Prostate cancer - it's a man thing

A very interesting and informative read so thanks all.
I've been through all of the prostate/cancer thing and was cleared, so lucky.
Yes get it checked and while we are in that area, feel your nuts from time to time. If you have two and a half you are in trouble.
 
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in April this year. I'd gone to the GP about my chronically bad back and had a blood test as part of the initial assessment. That showed that my PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level was above normal for my age (I'm 69. Very hard to believe I know!). A further blood test 6 weeks later it was higher so I was referred to the Urology Department at Leicester General Hospital. To cut an involved medical story short (I had a MRI, a biopsy and a full body bone scan as part of the assessment ) I had a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (in layman's terms they whipped the bastard organ out) at the end of July. The alternative treatment was a course of hormone/radiotherapy. Both have their downside side effects but surgery seemed the best option for me.

I'm very pleased to say that post-surgery tests indicate that the cancer has not spread and I don't need any further treatment. Long may that scenario continue. I shall be regularly monitored via blood tests to check no further action is required.

Needless to say it has been a fairly surreal and occasionally stressful experience. I'm eternally grateful the 'c' word (not caaant!) was caught relatively early thanks to the diligence of my excellent GP Practice and the swift follow up from all three Leicester hospitals I had contact with. I know people's experience of the NHS is inevitably variable but I can hardly fault my own throughout the whole process. The tip top surgeon who performed the op' told me "I've done a thousand of these procedures before and not killed anyone yet!" which was very reassuring. I've also been very fortunate to have had so much support from my family and close friends. I'm now back in the pre-match pub and almost back to 'normal'.

The main reason I'm sharing this is to strongly encourage those of you who haven't had a blood test to check your PSA levels to do so as soon as you can. It isn't a fool-proof diagnostic test as to whether you have prostate cancer or not by any means but it's pretty much the best way of finding out if further investigation is needed. As with all forms of cancer early diagnosis is key to improving the chances of successful treatment. There's a lot of it about for men of a certain age (and sometimes earlier) of which there are very many hereabouts. Without wishing to be alarmist I think there's a very good probability that there are users of this forum who have prostate cancer without them knowing it. I know three people (one of whom is a Roofer who had the same surgery not long before me with a similarly successful outcome) who were without obvious symptoms (a common feature with prostate cancer) who caught the disease early by having a blood test. I have two other mates who don't need treatment but whose PSA levels are being regularly monitored.

I make no apologies for having become something of an atheistic evangelist (there's an oxymoron for you!) on the importance of getting tested, as oneofthe8 of this parish can testify when I had the inordinate pleasure of meeting him briefly after the Everton game. The Prostate Cancer Research website is the definitive place to go for comprehensive information https://prostatecanceruk.org I'm more than happy to talk to anyone if they have any queries about this 'man thing' - message me on here if it's easier for you to do so.

'Carpe Diem' y'all!

Big love,

kp
I had it a couple of years ago I opted for radiotherapy after speaking to prostate cancer UK,my mate went for a test after hea about me and found he had it they caught it just in time, he had the op he's now having to have radiotherapy as it didn't completely clear it so sorry to say that be give a very careful and keep a close eye on it the reason I had radiotherapy was I wanted to make sure it got whole lot it's partly scarred my bowels, that I'll put up with unfortunately alcohol affects them adversely still at least it's gone I hope!! Good luck and get your missus to help with the pelvic floor exercises.
 
You have done a great public service by raising this subject kpbw.

First, I’m really pleased that you are in the clear. I’m sure it is a huge relief for you and your family.

I can only endorse what you and others have said in terms of getting tested regularly. Unfortunately, not all prostate cancers are the same. Usually they progress very slowly, but about 10% are very aggressive.

My best friend in the UK, who I’ve known for over 50 years, was diagnosed in February 2023. He had the aggressive kind and they found it late, in spite of the fact that he was tested annually. I was as his funeral this June.

Cancer is a bastard!
 
I had it a couple of years ago I opted for radiotherapy after speaking to prostate cancer UK,my mate went for a test after hea about me and found he had it they caught it just in time, he had the op he's now having to have radiotherapy as it didn't completely clear it so sorry to say that be give a very careful and keep a close eye on it the reason I had radiotherapy was I wanted to make sure it got whole lot it's partly scarred my bowels, that I'll put up with unfortunately alcohol affects them adversely still at least it's gone I hope!! Good luck and get your missus to help with the pelvic floor exercises.
FYI for people.
You can get a gel spacer inserted between the prostate and the bladder. This gives the bowel system a bit more protection from the side effects of radiotherapy.
The NHS don’t fit them as standard due to the cost.
I had one & whilst the recovery from the radiotherapy was pleasant I’m sure it helped when I’ve spoke to others.

