the outcome may be. Fear is in the mind nad can be overcome. I would say to any man who may fear this, talk to me I will tell you all I know in the hope it may help you.
Well John, those that have not survived would not have much to tell would they LOL. Just could not help myself.
That's the way the mop flops. My thanks to Brian for this site.
Hi Den.....Your post #93 refers...........I am one of those who opted for radiotherapy as my choice of treatment. At the time I was informed that, in the event of my PSA rising once again, I would be left with but one option......... chemotherapy. Not much to look forward to, I grant you, but at least it's something, mate. Not easy I know, but we, the chosen ones, must always strive to think positive, or so they tell me..............Roger.
Hi Roger, The following are the options I was given by my oncologist.Chemo was not ever mentioned. As stated in previous post. This is for reoccurring prostate cancer. 1: Surgery. This would have bad side effects. Gave him a positive NO on that one. 2: Bracer Therapy. Only done two. One successful the other a disaster. 3: Hormone Replacement Therapy. Not sure on side effects. Another choice would be to do nothing! Den.
I have just checked my reports from my PSA Tests last November. . PSA Result 2.2, Units ug/L Ref. range ( <6.7) . . So do you think that is Ok ?? thanks Brian. . . . PS , I wonder what is causing all this cancer, There does seem to be an epiidemic. Not just Prostate, but many others as well. Brian.
Last edited by Captain Kong; 30th April 2013 at 04:22 PM.
Vern I think you might find that the answer to your question is that there are more old buggers around than before LOL. Hence hanging onto my first childhood and not letting go.
[QUOTE=Captain Kong;125181]I have just checked my reports from my PSA Tests last November. . PSA Result 2.2, Units ug/L Ref. range ( <6.7) . /QUOTE] Brian, my PSA results were 30/6/11 - 0.03 and 3/4/13 - 0.49. Units ug/L (Don't know what that is) Ref Range (0.25-9.0) I assume this means that the oncologist should be monitoring in this range. At least this is the gist of what mine told me last month. As I am 0.49 (a half of 1) and yours is slightly above 2 I reckon it is a case of regular PSA tests - mine are at present every six months and maybe every 12 months after that if I stay low. My testosterone has gone from 7.2 to 16.1 since 30/6/11 (six months after my hormone treatment ceased) but I have no intention of taking a teasoonfull of plaster of paris in my morning tea. Richard As for the rise in numbers I think that could be partly because we are living longer and more men are getting checked up. Richard
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