3 Month Telephone Consultation

On Wednesday morning I had my 3 month telephone consultation with Claire, one of the Brachytherapy nurses, from Guildford. Claire had booked two previous consultations but unfortunately we missed each other both times.

Claire started by telling me that my PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) level has reduced from 4.1 to 3.9. I was concerned that this wasn't much of a decrease but Claire reassured me that it was bang on target. My Testosterone is classed as normal (I've forgotten the numbers) but I am still taking my Tostran supplement so my pituitary is not quite right yet.

I spoke to Claire about the discomfort I've been experiencing when urinating and she explained that the nerves creating the pain surround the Prostate gland and although the pain feels like its coming from my penis it isn't. Two Ibuprofen tablets 3 times a day should help.

My Prostate is probably at it's most swollen now, the radiation remains effective for about 6 months so I'm at the half way stage. I've been feeling very tired and getting up a couple of times each night for a pee hasn't helped. I'm looking forward to the time when I can sleep through.

I'm looking forward to the Christmas break, I go back to work on the 4th January so should be quite relaxed. Plenty to do though, Bev has lots planned (having a spring cleanout). January is looking busy starting off with 6 days at the Tower Hotel for Eclipse and then prepping for an Education summit in London for CTF.

Also looking forward to the end of February when Bev & I go to our favourite resort in Mexico for 10 days. Hope everyone has a great Christmas & a very happy New Year.

1st December 2015 updateTamsulosin

Today is the 76th day since my BrachyTherapy operation.

For the past few weeks I've noticed some side effects of the treatment, and although not serious they are quite irritating.

I was sleeping quite well and not rising in the night for a pee. Over the past few weeks I have been waking roughly every 3-4 hours and as a consequence I've been tired during the day.

Peeing has become quite painful with a burning sensation which is worse if I haven't been drinking enough. I've upped my fluid intake with water & juices including Cranberry which seems to help a lot. I do have to run to the loo occasionally.

It's quite normal for the Prostate to enlarge at this stage of the treatment and this has restricted the flow when I pass water. I'm still taking Tamsulosin which help reduce the swelling along with off the shelf anti-inflammatory tablets.

Enlarged Prostate also gives the sensation of a full back passage which is a bit annoying, there is also some soreness.

Tomorrow morning I'm having my first PSA blood test since the procedure so I'm hoping it will show a marked decrease. I'm also having my Testosterone checked.

In two weeks I have my second telephone consultation with the Cancer nurse at St Lukes to discuss the PSA results and check my progress.

Thats all for now