Hi folks,

As you can see, only just diagnosed a couple of weeks ago and yet to start treatment. First hormone injection in 3 days time. (August 15th.) Initial massive shock but now more accepting of my fate, as there are a lot of people worse off. Oncologist told me that 5 years would be the minimum with my stats, but who knows. Hoping for a lot longer and this site will help a lot. Was able to converse with a fellow on the site with the same stats, who gave me a lot of valuable info and hope (many thanks Lee).

So, thanks for letting me join in the conversations and hope to learn a lot from the site.

Regards, Dubbs

Hi all.

Been a couple of weeks since my first hormone injection. Have developed intense hot flushes and mild bladder incontinence. Seeing the urologist on Monday so will update any news.

Thanks, Dave

Well, I started my radiation treatment at the PA hospital in Brisbane on 28th Jan this year.Did not opt for chemo, but had 39 radiation treatments. All fine up till about the 25-mark when side effects kicked in. Mainly pain while urinating and bowel movements. as well as not sleeping, up to 6 times a night urinating. Was then put on a bag/catheter which was a big help with the sleep but fairly inconvenient. After the 4 weeks on "bag", was removed (ouch) and so far a lot better. Still some sleep problems but incontinence worse at night but not too bad during day. Can function quite well, nearly normal although still some pain urinating. Next hormone shot on 15 August and for another year at 3 monthly intervals. Next PSA test September. Fingers crossed. Keep well all.

Hi all,

just a quick update. Was re-reading my original story and realised I had omitted some info. Feb this year I started radiation treatment.What i don't think i mentioned was i had 39 treatments. Since then last PSA reading on august 15th was .08. I think I said .008, hearings seems to be going as well!!! My treatment is Elegaurd injections every 3 months for the next year or so. No big deal as I have a great nurse, she ices the site near the navel, do not feel a thing. Tried without pain killers, then some numbing cream from the chemist, both very painful. Try the ice treatment, ie frozen water not the other!!

Still have nightly incontinence, up to 5 times but are getting enough sleep in between and a lot less during the daytime. Complete loss of sexual activity. (ah well, that's another two minutes I have to do other things!) Lost about 5-6 kgs but dear wife is feeding me up so am putting it on again.

Keep well all Regards Dave

Hi All. Just a short update. Visited my oncologist yesterday (Monday 8th) and was greatly relieved to find out that my PSA had gone down from .008 to .00734. I was worried that it had returned but then woke up that as I also have diabetes and have been letting the exercise etc slide, the symptoms can mimic the cancer, i.e. the fatigue and the frequent urination. So back on track now to manage my sugar a bit better and hopefully will see a better result for both problems.

Keep well. Dave

Today, Monday 8th April had an appointment with my oncologist. PSA was down from .0007 to .0004. Was informed that I was now completely cancer free. No more treatment except for 3 monthly checkups.

I'm still in shock! I was lead to believe at the start of treatment that i was to maybe live for 5 years, maybe a little more. I thought the treatment only put the cancer to sleep and that it would eventually return (I still think that this is the case.) Anyhow, for now YIPEE!!!!!

Tuesday 16th July 2019

3 monthly oncologist appointment today. PSA down again so all good. Still having a few doubts as to weather "IT" will return. We tend to think the worst. Had a rather big bout of depression a week ago but luckily for me a great friend sat me down and gave me a talking to. I tended to overthink things, which is completely stupid given the status of my non-existence cancer. Anyhow, oncologist assured me that there is very little chance of it recurring (99%) so that also helped to put my mind at rest.Asked about my side effects and he said that it could be many months before they go away.

So, as the guy falling out as a 10 story building was heard to say as he passed each floor, so far, so good.!

Here's hoping all of the folks on these pages have the same sort of luck as me. Regards Dave

As it was a couple of weeks ago, cannot remember what my PSA was, but still all good, well below zero. They thought it may have started to climb a bit by now, to eventually reach a ceiling of two and then to plateau. Nothing yet.

Still a bit of fatigue and the same peeing problems, overall not too bad. Will see in another 3 months then if all good, 6 monthly checkups.

Regards dave

Hi all, Had my 3 monthly oncology check up this morning. 20/1/2020. All figures good. PSA still down at .038 Have moved to 6 monthly check ups.

Ciao Dave

Now down to 6 monthly checkins with blood tests. Results good. PSA -.000003. Has risen slightly but certainly no need to panic, a long way to go if things go bad.

Have had for quite a while a pain in my left hip. Was terrified that "IT" had returned so finally went to have x-rays and ultrasound done. Phew!! only arthritis and bursitis and old age.

Ciao Dave

Hi guys.

Have just had my 6 monthly oncologist visit. PSA is stable at .004. Doctors are happy' Still seem to have fatigue which she said could last years. The good news is I have been informed to go to 12 monthly visits now. Without being too optimistic i think "it" may have gone. Big relief all round.

Just goes to show if you can get diagonised early enough, you can beat this thing.

Best of luck everyone, I think i have had my share!!

Till next time, Dave

Cancer still dormant or according to oncologist, gone.Blood test last month resulted in a reading of .005 so all good.Still experiencing some fatigue even after 2 years but could be a lot worse.Seen to have got over my bouts of depression now that i feel i will survive for a bit longer.

Regards dave

Well, some time since my last update.Last week my good friend and mentor, Lee Gallagaher (popeye) lost his battle with the cancer.This has made me think a lot, as his diagonise was exactly the same as mine. Now 4 years since treatment and while i am reasonably healthy, the worry is always there.Have been having bowel trouble of late so have to see doctor to see if anything else is wrong.There is a small chance that radiation will bring on bowel cancer and worring about it doesnt help either. My psa is low so that's a help. Will further update after the doctors visit next week. Dave

Hi Guys,

Mine is a good news story. Had my annual phone hookup with the oncology dept at the PA Hospital Brisbane. As you can see, my PSA is still very low, so much so that the hospital advised me today that i would only need 1 more phone hookup in 12 months time and it will be my last. 2 days before xmas 2022, I had a stroke, luckly turned out to be minor and I seem to have fully recovered, but was told that this would contribute to the fatigue. So, I am doubly lucky to have survived both. I was told a couple of years ago that the cancer could come back, but was unlikely. Hopefully NO !!! Will talk in 12 months and hopefyllu the news will be as good. To all those on these pages, my thoughts are with you and I count my blessings every single day. Ciao Dave

Dubbs's e-mail address is: dubbs2733 AT gmail.com (replace "AT" with "@")