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Good afternoon dear friends, one and all! I wanna tell you a story...
On 4th December of last year, Derek (Hampshireman) told us of his prostate cancer and how it was going to be dealt with. I remember following Derek's thread closely. I even added a post to his thread because I had just started the same 'journey' and recognised so many points as Derek acquainted us with them...
As Derek said, "I have been questioned a few times as to why I have gone public on this since diagnosed back in the autumn. Several people, good friends and acquaintances thought it should be a private issue."
Derek continued, "My point is that I had none of the classic symptoms. I can drink several pints on a night and not have to get up through the night for a pee and still do even now. It was found by blood samples taken every 6 months since I had a "well man" exam at 65 when my GP recommended it.
"If I was say 10 years younger they would treat it rather than operate as it can affect your 'life style' as they put it. My wife and I would rather have me safe and healthy than worry about our sex life.
"Several chaps I have spoken to have since gone and started PSA tests and all so far are clear, but how else can you find out?"
Yes, indeed, how else CAN you find out?
Thank you, Derek for your openness and inspiration!
And so it is with me...
NO SYMPTOMS! That's me! My first 'happy accident' is having diabetes. I have blood sugars taken every 6 months. But every 12 months, come May, because of my family history - 5 dead from cancer - I have asked for my PSA to be done. Last November, out of the blue, 2nd 'happy accident', the lady taking my blood asked if I wanted my PSA checking, 6 months early. Her reasoning was simply, "Why not?" But it was this result that caught the eye (3rd happy accident) of the lady locum doctor who had me to the local Urology Department within 10 days. A PSA of 4 is OK; but 5.6, then 6.4, then 7.9, then 9.0... AuntieSandra and I didn't need telling what was going on!
Since April, I have had tests and scans. 24 May, we returned from the Newbury Show to be told "The tests have confirmed the presence of cancer in the prostate. It has been caught early, is well contained, moderately aggressive and very curable."
Today is Decision-Day. With much support from Family and Friends, I have decided to have 'open' surgery, as distinct from key-hole surgery. The idea is to remove the entire prostate, complete with the cancerous cells contained within. At the same time, the surgeon will remove the associated lymph nodes. The MRI scan I had a few weeks ago suggested that there was no cancer in my bones, nor in the lymph nodes "as far as we can see". The scan might be only 80% accurate, so to remove the 20% chance of something being missed, we'll have the lot out. If the surgery fails, or if there is a recurrence, then radiotherapy can still be tried.
The procedure will take place at Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, near Hull. It will be a Tuesday, probably late September, date to be finalised.
Good news... we can still go to the Global!!
Good news... we can still help "artona" to do our Grange Park rally, near Scunthorpe, 9 - 14 September. Places available!!
Bad news... we have had to withdraw from the Lincoln Season Finale.
So watch this space... and for anyone remotely interested, here's the message I put forward on Derek's thread last December...
I'm not ashamed to share my stories if, by doing so, I make just one person, male or female, think again about their well-being and make a correct decision. A suitable motto might be...
"Don't delay - do it today!"
Edit: for anyone just finding this thread, I go into Castle Hill Hospital on Monday, 20 September, for my operation on Tuesday, 21st. I should be in for 5 - 7 days and out of action for around 6 weeks. It's the result that counts.
Last edited by UncleNorm on Fri Nov 26, 2010 12:39 pm; edited 2 times in total ______________________________________________________________ ........... Best wishes from UncleNorm x
........... Yesterday is history; tomorrow is a mystery; today is a gift!
Let´s keep fighting with Mavis, Ray and all those in need!!
.......... http://rayandmave.wordpress.com/
Exactly-- so glad you have listened to your own advice.
You know you have made the right decision and talking about it helps you and everyone around you to know what you are thinking and feeling and that is a great help.
They wont have to worry about what they can and cant say in your presence.
Good-luck with the Operation and let us know how you get on.
You have enough courage to beat this
À tous mes amis du forum thankyou pour toutes vos pensées agréables et avec son amour derrière moi je lutterai contre mon conflit avec un esprit de postive et le triomphe
Thanks also Mavis! "You have enough courage to beat this" I'm just following your lead!
______________________________________________________________ ........... Best wishes from UncleNorm x
........... Yesterday is history; tomorrow is a mystery; today is a gift!
Let´s keep fighting with Mavis, Ray and all those in need!!
.......... http://rayandmave.wordpress.com/
I have a PSA test once a year. There are two main forms of prostate cancer. One is quite aggressive but the other one is containable.
I have two friends with the latter and the doctor tells them that they'll die of old age before the cancer kills them.
It's a timely warning though, it's amazing how many just ignore this simple test that your GP can do in minutes. Take a blood sample that is, with the result coming a few days later.
The PSA test isn't infallible though. Another chum had a poor result and went through all the unpleasantness of the plumbing examination only to be told that all was clear.
Any man reaching sixty, should have one annually.
Last edited by Hobbyfan on Thu Aug 12, 2010 4:20 pm; edited 1 time in total
Hi Norm - hope it all goes well, we know here what it's like waiting around and worrying
______________________________________________________________ Still sat here in front of the computer - it may be in the office, or on the laptop if I manage to get away from the office.
As far as I know, the only motorhoming Oxford United supporter in Bognor.
One of the more interesting and intelligent topics on this Forum. Ladies too, do not put off till tomorrow, something that you should be investigating today. "If only's" do not always give you a better lifestyle.
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Italy
Let´s keep fighting with Mavis, Ray and all those in need!! 
