That walnut sized organ: the Prostate

Trondheim · 18-09-2023 10:10pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120713591#Comment_120713591

Where do you get the full rigorous DRE? That doesn't sound like something my gp would do!

Calahonda52 · 19-09-2023 12:28pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121127983#Comment_121127983

The consultant I went to see once the second PSA test was high.

He could feel the lump on the gland

Good luck!

Trondheim · 20-09-2023 7:01am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121129475#Comment_121129475

Thanks. So the DRE only comes after a high PSA test?

So in terms of precautionary testing, it is PSA test and if that is fine, no further action?

Calahonda52 · 20-09-2023 10:10am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121132479#Comment_121132479

Not necessarily, the PSA is not fool proof but generally a good indicator.

[I have a friend whose PSA is 12 for years but there is nothing to concern him.]

A DRE by someone who knows what they are about is one approach, an MRI is another.

A lot depends on your GP, I moved from my one as discussed way back in the thread as he was against the PSA test: If I had not got it done I would be long dead so you really need to take charge here, its your life/health and no point in being that statistic where X$ of PSA yes give a false negative.

As noted earlier, two things to watch, the absolute number and the rate of change over time.

If you have any concerns get the DRE done by a consultant

Keep well

AndrewJRenko · 20-09-2023 2:29pm

GP should generally be doing DRE from age fifty.

My union organised DRE checks as part of a medical for members also.

Hotblack Desiato · 20-09-2023 3:34pm

Calahonda52 · 20-09-2023 5:07pm

More for the ignore list, if you cannot be bothered to make useful contributions to this thread which was set up nearly 8 years ago to be a contribution to other members, then stick with what you know best.

PMBC · 24-09-2023 11:50am

the first time, about 6 years ago, I aked about Prostate, my GP did a DRE. Every year since Ive had th same followed by bloods including the PSA. So fat all good at 71.

Gael23 · 13-10-2023 11:04am

Had a DRE yesterday. Didn’t expect his finger to so far in

Calahonda52 · 13-10-2023 1:46pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121231556#Comment_121231556

Well if you thought it would save your life

I could hear you hum a few lines from A whiter shade of pale

I was feeling kinda seasick

But the crowd called out for more

The room was humming harder

As the ceiling flew away

Bob_Average · 03-11-2023 3:27pm

Hello all, joining this conversation as I have found myself going through the same process (albeit different treatment pathway) as the OP, and want to share my own journey, as well as back up OPs message re testing.

I'm a reasonably long-term member (occasional poster) to Boards under another name, but have decided to re-reg for this, so I be more frank if needed.

My journey so far:

GP picked up an elevated (4.5) PSA on a routine blood test in April 2023. Said not to worry, probably a fluke, would retest in six weeks time using the same lab.

The retest in early June came back with a higher score - 5.1 - and it was at that point that I started to be concerned. Was referred to Rapid Access Clinic at The Mater. That appointment was in July, and consultant did the DRE and said he wasn't happy with what he could feel - hardness on one side. He referred me for MRI scan.

MRI scan in August showed a mass of some sort, and I was referred for biopsy (October). (the biopsy process itself is something I may discuss in a later comment).

So a couple of weeks later, I got the result - cancerous, intermediate, Gleason Score of 7 (4+3).

Consultant spoke about the treatment options, and based on my particular circumstances (smaller size of cancer, and large body size) he tended towards radiotherapy rather than surgery. I have an appointment with an Oncology Radioligist later in November at which point a final treatment plan will be decided.

In the meantime I'm awaiting results of bone scan (to confirm no spread - they are very optimistic about this).

I might add that I was entirely symptom free - had this not been caught on a routine blood scan, it would be growing away happily and I would be none the wiser until it was more advanced.

So I would echo the call to get tested, and ask for the results.

I'll update here as I go through the treatment, or answer questions if it is helpful to anyone.

Bob

Calahonda52 · 03-11-2023 7:17pm

Good post, thank you.

I was at 8

Have you access to the keyhole surgery option?

I have written about it somewhere early on but am happy to discuss off line if you wish.

