Just diagnosed

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Just been diagnosed with Prostrate Cancer after an MRI Scan. Very worried.

Kind regards James.

  • Hi, I think you must have been very fortunate. 
    Clearly, we are all different, and everyone’s experience is - and will be - totally different. Obviously I can only speak for myself, along with those of others I have met  daily at the Cancer unit. Personally, I was absolutely fine for the first 10 days, but since then my  bowels have bern very erratic , with associated side effects from excessive toilet visits which I’m sure you are all aware of. The only other side effects are tiredness and lethargy. Non of these would have put me off the treatment ad it is non negotiable as far as I’m concerned for my long term prognosis. I am not surprised by any of these as they were all flagged up at appointments with my oncologist, the radiologists, and specialist cancer nurses. 
    I am in no way intending to sensationalise these, or make them sound awful, as they are all manageable, and in the greater scheme of things not that much of a problem . 

  • No I did suffer side effects from the RT  but like yourself started midway and finished a couple of weeks after..

    Main side effect , constipation., can cope with that

    But I would say that compared with potential ED from surgery and pro longed issues with HT  RT is good. also u don't see many people on here complaining about RT side effects.

    best wishes

    Steve

  • No, the side effects from RT are manageable. Mine is the opposite from your constipo. Wasn’t that a problem when you went for you RT session? You know, full bladder empty bowel ? 
    regards 

  • No I didn't have to have a full bladder but could see that some did.

    I asked why and never got a decent answer.

    Suppose every situation different.

    Yes main two side effects seem to be either constipation or the opposite as u have said.

    Steve 

  • Hi again,

    My partner has just finished Radiotherapy and he is feeling a lot better for it, it has had side effects that he is working through, they are mild and should end soon. He also has Hormone treatment to hold back the cancer that makes him tired, - he has not turned into a woman by any stretch of the imagination. These side effects are worth it to him because the alternative at this point is to become very unwell with the cancer and die.  You are looking at extremes without cause. You don't know the level of your cancer yet. You need to have a biopsy so you have the right information and then you can consider your options. With your age and low PSA you may not even have to have intervention and you could be worrying needlessly. Please consider moving forwards and having the biopsy.

    LSlight smile

  • Thank you for all your input and information. It is much appreciated. I have just got the date for my Biopsy and Bladder Camera. August 4th  at 12.30 at The Day Surgery unit in my local hospital. Day Surgery does worry me a little however but it can't be much worse than a Colonoscopy.

    Kind regards James.

  • Hi James

    One step at a time - at least you have your appointment, it's local and it's a day surgery unit where they will look after you well.

    I know then there will be a wait for the results and a further appointment to discuss the results - but I am pleased for you and very happy you are making progress and wish you well.

    Best wishes

    Brian.

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  • Brilliant, if you've had a Colonoscopy you can sail through this as well. My partner has had both and feels the worse bit of both is feeling a bit embarrassed, rather than the actual procedure and it's all over before you know it. Well done, forwards you go. There's lots of support for you here, just focus on this appointment and don't bother to think about what "could' happen as there's no point, because there are too many variables and most of them probably won't apply to you. 

    Best wishes and I look forwards seeing how you get on 

    Lx

  • Thanks guy's for your comments. I had a painful Colonoscopy especially at the start and I was on midazolam and fentanyl. I am having the transperineal biopsy. I hope it won't take as long as the Colonoscopy.

    Kind regards James.

  • Just been told my Cystoscopy is no being done 2 days before the Biopsy at a different hospital. A bit concerned as to why they have changed it. I have looked this procedure up on YouTube and it looks a bit risky during and after. Because I live on my own I would rather be in hospital overnight after in case anything happens.

    Kind regards James.