NOVEMBER 2018

November 2018

I’ve just received my latest PSA blood test results from my GP. My last test result was 1.4 which was slightly raised from the previous test which was 1.2. I was pleased to see that my PSA is now below 1 at 0.99.

I’d spoken to Claire, my Brachytherapy nurse at St Lukes following the 1.4 result and she assured me that it’s quite normal to see small fluctuations following my procedure. I have a telephone consultation with Claire or Donna, Claires colleague, on Tuesday. We discuss the PSA result and any concerns that I have have and compare my latest questionnaire with previous ones.

Overall I feel very good, no aches and pains but I still suffer from tiredness, although this is partly due to my lifestyle I guess.

My twitter feed has recently been followed by @Prostatehealing I think they are based in Boston US and @Chicagoprostate, yes, based in Chicago US. My blog now has over 7,500 views so I hope my experience is helping other sufferers.

I recently spoke to some colleagues about being tested and I was disappointed to hear that many are still ignoring the risk of Prostate Cancer. I believe all men over 50 should start having regular PSA tests. I would say that a single test means very little but it does create a starting point and future tests can then be compared. This is how my own Prostate Cancer was diagnosed. My neuro consultant (monitoring my pituitary problem) carried out regular PSA tests and for the previous 5 years the result was 3. Then a test came back at 4.1, not high compared with other men but over 30% increase on my previous.

This sudden increase prompted further tests, an MRI test which showed several small masses but was inconclusive followed by a biopsy which showed several cancerous cells. I then spoke to several different specialist to discuss the best course of action. Following a consultation at St Lukes Cancer centre in Guildford I had Brachytherapy. 3 years on I feel great.

Too many men are dying of prostate cancer, it’s a silent killer, I didn’t have anything symptoms at all and had I not had the blood tests I would still be totally unaware.

Prostate Cancer UK has a lot of useful information and they offer help to anyone wanted advice. I was able to discuss my diagnosis with a fellow sufferer and found this very beneficial. I would urge all men to check out their website 

https://prostatecanceruk.org/

I was also offered a lot of good advice and support from Macmillan 

https://www.macmillan.org.uk

There is a lot of information available and there is no excuse not to use it.

Hope this helps, anyone wishing to contact me direct can use this email address:

ianccavi@gmail.com

September 2018

I went to the Urology clinic at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford 4 weeks ago and met Mr Zach Dovey, Clinical Fellow in Urology. I had a urine flow test and the results were satisfactory. They also checked my bladder with ultrasound to check the remaining urine, again the result was satisfactory. We spoke about my PSA and I was assured that the slight spike ( from 1.2 to 1.4) is quite normal post Brachytherapy.

Mr Dovey prescribed a trial of Mirabegron which is designed to help reduce the irritative symptoms. He also arranged for me to have a flexible cystoscopy examination the following week.

  

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cystoscopy/what-happens/

The procedure was carried out at the Royal Surrey by Mr Ashwanni K Sood MS. FRCS. Urol. under a local anaesthetic. It was slightly uncomfortable but I was reassured to hear that nothing sinister was found. My urethra had a slight stricture but was easily passable. my Prostate showed no significant obstruction. I was able to watch the examination on a screen and it was interesting to see the inside of my bladder (which was all clear).

The procedure involves injecting a small amount of fluid into my bladder, the obvious result being an immediate urge to pee, which I did straight away. I wasn't expecting to feel the urge to pee with two minutes. Luckily I found a handy pub on the journey home to use their loo.

I will attend the clinic to have my urine flow rate and post void scan in due course.

I've spoken to Clare Deering, one of St Lukes Brachytherapy nurses about my slightly raised PSA and they will carry out a new PSA blood test in September.

So it's all good news.

I want to reming everyone that Prostate Cancer can be a killer !

One man dies every 45 minutes from Prostate Cancer - 11,000 men die every year !

Prostate Cancer is responsible for 7% of all male deaths.



PROSTATE CANCER DOES NOT NEED TO BE A KILLER

Check the Prostate Cancer UK website: www.prostatecanceruk.org

Check their information page: https://www.prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information/about-prostate-cancer

Be aware of your body

Don't be scarred - Get checked regularly

July 2018

Following my Brachytherapy procedure in September 2015 I’m still take a small dose of  Tamulosin (1 x 400 microgram capsule per day) to counteract the swelling effects of my Prostate. It’s working well and at some time in the near future I will try to reduce the dose.

I had a blood test at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath (UK) last week and I’ll get the results when I see Dr Wheatley at the end of the month. I’m hoping that there will be a reduction compared with October’s result 1.2.

My next telephone consultation with the Prostate nurses at St Lukes, Guildford is due in October. I’m sent a simple health questionnaire prior to the consultation and we discuss any changes since the last one. I haven’t had any major problems but I have noticed a little pain when urinating and a slight increase in frequency. I’m not unduly worried about this though.

I’m still taking various medications for my Pituatory problem. Cabergoline, Levothyroxine & Tostran and I’m hoping that I can reduce these.

August 2018 - Well, I received my PSA results and instead of falling it has raised slightly from 1.2 to 1.4. I spoke to Claire at St Lukes and she assured me that a slight variation is quite normal. 

Over the last couple of weeks I have noticed some other issues. I’ve had to run to the loo for a wee several times and it’s been quite painful.

Also the flow of urine is weaker than normal and I’ve had a little pain in my lower abdomen. (Not enough to worry me or require medication).

On Tuesday this week I spoke to St Lukes and they suggested that I visit Prof. Langley’s Urology clinic next Monday for another PSA blood test and a urine flow test and it will give me the opportunity to discuss everything.

I’ll update in due course.

Loving this hot weather.