In any event good luck with it

Alkers · 05-11-2023 12:27pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121320191#Comment_121320191

Can I ask how old you are?

Is the PSA typically done on routine blood tests?

Must check if it's included on my work testing

Calahonda52 · 05-11-2023 5:42pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121327369#Comment_121327369

1: Recommended you start at 50

2: By far sighted doctors yes, not by T rex's

3: doubt it

Heighway61 · 05-11-2023 5:45pm

Has anyone any experience of hormone therapy? It's my only option when the time comes. I'm not suitable for radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Bob_Average · 08-11-2023 4:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121321355#Comment_121321355

In my particular case, they are not advising surgery - due to my specific circumstances they feel that I would have very little chance of regaining bladder function. I have yet to see the radiotherapy consultant to have this finalised though - due by end of month.

Bob

Bob_Average · 08-11-2023 4:50pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121327369#Comment_121327369

Sorry, I meant to include that in my post.

I am 59.

Bob

Justjens · 19-11-2023 1:04am

Been meaning to add my experience....

Started with a raised PSA 5.4 just over two years ago when I too was 59.

Urologist did DRE in October '21 and recommended an MRI which I had done in Jan '22 after referral letter got lost...

Sent for a biopsy in Waterford shortly after, right side was riddled left ony half

'You have cancer' was the diagnosis in May '22

Referred to Radiologist Oncologist in Mater Private UHL in May

Another DRE and his opinion was you have agressive Gleason 9 prostate cancer, didn't hear much after that

Scheduled for CT of abdomen, and a deep bone X Ray, most anxious time, both can back clear.

Decision was made to treat it in situ, PSA now 11.5 (June 22)

Mid July started slow release hormone treatment, injection under the skin in your belly fat, didn't have much then, expect to add weight I have

Not pleasant, hard lump for a number of weeks and sore for a numer of months. The sweats are/were a right bo!!ix, thank god radiation oncologist put me on a wonderful drug 😊

Scheduled for Spaceor Hydroel in September as a day case, they put a disolvable gel between your prostate and bowel to protect the latter from radiation. That didn't go well and needed a colonoscopy, that took another six weeks, came back clear.

Early December I was in Mater for HDR brachytherapy and insertion of gold markers, no gel.

Mid December I was called in for CT to sight in my prostate using the gold markers they inserted in Dublin Mater and then I got my first tattoos, three dots to aide them lining me up for my daily treatment of external beam radiation

Christmas I was pretty wrecked, HDR was taking affect

First workday in January of this year I was back in Mater private radiation clinic UHL to start my external beam radiaation

25 sessions on a daily basis with weekends off

That discipline was very hard and there were serious moments of doubt, lost my rag a few times. Drinking water, full bladder at time of treatment, some ran late a few times, not fun. Bowels are to be empty, even less fun.

I'm self employed (farming) so kept working through it all, think that's what kept me going

Mid January had second slow release hormone injection, same side as my doctor is left handed, and this one was sore or nearly six months

Finished external beam first week of Feb, radiation oncologist said come back in six months and we'll review bloods, I was out of there

The urgency with bowel movements and the diarrhoea were a bloody curse, the urgency is still there now but getting better

I had been in A Fib throughout all of this and now couldn't function, had a double cardio ablation in April which seems to have cured it

Mid July third hormone injection, got it in the other side and has not been any bother

Back in for consultation with radiation oncologist end of August, PSA now 0.03, I'm in remission, it's undetectable.

I was then referred to a medical oncology for review, early October, and was told because my type of cancer was particularly agressive it can grow undetected and feed off other parts of the body, not just the prostate. I was put on more hormones (tablet the size of a supository) and streoids to combat any side affects, there are too feck!ng many to list. Have since been back to my cardiologist for a change in medication

Now it's fortnightly blood tests and visits to the clinic for two months to monitor side affects, 5 weeks in so far so good. Then I'm in monthly for the remainder of the two year treatment.

