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
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
Hope this helps, anyone wishing to contact me direct can use this email address:
ianccavi@gmail.com
