The answers

1 minute read time.

FormerMember

26 Jul 2013

Saw the urologist yesterday who confirmed my diagnosis of PCa with pelvic bone secondaries. I am already on the correct treatment, he says, bicalutamide tablets. Starting my third month of this the side effects are minimal and I can lead a normal life. I do get tired easily and the original pains in the left side of my pelvis have not gone away completely.

I'm beginning to get my head around all this but I do have to see the oncologist for the first time in the next few weeks and I may be switched to a different antihormone by injection.

First of all I realise how lucky I have been. It's probable that the cancer started up many years ago and spread to bones early. I'm now 80 years happy and have been able to do many things like walking in the Lake District and working hard physically in my garden without worrying about my health. If I had gone to the doctor early I would not have enjoyed the last few years so much and I might have started unpleasant treatments and possibly surgery. Surgery is not an option for me now.

Second, I have discovered MacMillan and, through reading the postings both prostate and general, I realise others are so much worse off with this disease than me. If I was only 60 and still at work my outlook would be so different.

So, at the moment, I'm not complaining about finding out about cancer late as it's late in life for me!

Walked to the barbers to have my hair cut this morning. More than a mile each way on a beautiful, warm sunny day. We are still short of rain down here in the SW UK. I felt my pelvis creaking a bit and I can't walk as fast as I used to but I met people to talk to on the way. Talking with others is a great pleasure to me and I don't tell them there is anything wrong with me.

Intend to stay upbeat and carry on as usual

FormerMember over 11 years ago

Hi David,

Glad to hear your news and although it could be better it is not bad.

I thought I was the granddaddy of them all at 76, but you have just taken over that role!

Keep up the exercise, it helps to minimise the side effects and helps in the fight. macmillan do a move more pack about exercise and the beneficial effects if you're interested.

Good luck with the treatment and keep intouch,

Colin
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FormerMember over 11 years ago

Thanks Paddyman. First time i've ever been called the Granddaddy of them all!!

Cheers. Thanks for commenting, I see your helpful postings around quite often.

Re keeping in touch; I intend to continue the blog not only as an ego boost but if I can keep it positive it might help others as they come to terms with their cancer. Also I wish there was a simpler way of replying to replies as one does on other sites like Yuku for example or Twitter. I want to show how much I appreciate replies and comments. Any suggestions, or should I post a message to an administrator?

Age is an attitude of mind. (!!!).

All the best,
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FormerMember over 11 years ago

Hi David,

Oh my! An experienced Silver surfer! When I joined this site, I had no experience of other forums so nothing to judge it by,

This is not the easiest site to find your way around. It is huge and the online community is only a small part of it. The tech boys are continually working to make it better, but when they improve one part, they have to check that it doesn't mess up another part and this all takes time.

The best way to keep track of your posts is to add them to your favourites, then you go to "My account" and select "favourites" and it should be listed there. Alternatively, in MY account there will be a list of all your posts under activities.

The main activity listing on the Home page goes past very quickly, but this is what most of us use to keep track of what is happening.

I look forward to your additions to your blog, and I'm glad you intend to make it positive which is so important on a site offering support.

Good luck with the treatment and I hope the side effects are not too troubling. Remember, many of us have gone through this treatment and are willing to offer support if needed.

There is also a group called "The Room", which is where we can let off steam if things get us down. Have a look at it and you'll see how it works!

Colin
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FormerMember over 11 years ago

Hi Colin

Thanks for your reply. I'll certainly have a look at "The Room".

I'm finding my way around better now using my "method" which is to click on everything until something works! (Not too seriously).

Side effects OK but mood up and down. Newest problem is my wife who seems to be developing multiple joint pains over recent weeks. Will be getting her checked next week. She hates doctors & nurses so it will be wonderful if she consents to necessary tests. I am her carer at the moment but worry that I could not keep this up long term.

Back at work in the garden past 3 days. Good therapy and no bad effects on my pelvic secondaries.

Thanks for reading and replying. How are you?
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