Haven't had to use a bag or pad so far, if I get anxious or rushed I need to pee even if I've only just gone, working outside has it's advantages 😉 Majority of the time it's pain free but sometimes it's very slow and painful.

I do manage most nights without getting up, that's usually based on what I've eaten. Gave up Barry's tea for breakfast and now drink Rooibosch which is caffine free, try to avoid tea as much as possible during the day

My sex life is now non existant, radiation did damage but the hormones have decimated me, everything has shrunk 😥, there are treatments to change this but none have worked so far and I'm not giving up.........

I am very lucky to have a wonderful woman beside me that keeps me motivated and positive

Calahonda52 · 19-11-2023 11:38am

JJ, Thanks for posting and the insights on the sessions: I am looking at 35.

For the benefit of others, Just wonder when you started the PSA tests?

Re the cuir insteach gone awol, to misquote Spock

" It's sex, Jim, but not as we know it"

For me

I am very lucky to have a wonderful woman beside me that

has given me some of the best sex ever, despite nothing to hang the soap on since the surgery

Good luck with the rest of your journey and remember:

Every day you feel the rain wind or sun on your face is a GREAT day.

Justjens · 19-11-2023 7:26pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121387347#Comment_121387347

Started PSA testing when I hit 50, doctor flagged it in 2020 when it hit 2.5, doubled then in six months so he referred me to urologist.

Prostate was pretty well riddled with it, no symptons, and luckily it was contained.

Lost one uncle in mid 80's to it. Father's brother died of 'stomach cancer' in the early 70's, how would you explain prostate to a 10 year old...

Justjens · 19-11-2023 7:29pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121387347#Comment_121387347

Pumps do work, my cousin uses one, unfortunately for me the hormones have my switch turned off. The pump does work for me but whatever size ring I use I don't stay hard

Heighway61 · 19-11-2023 7:50pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121388890#Comment_121388890

"hormones have my switch turned off", an invisible but maybe biggest change. Can be difficult for the partner to understand.

Cpxxc · 26-11-2023 12:10am

After I ignored my my Doctor's advice for years about the PSA thing. I finally surrendered and got the digital test. It went well I thought and the Urologist was a woman. I was embarrassed for her.

But I was sent for an MRI. That's a weird experience.

All this time I'm thinking this is fun. I've no symptoms. It's a sensible precaution.

Then they wanted a biopsy.

Just before the Doctor performed the very unpleasant deed. I made the mistake of asking him why it was necessary after an MRI. He was frank and told me that the MRI was 93% accurate.

I scored a 4. Likely I have cancer. I flushed but said nothing.

I went home in shock.

Because of the glacial slowness of the public system my final fate won't be exposed until early December.

So I've a lot of time to worry.

Heighway61 · 26-11-2023 12:32am

The public system, tell me about it. It was over a year between my doctor being concerned and making the referral, to the prostatectomy. I'm pretty sure the cancer progressed at least one stage in that time. RAPC?

I was never told straight out that I had cancer. I realised when the surgeon began a sentence with "Your cancer...". Didn't receive a Gleason score, he never spoke the words to me.

I hadn't a clue what questions to ask. My wife asked most. Nobody ever sat down with me and said "this is what your cancer means for you...".

Cpxxc · 26-11-2023 12:51am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121418964#Comment_121418964

Yes

Calahonda52 · 28-11-2023 9:02am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121418856#Comment_121418856

Sorry to read this.

Worry won't help, its actually very counter-productive

1: Eat well

2: Sleep well ( ideally unaided: but aided if needed)

3: Exercise well: nothing mad, just get out and feel the rain on your face

4: Only communicate with people who have a positive influence on your thoughts.

[This includes radio and TV and social media]

5: Be a positive contribution, in however small a way, every day: family, work, neighbours, community, what ever.

Give this some thought:

Unlike the Lotto ad: This IS YOU, even though you probably never saw it this way.

“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.

*

I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.

*

I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. Life is no ‘brief candle’ to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to the future generations.”

George Bernard Shaw 

Bob_Average · 05-12-2023 12:56pm

Hi All,

Quick update.

