I have just been diagnosed with PC I had a TURP (Trans Urethral Resection of the Prostate) last week, a needle biopsy was done at that time, the cancer has spread to my bladder; the urologist removed most of this at the time of the TURP.
I go for bone and CT scans tomorrow, both my wife and I are scared witless, I had always had my PSA checked yearly, the last one had risen a little and the GP stated it was still within normal range and OK, I had not noticed any problems with passing urine until a week before my TURP. any reassurance will be a blessing
Later: I can not believe how today unfolded, Reg had his scans, they show that the cancer has spread to his lymph nodes and is wide spread in his bones, he still has no symptoms, I can not understand why I feel a strong feeling of relief, knowing instead of the continual what if's, has given us both something concrete to work with.
We have an appointment with Dr Roger Hinsch tomorrow at 1pm. What is this crazy thing that we have got involved with that can have know symptoms, you have your PSA checked yearly and you still end up in this place.
>Reg has commenced ADT, due to the very advanced stage of his cancer. It has spread to his Lymph system and he has extensive bone mets. He also has small cell neuroendocrine involvement. Later this month he will have a bone strengthening infusion, this will be followed by chemotherapy.
He has fatigue, some pain, and needs encouragement to maintain his appetite. This is a hard road we are on, Reg was always a fit man with a healthy appertite. Prof Paul Mainwaring our Medical Oncologist has told us this is not cureable but treatable, is there any other folks out there that have dealt with this type of PC, I am trying to stay positive but have my days.
Later: Hi,
Last evening I had an infusion of Zometa, next Tuesday I commence Taxotere, here's hoping that this will bring this mongrel disease under control. I am aware that it won't cure me but QOL is the main aim.
Reg
Hi - have just received a phone call from the oncologist. PSA after 4 weeks of ADT has dropped from 1450 to 55!! Doctor couldn't believe it andI am feeling 100% back at the gym, no side effects so far from either ADT or Chemo.
Reg.
Continuing with Taxotere/ Zometa & Hormone - no side effects to speak of, fatigue almost non existent, PSA has dropped to 6.0. Oncologist is very pleased.
We are buying time thank God.
Later: Hi, my PSA is still dropping fast, now 1.7, Oncologist is pleased, fatigue has started to kick in, I had a blood transfusion today, night sweats are a bugger, but over all things are going OK.
Hello again,
I completed Taxotere on the 20th December, bone scans show a reduction in bone mets and what are there are less active. CT scan shows all previous Lymph involvement has resolved. Summary indicates treatment is working. I will continue to have Zometa infusions 4th weekly, Eligard 4th monthly.
I am back at the Gym four times a week and swimming daily. I am slowly regrowing my hair and eyebrows. My oncologist is over the moon as is my wife, we know we are still in the fight of our lives but our glass is half full at the moment, and the new treatments on the horizon give us hope.
Reg flew this life on August 1st 2011, we had a trip to New Zealand after he finished Chemo. He was feeling really well for a couple of months, then the beast returned with a vengeance, he fought and remained positive right to the end. RIP my love.
