I've been writing about my own Prostate Cancer journey since September 2015. I was diagnosed following a routine PSA blood test a few months earlier.

I have a family history of Prostate Cancer, my father Colin died of the disease over 42 years ago so over the past 20 years I've been having regular PSA blood tests.

In my opinion a single PSA test doesn't prove very much unless the result shows a very high level. In my case the level had been 3ng/ml but it suddenly raised to 4.1ng/ml, still not a high figure but a 33% increase and this required further investigation.

I met a Urologist at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath, West Sussex and he arranged an immediate MRI scan. The scan did show several areas of concern and I then had a prostate biopsy. My previous blog in February this year explains the process.

12 samples were taken and 11 proved positive for cancer. All of the tumours were contained within the gland. I spoke to a Macmillan nurse who was very supportive and helpful and I was given a useful booklet explaining treatment options.

The first specialist I saw offered Radiotherapy, daily visits to the Brighton Cancer Centre over a period of at least 6 weeks. I then met two surgeons, one in Eastbourne and one at Haywards Heath who would have happily removed my Prostate with nerve sparing surgery.

I then met the Brachytherapy team headed my Professor Laing at St Lukes Cancer Centre in Guildford, Surrey. Brachytherapy was been used successfully for some time, it involves placing tiny 'seeds' coated in a radioactive material directly beside the tumour, killing the tumour from inside as it were.

In my case each treatment option was viable and after some research I decided on Brachytherapy. The side effects are minimal and the success rate is very good. Brachytherapy is not always an option, if the prostate is too large or if the tumour has escaped from the gland other treatments are preferable.

I had the Brachytherapy treatment under general anaesthetic on a Thursday afternoon at Guildford, going home the next morning. I was a little sore but this went away very quickly and I was able to return to work the following Tuesday. I had regular follow ups with the centre and regular PSA tests.

My PSA level has decreased ever since and is now less than 0.1ng/ml. I'm having blood tests twice a year as a precaution.

It will be interesting to see how the BBC and their writers handle the case of 'Alfie Moon's' recent diagnosis in Eastenders (for my American friends Eastenders is a half hour soap which has been running on the BBC 4 evenings a week for what's seems like ever). Alfie Moon is played by Shane Richie. I do hope that Shane's character is offered several treatment options as I was. 

Thats all for now, if anyone would like to talk to me about my treatment decisions please feel free to contact me via the blog.

Time certainly flies, I hadn’t realised my last post was in September 2021!

I’m pleased to say that my general health has been good apart from a problem with one of my eyes, some of you may have seen my blog about that.

I’m still having regular PSA tests, at least every six months. My last test in December 2022 was 0.06 no/mL (Serum prostate specific antigen level) which is well within guidelines. 

It’s probably worth me going over the journey that led to my Cancer diagnosis. Back in 2015 I had been having regular blood tests following a  pituitary  problem I’ve had for a long time. One of the tests was for PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) a test which measures the levels in the blood. For a long period my PSA level was 3. My neuro consultant noticed a slight rise from 3 to 4 and he suggested further investigation. I visited a consultant Urologist and has an MRI scan. The scan showed some areas of concern (nothing conclusive) and a Truss biopsy was carried out

.

The procedure is carried out with local pain relief injections and is slightly uncomfortable but no lasting issues. Eleven separate biopsies were taken and prostate cancer was found in eight of them. Several cancers were found and were categorized as T2. This means they were slightly larger than a T1 and it would show up on a scan and PSA test. The grading also describes whether the Lymph Nodes have cancerous cells. Mine was graded N0 meaning the nodes were clear and also given an M0 meaning the tumour was completely contained within the prostate gland.

I was offered several options for treatment, the first being Active Surveillance, which basically means no treatment but regular PSA tests and checking on any urinary problems & changes in tiredness.

I visited Brighton Cancer Centre and discussed Radiotherapy, regular sessions over a period of 6-8 weeks. The Doctor suggested that I check Brachytherapy.

I saw a consultant surgeon in Eastbourne who explained my diagnosis in great detail and gave me the option of surgery to remove the entire prostate. I also met with another surgeon at the PRH in Haywards Heath who offered similar surgery.