I have seen the radiotherapy consultant (Beaumont) and will be starting Hormone therapy next week, and radiotherapy in early Jan.

PSA now 7.2

In good news, my bone and other scans came back clear.

I am continuing to tell every man I know of my age or a bit younger to get tested. Spoke to a former work colleague yesterday, he is 60. Asked if he has been tested, he said no, his doctor (and his wife) have been urging him to get tested for three years now, but he'd rather not, as he's afraid of what he might hear . .

I'll check in here once I've started the treatment.

Can I just say to Calahonda, and everyone else here, thanks for all your posts, they are both a source of information and support (as well as scaring me silly sometimes!).

Bob

Justjens · 06-12-2023 11:40pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121456964#Comment_121456964

Bob,

Good luck with what they throw at you, hormones can be tough at first til your body gets used to them, found the flushes hard to live with but there is a drug the consultant can perscribe, ask for the 100mg as it's the only one on the drug payment scheme, i'm taking half a day.

Radiation, depending on how many sessions, will fly, get into a routine of drinking a lot of water at the correct time. one man I met regularly said to me: 'I've drunk a lot of Guinness in my time but I never thought I'd drink this much water!'

And most of all keep postitive, I don't have cancer....

Bob_Average · 30-01-2024 12:49pm

Thanks to JustJens and Calahonda for your continued advice.

I'm a while on the hormones, and just about to start the radiotherapy, so possibly a good time for an update.

I started the hormone therapy (the high dose pill) in early December. Longer term side-effects are the obvious (and intended) one around libido etc. I'm also finding that I don't have as much energy as previously - tend to get tired in late afternoon/evening. But nothing I can't live with.

I had some short terms side-effects, between about days 3 to 7 on the pills. Some mild hot flushes (quickly went away and haven't returned) and severe muscle cramps which could be anywhere - legs, neck, arms, lower torso, chest etc. They were probably the worst - made travelling difficult. Easier on the bus than driving, as at least you can shift position and move around. Thankfully after peaking in day 4/5 they ebbed away and were gone after day 7.

Then I got the slow release shot. Side-effects from this were decreased appetite for a while, and the same tiredness as the pills. But again, nothing that I can't handle.

I think, compared to other accounts I have read, both here and elsewhere, I have been extremely lucky so far.

We'll see how I get on heading into the treatment itself.

Thanks again to everyone

Bob

Calahonda52 · 30-01-2024 2:04pm

Good luck Bob,

Was chatting with a friend at weekend who is facing 6 moths of chemo, I was reminded of the 5 commandments i got after I nearly check out with the septicaemia

Eat well

Exercise well

Sleep well ( unaided) if needed up the exercise

Be a positive contribution every day: family/work/friends , community, whatever

Only talk to people who are a positive contribution to you, control social media/news feeds / TV and radio along the same line.

Even when you feel down/crap/ etc, if you still feel the rain on your face you are ALIVE😀

Justjens · 26-05-2024 11:41pm

Been on the oral hormone therapy, with a few steroids thrown in for good measure, for eight months now. Down to blood tests and oncology appointments every two months, potassium levels are holding their own so they are happy, lucky them. Ask them anything else and the default answer is 'I don't know' or 'Go to your GP', dread the place, passing the buck.

Tired? That's an understatement, can't sleep when I want to and want to sleep when I can't. If I wake to pee, which I invariably do now, more often than not I can't get back to sleep. Wide awake, good thoughts or bad, no differance. Asked oncology if there was anything I could do, guess what? 'Go to my GP'!!

Two years since diagnosis, PSA undetectable, mental strain taking it's toll though, feel it's a constant battle, waiting hours in oncology to be asked the same questions but no real answers to mine makes it worse. My partner can see it in me, poor woman putting up with this, we keep each other laughing.

I've seen a counsellor and it's definitely helped.

Keeping the business on the road is getting more and more difficult, find decision making the hardest part. I can manage the necessary but anything after that is beyond me, no energy after a few hours physical work. A good friend and a nephew stand up to be counted.