Enjoy your dinner Gents!
 
Thanks to both Kp and Hackney in particular plus the others for sharing their stories. I’m so pleased you pulled through to the other side.
As Kev eluded to, it’s a simple blood test and coincidentally I’m having one next month. Many cancers now can thankfully be treated with relative ease as long as we all do the tests offered.
My own episode with stage 3 bowel cancer 3 years ago was also dealt with simply ( an op plus 12 low bouts of chemo) but the main thing I remember was the oncologist thanking ME!! Er? Yes she said as if you’d not done the poo test offered every two years, then you’d have made our job a lot more difficult plus you might in fact have never had to suffer another bloody 90 mins down the KP ever again.

So thanks to all you guys for sharing this. Just a few years ago this probably would never have happened, but now we’ve turned into real men, we talk about these things with ease, something the ladies in this world have been doing for centuries.

Stay safe everyone.
 
I had it a couple of years ago I opted for radiotherapy after speaking to prostate cancer UK,my mate went for a test after hea about me and found he had it they caught it just in time, he had the op he's now having to have radiotherapy as it didn't completely clear it so sorry to say that be give a very careful and keep a close eye on it the reason I had radiotherapy was I wanted to make sure it got whole lot it's partly scarred my bowels, that I'll put up with unfortunately alcohol affects them adversely still at least it's gone I hope!! Good luck and get your missus to help with the pelvic floor exercises.
Thanks for sharing Harwich and for the good wishes. Your mate's another positive advert for getting tested.

There's an App called 'Squeezy' which is very good for not forgetting your daily pelvic floor exercises.
 
You have done a great public service by raising this subject kpbw.

First, I’m really pleased that you are in the clear. I’m sure it is a huge relief for you and your family.

I can only endorse what you and others have said in terms of getting tested regularly. Unfortunately, not all prostate cancers are the same. Usually they progress very slowly, but about 10% are very aggressive.

My best friend in the UK, who I’ve known for over 50 years, was diagnosed in February 2023. He had the aggressive kind and they found it late, in spite of the fact that he was tested annually. I was as his funeral this June.

Cancer is a bastard!
Thanks for the kind words Flemington. Sincere condolences on the very sad, premature loss of your best mate. Take care me duck.

I'd like to think this thread may have persuaded a Roofer (including the myriad of lurkers) or two or three or... of the wisdom of getting themselves a blood test that potentially could save their lives.

May your God go with you all. Hallelujah!
 
Hi everyone

After a long time visitor to this site, I have decided to sign up and start posting. Firstly so sad to read this thread and see how this disease has affected people. Which is one of the reasons I participated in Prostate United last year where I ran 5km each and every day of October including the club allowing me to complete a run at Seagrave. I was able to raise just over £3.2k

This year I have signed up again to run as team Leicester City and I have just completed run 17 this morning with 14 more to complete my challenge of running 5km each and every day of October to help raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.

So far I have raised just short of £2.8k but would love to raise so much more for this amazing cause, I would love to get as many of the LCFC fanbase following, supporting and donating to fight a disease that effects 1 in 8 men and takes a life every 45 minutes.

Please keep sharing and supporting to help spread the word and if you do wish to make a donation please click the link to my just giving page below where you can also follow my progress.


Thanks in advance and hope you don’t mind me posting here.

Steve
 

Someone doing a great job raising funds.
Thank you kind sir
 
Hi everyone

After a long time visitor to this site, I have decided to sign up and start posting. Firstly so sad to read this thread and see how this disease has affected people. Which is one of the reasons I participated in Prostate United last year where I ran 5km each and every day of October including the club allowing me to complete a run at Seagrave. I was able to raise just over £3.2k

This year I have signed up again to run as team Leicester City and I have just completed run 17 this morning with 14 more to complete my challenge of running 5km each and every day of October to help raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.

So far I have raised just short of £2.8k but would love to raise so much more for this amazing cause, I would love to get as many of the LCFC fanbase following, supporting and donating to fight a disease that effects 1 in 8 men and takes a life every 45 minutes.

Please keep sharing and supporting to help spread the word and if you do wish to make a donation please click the link to my just giving page below where you can also follow my progress.


Thanks in advance and hope you don’t mind me posting here.

Steve

Many congratulations Steve on a) your magnificent efforts for a very worthy cause and b) losing your lurker status at last.

Donation made.