My final consultation was with Professor Laing at St Lukes Cancer Centre in Guildford. he explained the Brachytherapy process.

LDR brachytherapy involves inserting tiny radioactive capsules or seeds directly into the prostate gland through fine needles. Each seed is the size of a grain of rice, and between 80-120 seeds can be used, depending on the size of the prostate and the tumour location.

The procedure is carried out under general anesthetic and recover is remarkably rapid. I had my Brachy on Thursday and was at home the following day. I was back at work less than a week later. There was some discomfort, but nothing really to worry about.

Brachytherapy is not always possible, depending on the size of the prostate gland, the level of tumors and wether the tumor has escaped the gland.

To jump forward, my PSA levels were closely monitored over the following 24 months with regular telephone conversations with a Brachytherapy Nurse to discuss any worries I had. My PSA steadily fell from the original 4.1 at the point of the procedure down to 0.06 today.

For me Brachytherapy has worked well and if it is suitable for you I can certainly recommend it.

Please encourage any man over 50 to have regular PSA blood tests. The first test may not mean much but over a period of years any changes can be monitored.

Prostate Cancer will be found in approx 1 in 8 men. If there is a family history of prostate cancer and if you’re black there is an increased risk.

Make yourself aware of Prostate Cancer.

 It’s been a while since my last post, nearly a year, so I thought I’d update today. I’ve had two PSA tests since November 2020 and my level is now 0.11. I spoke to one of the nurses at St Lukes, Guildford and she assured me that I’m making fantastic progress.

I’m still taking Tamsulosin, I’ve tried to cut down but so far I need it. Tamsulosin help to dilate the urethra  making sure it’s easier to pee. There are no long term side effects so I’ll continue taking them and will try to cut down the frequency.

My general health has been good, apart from a few aches and pains, I’m 65 now so expect to get get some from time to time.

I have had a small problem with my eyesight, completely unrelated to PC and I’m writing a new blog about that.

Work throughout 2021 has bee difficult so I decided to volunteer with the St John Ambulance and trained as a Covid Vaccinator. Following some on-line modules and a days practical I have been travelling to Eastbourne in East Sussex to help South Downs Health Care ‘SDHC’ with their vaccinations. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, I’ve throughly enjoyed meeting the NHS staff and the many patients I’ve been lucky enough to meet. To date I’ve carried out 1570 vaccinations and hope to do more over the next few months.

I’ve continued to try to promote Brachytherapy as an option for PC treatment. If your PC has not breached the gland Brachy can certainly work. I completely understand why some men decide full surgery is better “lets get rid of the bloody thing” but the side effects of surgery can be harsh and if Brachy is suitable these can largely be avoided. I hope that all men diagnosed with PC look at all the options and decide what is best for them. 

I’ve found some excellent information online, Doctor Brian J Moran at the USA the Chicago Prostate centre https://www.chicagoprostatecancer.com/ regularly posts helpful advice.

My next PSA test will be in March 2022. That’s all for now, Stay healthy.

 Tuesday 17th November 2020

I had my annual telephone consultation with Claire my Brachytherapy nurse from St Lukes in Guildford on Monday morning. Claire had already received a progress card filled out by me a few weeks ago and also my latest PSA result.

My Brachytherapy was carried out at St Lukes in September 2015 when my PSA was 4.1 having risen from my usual level of 3 a few months before. I had originally seen three different consultants discussing Radiotherapy and Surgery before I saw Prof. lang at st Lukes and discussing Brachytherapy. 

I decided on Brachytherapy as my diagnosis indicated I was likely to be a perfect candidate and the side effects were much less severe.

The procedure was carried out on a Thursday afternoon and following an overnight stay in hospital I went home the following morning. I felt so well I was able to return to work (moderate manual handling) the following Tuesday.

Since that time I've had regular PSA tests and regular telephone consultations with the Brachytherapy nurses Claire and Donna at St Lukes. My PSA has steadily fallen and is now less than 0.2.

