100% agree Joe. When these corporate and governmental decisions are made public, the GP's must quake in their boots at the influx of patients they know they will have to deal with in the first instance. Prostate cancer screening needs to go the same way as breast cancer screening, where mobile screening centres can take the strain off already busy GP's.
@JackWS Yes i totally agree. I did a week or so sign a petition to have a screening set up. Perhaps on here.
Joe, first I would shorten your proposed test interval to annually. You are the person of importance here, forget the possibility of overburdening the GP surgery. As for time to think, I would suggest that when you get the PSA result is the time to think. After all, it’s only a blood test.
@Baza I will as for me it is easier because Tracy can do the bloods and all i have to do is present them to the GP.
Some good news at last BBC News - Prostate drug, abiraterone, to be offered to thousands in England - BBC News https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwywezx86nko?app-referrer=push-notification
@JackWS, my condolences on the passing of your mother. My father passed away from pancreatic cancer about 20 years ago now and my mom from a heart attack in 2013. I well remember how weird it felt (and sometimes still does) to not have a living parent. I hope you are doing ok.
@Bikerman, I'm ultra late to this thread but glad I finally ran across it. I'm super glad to know that you are ok and that your treatments were effective. And, as others have commented, you have a great outlook. From the sounds of it, your post has encouraged multiple men on this forum to have their PSA levels and prostates checked. I'm also glad that @Havit made it a sticky
Bit late to this conversation… But for those that face the prospect of having their prostate completely removed… As a result of stage 3 cancer elsewhere I opted to have mine removed as a preemptive strike against anticipated metastatic problems further down the line. Fortunately my nerves only took around 18 months to regrow to the point that a reasonable erection (although somewhat diminished in length abd girth) was possible for some form of intimacy to resume with an extremely supportive partner. I ended up with what’s known as having a ‘dry’ ejaculation which is probably around 70-80% of the pleasure that used to be experienced pre op but without the resultant mess! YRMV Yes I still have growths elsewhere described as ’’masses’ but am still holding on and trusting in the MDT ro look after my best interests. I’ve had 6 ops so far under general anaesthetic in the last 15yrs to keep me going, sochin up guys - it could be much worse.
Bit late to this conversation… But for those that face the prospect of having their prostate completely removed… As a result of stage 3 cancer (elsewhere) I opted to have mine removed as a preemptive strike against anticipated metastatic problems further down the line. Fortunately my nerves only took around 18 months to regrow to the point that a reasonable erection (although somewhat diminished in length and girth) was possible for some form of intimacy to resume with an extremely supportive partner. I ended up with what’s known as having a ‘dry’ ejaculation which is probably around 70-80% of the pleasure that used to be experienced pre op but without the resultant mess! An ugly 3” scare above the belly button is all I have to show for my recent problems. Unfortunately YRMV Yes I currently have growths elsewhere described as ’’masses’ but am still holding on and trusting in the MDT ro look after my best interests and extending my longevity as much as possible. I’ve had 6 major ops under general anaesthetic in the last 15yrs to keep me going, so chin up guys - things could be much worse. I’m currently overdue for another CT scan to see how much closer i am to needing another op but am I worried? hell no, I’m more concerned about how much salt is still on the roads before the bike cones out of hibernation and daily riding resumes
Bloody hell, you've certainly been through it, that was my thinking about having mine removed, I didn't want it to leave and have a holiday around my body. I know what you mean about 80% of the pleasure, without the resulting clean up operation. Can I wish you all the very best having to go through what you're going through. And all credit to your partner too, no doubt being a tower of strength for you. As for the other well known side effects of having the prostate removed, and that is incontinence, the first few weeks after the opp, reminded me of what it must be like to be a baby again. The only difference was I could change my own nappies. Wasn't really in control of my faculties if I'm honest, but since September, and sticking to doing the pelvic exercise like to a shovel, I can honestly say I've got it about 90% under control again. I'm at the stage where I think I'm almost back to normal. I've just listen to what the doctors told me and acted on it.
Many thanks for bringing this brilliant news to our attention. A while back I mentioned that the b’stards at Westminster were not providing us with the same level of care that is enjoyed by our Welsh and Scottish citizens.
Thanks @Sandi T the last week has been full on, but living so close to my mother, it was always going to be difficult. She's at peace now and her suffering is over.