Discovered why my referral didn't go through the first time in Feb 23, he sends them by Fax! Who sends a Fax anymore? For a high risk cancer patient there was no follow up that it was received, little consolation but I've since discovered I'm not the only one. It would have taken less than a minute to hand deliver it and be back at their desk.

Had to go through Freedom of Info to access the letter from my file, another layer of bureaucracy I could have done without but now I have it.

Solicitor said suck it up, wasting money trying to get an answer as I'd get nowhere and might compromise any further treatment were it to become necessary in the future. I'll be writing my own letter, I'll be seeing the arrogant pr!ck again in a couple of months, say my piece then too.

So it's onwards and upwards, I'll keep taking the horse supositories and getting the hormone injections, seems like it's working…..and keep a positive frame of mind!

Will Graham · 23-06-2024 10:46pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121232329#Comment_121232329

I'm not sure I see the connection between that song and a DRE exam?

Calahonda52 · 26-06-2024 2:15pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122296031#Comment_122296031

Take a walk on the wild side😀

Bob_Average · 28-06-2024 2:05pm

Hi all,

Time for another update from me.

I had my radiation sessions during February, this was 4 weeks (20 sessions) Monday to Friday at St. Lukes in Rathgar. Lovely hospital, can't say enough nice things about them.

I was lucky in that I didn't really get any side-effects (beyond tiredness) until the final week, but that week was like being run over by a truck.

As part of the routine prep before each radiation session, I had to taken an enema gel, which I had to squeeze into my backside from a little tube with a pointy nozzle. This was to ensure the bowel would be empty. But the instructions were to wait 30 minutes after inserting the stuff before going to the toilet, and those 30 minutes each day were a trial of patience, as the gel made you want to go immediately and urgently. Walking around helped, so if at some stage you encountered a man walking rapidly around the grounds of St. Lukes swearing under his breath, that was me.

Then of course, drinking a lot to fill the bladder and holding it full - that was easy some days, and difficult on others. By the time I was on the radiation table I would be desperate to go, and had to lie very still for 15 minutes. I developed some mental routines (thinking through sequences of items on lists of things) to help me through that.

As I said, I didn't have much in the way of side-effects until the last week. At that point my bottom end became fairly angry - and I can't say I blame it - and to be honest it was hard to tell what was being caused by the radiation treatment, and what was the result of constant enemas. But by that stage I could no longer tell when I needed to empty my bowels, I just felt a raging need all of the time, no matter if there was anything there or not. This slowly went away over a period of about 4 weeks during March.

Likewise, I needed to pee all the time, and would wake up six times a night to pee. This has gone away more slowly, I'd say I was almost back to normal by the end of May.

It hurt to sit down for the first few weeks, this too faded away over about 8 weeks.

I had my second hormone injection in April (it was due in March but I ended up in hospital with pnuemonia at the time it was due). The first injection had given me only mild hot flushes, but the second seems to have impacted me more. The flushes are mild but are more frequent - about 10-12 a day.

My energy levels were impacted badly, and have recovered slowly - the pnuemonia didn't help and really knocked me back. I would say I am at about 70% of my previous level of stamina, but I do sometimes get sudden incidents of fatigue and brain fog, but less than I did a couple of months ago.

PSA currently 0.03 and they say undetectable, so it's hopeful, but I've seen too many other people where it went away and came back to be complacent.

I'm just happy that I'm here, and that the impact on my life is far, far less than it could have been.

Bob

Calahonda52 · 02-08-2024 9:54am

Bob,

Thank you so much for posting this unedited description of the ray gun sessions.

As for the 0.03, here are my nerdy numbers, having been zero from the surgery in May 2016 so didn't make the 5 years

Am going to get tested annually for the next one

Dogsdodogsstuff · 30-08-2024 9:29am

Never thought of coming here but there’s some great informaction.

I got diagnosed 3+3 Gleason , but when I heard it was kind of “the good cancer” (or that’s how I interpreted it) I sort of switched off. Two biopsies were as awful an experience as I had imagined they would be.

