Just diagnosed

Hello James

Yes, I know letters from the NHS and indeed anyone these days cover all bases as people now say.

My understanding of the situation is:

* At the time they undertook the biopsy of the prostate and checked your bladder there is no indication of cancer anywhere - you are clear. happy days.

* Because you had a biopsy they would have listed you on the cancer pathway - i.e if cancer was found they had 62 days to start your treatment - you don't have cancer so they have taken you off the treatment list.

* Because of your age and previous history they are keeping you on "Active Surveillance" . Below is a link to enable you to read all about active surveillance.

https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/treatments/active-surveillance

So - you don't have cancer but they are keeping an eye on you.

I hope this re-assures you.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi James,

I can see that wording undoubtedly intended to reassure can be seen in a different light. I'm not a doctor, but in my very different job it's exactly the sort of wording I use to reassure - in future I'll bear in mind that it may not always be the best choice, so thank you for the prompt.

That outcome letter, however, is all good news - first off, hang-out-the-bunting good news, no cancer found.

The other good news is that because you're now on their radar, you'll be checked so that if in the future cancer is found, it will be found at such an early stage that the treatment will be aimed to cure. This is so much better than for most men who get PC, we're well ahead of the game (I say "we" because that's where I am too - read my profile story).

All the best,

Sean.

Thank you so much Brian and Sean. I think I understand things a little better now. I have read your story Sean and it is quite interesting and thorough. Thank you.

I just hope nothing else goes wrong over Christmas.

Kind regards James.

Hi all,

Just seen my GP and he is very pleased with the results and the fact that I am going to be monitored on a fairly regular basis. Not all surgeons do this apparently. I have had a thorough check up and everything is OK..

 He also said if any pre-cancerous cells had been found I would have been been told.

 I sent a Thank You card and some biscuits plus chocolate's to the ward I was on because they went out of their way to look after me in a very difficult time.

Thank you all again for your help and encouragement in what was an terrible time for me.

Kind regards James.

Hi,

 Sorry to bother you again.

 I have been having days with no trouble with my waterworks and days with some problems. On my Doctors advice I reduced the dose of my Imipramine 25mg (an antidepressant) because this drug can cause urinary problems to 2 a day from 3. Despite this, last night I thought I was going to get blocked. Great difficulty in passing urine, pain in my Pubic area and Scrotum. I spent the night up and down. I am going back to my normal dosage today. This triggers more worries that my Prostrate is getting bigger or there really is a Cancer there or somewhere else nearby..

 How long does it really take to recover from a Biopsy?

 My Doctor would not examine my prostate at the last appointment because he said he might inflame it.

 If I cannot have the DRE how do I know if it is enlarged or not?

Very worried. I just want some peace now. I cannot live like this.

Kind regards James.

Hello James

It's great that you are reaching out for help with your issues, it's shows how confident you are now - I think that can only be good for you.

The human body is a strange thing and we are all very individual and we know our own body better than anyone else - however I nor anyone here is medically qualified so:

* My advice is since you have a urine problem it's either back to your GP as an urgent appointment or a trip to the local drop in centre or A & E. Problems in passing urine need to be resolved urgently. You need to do this as soon as you have read my post.

* Recovery from a biopsy is two weeks maximum I would say for any soreness or discharge to be gone.

* You have had examinations in the last 3 months and you have been advised by the Professional Medical Staff that you do not have either bladder or prostate cancer so I think a DRE is not required.

Keep the faith, get seen as in my first piece of advice and once you are sorted, please get back to us and let us know what your issues were.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi,

Just been to my GP and there is a trace of blood in my Urine when tested in surgery so it has been sent to Pathology. If it is not an infection I will have to go for more tests again. I think it is the start of Kidney Cancer or Renal problems because it the only thing they have not tested yet. So it's more Cancer lined up for Christmas again this year.

 Kind regards James.

Hi James,

I am sure it is probably a kidney infection, so try and think positively. I know you are a worrier but try not to stress, because it may all be for nothing. 

Keep your pecker up (hmmm, maybe the wrong thing to say on this site!!!) .

Best regards

Gina

Hi James.

I think you are jumping the gun again with thinking it is kidney or bladder cancer. If I remember correctly you had a cystoscopy exam not so long ago which showed everything was clear in the bladder and urethra? Any invasive procedures like this can irritate the lining of the bladder which can flare up from time to time in response to food or drink. Also your kidneys would have been checked whilst you were being tested for PCa and any abnormality would have been picked up then. Hopefully the check for an infection will come back quite quickly as it is a very simple one and then we can take it from there. All the best and look after yourself. Come back with the results when you get them.

Good Afternoon James

Many thanks for the update. I think as usual Alwayshope has stolen my thunder and I can't say more that that - it's good advice.

Stay strong and let's wait for the results - Keep us posted.

Best wishes - Brian.