Given my general good health and my lower PSA level Claire said that I no longer need to have annual consultations and in future she would write once a year just to keep in touch. I shall continue half yearly PSA tests for my own piece of mind. With my age and PSA less than 0.2 I'm now in a category with a less than a 2% chance of my cancer returning.

The service I have received from ST Lukes, my GP and the NHS in general has been first class, I couldn't have wished for anything better.

I would urge any man with a prositive Prostate Cancer diagnosis to check out Brachytherapy because if you are a suitable candidate (not everyone is mind you) it is a fantastic treatment.

There is a lot of information available from the Prostate Cancer UK website 

https://prostatecanceruk.org

Macmillan gave me a very informative booklet.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk

I'm a member of a Facebook Prostate Cancer Group which has been very informative.

I like using Twitter and I've found, and been in contact with, Dr Brian Moran at the Chicago Prostate Cancer Centre who has been very helpful supplying information. I'd urge you to take a look. (I'm not suggesting having treatment in Chicago but its great to get free information). 

www.chicagoprostatecancer.com

Brian's Twitter is @ChicagoProstate

Thats all for now. Anyone wishing to get in touch can email me ianccavi@gmail.com

About time Men took responsibility for their own health

About time Men took responsibility for their own health

I try to read as much as possible about men's experiences of Prostate Cancer and the more I read the more I become increasingly frustrated. I'm upset that so many men are being diagnosed with advanced Prostate Cancer.

Its about time men educated themselves about the dangers of Prostate Cancer. 

There is plenty of information available and there are plenty of organisations promoting awareness so there is no excuse for not keeping informed.

I think it's about time for Doctors to start taking the lead to ensure that their patients are kept informed and encouraged to take regular checkups, blood tests and physical examinations.

I can't understand why men fail to get regular checkups given that Prostate Cancer is now the most common cancer in men.

• More than 47,500 men are diagnosed in the UK every year, that 130 men every day

• Every 45 minutes one man dies from prostate cancer – that's more than 11,500 men every year

• Every 45 minutes one man dies from prostate cancer – that's more than 11,500 men every year

• Around 400,000 men are living with and after prostate cancer

The survival rates of PC when diagnosed in the early stages are very good. Modern interventions do work and more men are surviving years after diagnosis.

So I wonder what can be done in the short & long term to encourage men to get checked? The Dept of Health & Social care must do more to ensure that all men are aware of the PC risks.

Today I'm writing to the Secretary of State, Nick Hancock to ask what more his department can do.

I shall encourage all of my friends and colleagues to get checked and ask them to make sure their friends and colleagues get checked.

How to find out about Prostate Cancer

August 2019

One of the reasons I started this blog is to make more men & women aware of Prostate Cancer, the horrible illness which affects one in eight men in the UK.

I was one of the lucky ones, my cancer was discovered in the early stages and I've had excellent treatment which hopefully will keep it at bay for many years. Many aren't so lucky.

I follow the twitter feed and web pages for the Chicago Prostate Cancer Centre in the USA

@ChicagoProstate

https://www.chicagoprostatecancer.com/pages/prostate-cancer

I read that in the USA over 300,000 men are diagnosed every year (1 man in every 9 being diagnosed in their lifetime).

I've borrowed (stolen) some helpful information from the website


Second to Skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men. The exact cause is unknown.

For those who don't know the Prostate Gland is just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, about the size of a Walnut and a part of the male reproductive system.

Prostate cancer occurs when the prostate gland develops malignant cells. Localized prostate cancer is when the cancer remains inside the prostate. However, it is possible for the cancer to grow to surrounding tissue, or spread (metastasize) to the lymph nodes or bone. As with many forms of cancer, early detection provides the greatest chance of cure.


Chicago Prostate Cancer Centre state that for this reason, it is important for all men over the age of 50 (age 40 if you are African American or have a family history) to have regularly scheduled annual screening exams:

I repeat 'Regularly Scheduled ANNUAL Screening Exams'

which include a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE).

My own Prostate Cancer was discovered when my PSA rose from it's normal 3 ng/mL to 4.1 ng/mL.

A level of between 0 to 4 ng/mL is considered normal and won't normally require follow up checks but as mine rose by over 30% my urologist suggested investigation. My DRE was normal, with no significant enlargement of the gland.