Monitor approach , no treatment but told I may need some in future.

I even have a book on it that I’ve sort of read but it’s quite technical so find it hard to follow. I’m told symptoms don’t really show and urologist won’t really chat about the ones I get (as presumably he only wants to talk cancer related stuff).

Sorry if this is not meant for here but do people get any Prostatitis symptoms or prostate symptoms ? I regularly have a pain , like a dull ache where I feel the prostate is located , testicle pain on one side (that I believe can be referred pain) and pain just below my stomach where a small hernia is located. Now I have 2 hernias but there are small and I was told they shouldn’t really be causing the pain I’m getting (which is near where one hernia is).

Sometimes after sex, I can have frequency to goto toilet and a sort of uncomfortable pain out front that can last for a few mins to an hour. Again feels like it’s related to the prostate in some form.

I guess I’m just looking to see if anybody has any similar story. I’ve been to specialists/GP, had scans etc, so I’m confident it’s not serious, moreso really bothersome and frustrating.

Calahonda52 · 30-08-2024 2:09pm

Can't add anything here re pain as I never had any symptoms.

To repeat the question i was aked early on in the game:

When you pis, do you hit the wall or pis down your leg

3+3 …..

One of the key messages that I have for folk here is that 3+3 is what they found in the biopsy, which is essentially like throwing darts: D20 might show b3+3 but worse could be lurking in D5

Not being harsh here but you heard what you wanted to hear, been there. done that.

What age are you and how did you arrive at biopsies?

What is your PSA tracking like: two key number, the absolute figure and the rate of change

IMHO, I would be thinking about surgery

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/2022/11/gleason-336-is-not-not-cancer

Dogsdodogsstuff · 30-08-2024 3:34pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122562497#Comment_122562497

Im mid 40s, which is part of the reason I’ve been advised against testament. The way it was explained to me was that I could be 75 and it’s not progressed anymore or I may need some sort of treatment in couple of years. When I say “the good cancer” I meant the sample they got appeared to be one that is the slower growth one and at least I’m in the system and being monitored.

They didn’t say “you are all good”, but what they did say is that after 2 biopsies and having PSAs that can be very low and maybe as high as 2, they feel a monitor approach is best. One of the doctors said that my results wouldn’t even be classed cancer in USA, although that didn’t really help.

It was only found completely by chance, which is why I feel lucky. I had been complaining of the symptoms I mentioned during a general health checkup privately and they decided to do a scan purely for that reason. Something showed up on the scan so I was referred to urologist.

At urologist session, he said my PSA was low and usually he’d send me on my way but the thing showing up on my scan had to be checked. He was nearly certain it would be nothing: They checked it and one sample had some cancer. They did another biopsy and found nothing anywhere else.

This was my initial biopsy:

A) Transperineal prostatic biopsy, target:

Three cores of prostate tissue showing a focal ASAP the appearances of which are most consistent with high grade PIN atypia.

B) Transperineal prostatic biopsy, left peripheral:

One prostate core showing an ASAP, the appearances of which are suspicious for prostatic adenocarcinoma.

C) Transperineal prostatic biopsy, left transition:

Prostatic adenocarcinoma, Gleason grade 3+3, score 6/10, (Grade group 1), involves 1 of 1 cores and 5% of tissue submitted. No perineural invasion seen.

Probably need to get my psa checked soon as I’m due back with urologist in month or two. Can’t remember my results but I don’t think they are ever much north of 2

Think my last PSA was January and it was2.58, am I supposed to get them more frequently ?

Any tips ; advice or questions you can suggest would be appreciated. I never really know what to ask the specialist when discussing this.

Calahonda52 · 31-08-2024 7:30am

Really cant add any more here as would be straying into med advice which I am not going to do beyond what I have said already

Iff I read your post correctly they took 4 samples

from the same link as before

A typical biopsy collects about 12 core samples from different areas of the prostate

Again, What is your PSA tracking like: two key numbers, the absolute figure and the rate of change.

Not being harsh here but these are key numbers so ask yourself: are you in semi denial by not being on top of this data and saying you think it was….

I would be getting a PSA test done every 6 months.

What about getting a MRI, I had one before the surgery, confirmed the size of the cancer.

beachhead · 31-08-2024 8:22am

For anyone who has doubts about their diagnosis-consultant not answering all questions,continuing pain in the abdominal area,other concerns,a PET scan could be helpful.More comprehensive than an MRI.One poster mentioned 10-12 hot flushes per day(sweats at night time?).A course of Venlafex,(it is marketed as an anti depressant) but can/might help some with hot flushes/night sweats

Dogsdodogsstuff · 01-09-2024 10:18am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122565037#Comment_122565037

I had an MRI originally at a health check because of slightly elevated PSA (2.5) and pain in that area , that showed a dark spot that led to the biopsy.

When I got the diagnosis I pushed hard for answers and understanding. I had a claim in for critical illness benefit with a life office and discussed my case with them aswell (I work in insurance).

When I say “good cancer”, it’s my summary or layman take from what they told me, probably because I a more often then not, overly pessimistic and in this case wanted to try and be more optimistic. I get things can change but for now it seems like the bits they found are slow growing.

I’ve an appointment in November, didn’t think of getting psa in summer so maybe I will get psa now and again just before my consultation.

Since I’ve kind of always had urinary , stomach and IBS issues, it’s quite hard to know what is relating to what. Also have other medical conditions that make it hard to work out what.

In terms of biopsy, I’m Pretty sure they took a lot of samples. I remember the crunch’s both times and it didn’t feel like just 4 times! How can anybody have a biopsy without some meds ? My body is overly sensitive as it is (chronic migraines) but even with the medicine I felt a lot of pain during the procedure. Only found out the second biopsy that I wasn’t supposed to be pissing blood for over a month after the first one!!!

The second biopsy confused the specialist performing it. She asked me why I was having it done. From taking with specialist and insurance company , my first biopsy showed microscopic cancer that was technically cancer (this is how it was explained). The second biopsy was to see if it was anywhere else and to rule out it being worse (or something to that effect).

This is where the “you kind of have cancer but it’s really not that bad” narrative has come from.

Dogsdodogsstuff · 01-09-2024 10:37am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122565352#Comment_122565352

ha, no way, I get times where I just start getting really hot , sweat with my heart beating fast. I find them annoying but wouldn’t want to take any meds unless there’s some other thing to be concerned about them ?

I’m with my doctors a few times a year so I don’t bury my head like some. The problem for me is that there is quite often a lot of things going on physically and it’s been hard to get answers. Some physical stuff might be a somewhat related to mental health stuff.

When I’m with specialists , if my wife isn’t with me , I can forget alot or what they tell me.

I’ve been diagnosed with chronic migraines (neurologist), take regular injections and expensive medicine for that. But part of it is simply that my whole body is hyper sensitive to touch, sight , sound , smell etc. Some of my urinary stuff and pain can be caused by the migraine apparently.

I’ve had dull ache on/off for a long time where the prostate resides. I’ve had chronic testicle pain. Chronic pain where they say one of my hernia resides. But no putting together of what is causing what. Went to two specialists about the hernias and both said it’s odd to have the pain as the hernias are small. So what do I do? I have pain where a hernia is located , specialists saying it shouldn’t be painful?

My testicle pain could and probably is referred pain but there doesn’t appear to be any treatment for further investigations. I’ve had ultrasounds and they seem to be fine. Pain in my side/back could suggest Prostatitis (I have most of the other symptoms of Prostatitis) but when I goto the cancer urologist he says it’s a complex thing. Again, I don’t know if I’m supposed to try and see a urologist separately , it can be hard to know what to do when I’ve spit of moving parts.

I’m not looking for medical advice from anybody. I see my doctor regularly and always run things by professionals if unsure. My problem has been that there’s been so much continually going on with me, it’s been hard to pin down what pain I’d be caused by what condition.

Only sharing my experience in case anybody else had something similar or even a clearer path to get more definitive answers.

That walnut sized organ: the Prostate

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