To the best of my knowledge in the UK there are currently no particular guidelines for GPs to recommend regular PSA testing for over 50s. It's argued that PSA isn't a reliable test. I would suggest that regular testing, preferably every year, would show any significant increase in PSA requiring further investigation. Men over 50 can ask their GP for a test.

I've read that in Chicago, with the support of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago, Chicago Prostate Cancer Center offers FREE Prostate Cancer screenings each September.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

FAMILY HISTORY: Higher risk for men whose fathers or brothers have had prostate cancer.

AGE: Men over 50 have a higher risk than younger men.

RACE: Prostate Cancer is more common in African-American men.

DIET: Diets high in animal fat or red meat may increase risk; a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may lower risk.

PSA blood tests and Digital Rectal Examination are two standard tests for Prostate Cancer. When my PSA rose I had a Standard Transrectal Biopsy where 12 samples were taken from the gland. Several of these samples showed cancerous cells.

In Chicago they regularly carry out Stereotactic Transperineal Prostate Biopsy, carried out under general anaesthetic which reduces the risks of infection.

A recent UK Government Petition asking for regular screening for men over 50yrs only achieved just over 1,900 signatures which is very disappointing.

Support Groups

There is an extremely helpful Facebook group run by Bob & Linda Tarbet -

Prostate Cancer UK Support Group

which has over 2100 members. Linda also has a 'Sister' support group which has nearly 300 members. Click the link to connect.

I've had a a lot of good useful information from the site and I hope in some small way I've been able to help others with my own personal story.

Unfortunately and rather sadly most of the members have already been diagnosed with Cancer (hence their interest in the group I suppose). In the future I hope more men & women will begin to take an interest before diagnosis.

I am writing to my MP and the Health Minister in the hope that the Government will consider regular PSA screening and undertake an information campaign to make more men aware of the dangers of Prostate Cancer. If you get the chance maybe you could consider writing as well.

Thanks

Ian

March 2019

Just lately I joined a Facebook group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/liviingwithpc/?fref=nf

The page is administered by Bob & Linda Tarbet and I'd advise anyone to have a look at it. I've already been able to facebook chat to several fellow sufferers. Bob & Linda have done a great job putting it together and continuing the admin.

Anyone wishing to join the group should flood Linda's recent advice:

Message from Admin:
Please can we remind members NOT to invite others to join this Group. They must request to join themselves and answer the two questions. Thank you.


One thing that strikes me from the comments is the number by the families of men with PC. There is a lot of good advice available, PCUK and Macmillan etc but it's good to be able to discuss everything with fellow suffers. I think it can very reassuring.

Anyone previously reading my blog will know that I was diagnosed by a change to regular PSA blood tests:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/should-i-have-psa-test/

In my case it was a change to my usual PSA level ( 3ng/ml ) up to 4.1. which led to further investigation. The problem with the PSA test is that even 4.1 isn't necessarily a worrying result, what matters is a significant change to a mans normal level. I had been regularly tested as I am in a higher risk group as my Father had PC when he was 59 (I was exactly the same when I was diagnosed.

My change 3.1 to 4 was a 33% increase so follow up was advisory. I had an MRI which showed something wrong and I then had a biopsy which confirmed the location of several tumours.

The statistics show that one man dies every 45 minutes & 1 man in every 8 will have PC (1 in every four for black men)  I believe the time has come to offer regular (at least every 3 years) PSA blood tests for every man over 50.

Reading Bob & Linda's Facebook group it seems that a lot of men are being diagnosed when the cancer is quite advanced. Ideally (and it's never ideal having PC) the cancer needs to be found before it grows outside the gland. One problem with PC are that there are very few symptoms so I believe that regular testing is the way forward.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms/

https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information/about-prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-symptoms

It's important that every man is aware of PC and the risks of not being tested. I'd also advise mens partners to also be aware of the risks and encourage them to get tested and checked.

It's now been three & half years since I was diagnosed and had Brachytherapy at St Lukes in Guildford. My PSA has been steadily falling and I'm feeling really good.