All the best me duck,

kp
 
Hi everyone

After a long time visitor to this site, I have decided to sign up and start posting. Firstly so sad to read this thread and see how this disease has affected people. Which is one of the reasons I participated in Prostate United last year where I ran 5km each and every day of October including the club allowing me to complete a run at Seagrave. I was able to raise just over £3.2k

This year I have signed up again to run as team Leicester City and I have just completed run 17 this morning with 14 more to complete my challenge of running 5km each and every day of October to help raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.

So far I have raised just short of £2.8k but would love to raise so much more for this amazing cause, I would love to get as many of the LCFC fanbase following, supporting and donating to fight a disease that effects 1 in 8 men and takes a life every 45 minutes.

Please keep sharing and supporting to help spread the word and if you do wish to make a donation please click the link to my just giving page below where you can also follow my progress.


Thanks in advance and hope you don’t mind me posting here.

Steve
All done.
Thanks for you efforts
Up the City!
 
Run 18 of my Prostate United challenge completed, with 13 more to complete my challenge of running 5km each and every day of October to help raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.

To date I have run just under 95km which is 58.75 miles and have raised just over £2.8k but would love love to raise so much more for this amazing cause so really would love to get as many people following, supporting and donating to fight a disease that effects 1 in 8 men and takes a life every 45 minutes.

I also made it into the Prostate United Team of the Week as the overall 2nd highest fundraiser which is amazing so thank you to everyone who has donated so far.

Please keep sharing and supporting to help spread the word and if you do wish to make a donation please click the link to my just giving page below, where you can also track my progress.

https://click.contact.justgiving.co...c4090f18a592fa569d362634172ea3e82e525df183713
 
Happy Saturday everyone and that is Run 19 of my Prostate United challenge completed, and a dozen more to complete my challenge of running 5km each and every day of October to help raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.

I have now smashed the 100km and raised over £3k but would love to raise so much more for this amazing cause so really would love to get as many people following, supporting and donating to fight a disease that effects 1 in 8 men and takes a life every 45 minutes.

Please keep sharing and supporting to help spread the word and if you do wish to make a donation please click the link to my just giving page below. Thanks to everyone who has shared and donated so far.

https://click.contact.justgiving.co...c4090f18a592fa569d362634172ea3e82e525df183713
 
It was pretty disappointing given it is football orientated event with most other clubs getting actively involved and given it is a disease that can impacts a large proportion of the fanbase then I was suprised they weren’t a little more forthcoming.
Morning
It’s unreal.
Bearing in mind the generic of the fanbase.
Prostate cancer is also championed by soccer Saturday & Sky.
LCFC at its current ongoing finest, more disconnect.
Keep going, it can’t have been much fun in the wet this morning.
Up the City!
 
Thanks pal so much for the donation, I did. contact the club to ask is they would help promote my runs and they said they couldn’t as they get lots of requests.

That's spectacularly mean-spirited Steve but not altogether surprising given the club's seemingly endless capacity to score own goals. They really ought to be offering you a feature in the programme and/or a piece on the official website.

Who did you contact at the club? Jim Donnelly, Fan's Liaison Officer, might be able to help - jim.donnelly@lcfc.co.uk. Good luck!
 
That's spectacularly mean-spirited Steve but not altogether surprising given the club's seemingly endless capacity to score own goals. They really ought to be offering you a feature in the programme and/or a piece on the official website.

Who did you contact at the club? Jim Donnelly, Fan's Liaison Officer, might be able to help - jim.donnelly@lcfc.co.uk. Good luck!
Last season I contacted the club as i completed the same challenge, initially I contacted the supporters help email address and they had said they were liaising with the club/stadium operations team as it was around the Sunderland home game and the lionesses were then taking over the stadium, anyway as I was not really getting a straight answer I contacted the board and the morning after the Sunderland game which we had travelled down for and stayed over I was asked if I wanted to run round the training ground, it was absolute class.

This season I contacted the club via the board and press email addresses and I have been in contact with fan liaison team who advised the club could not support with social media but would possibly do something in a programme and possibly allow me to do a run at the ground. As yet I have had no further contact regards any sort of promotion in the programme and it is holding emails regards the opportunity to complete a run at the ground. Given time is running out not sure anything is going to happen but lets hope so 🤞
 
Run 20 of my #prostateunited challenge completed, and just the 11 left to complete my challenge of running 5km each and every day of October to help raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK

This is a disease that doesn’t care about your age, how fit you are or your if you are famous or not, I would love to raise so much more for this amazing cause to help the heroes who are treating and caring for the warriors fighting this disease and their families who lives have been turned upside down, the people researching new treatments and fighting for increased testing and screening.programmes, so I really would love to get as many people following, supporting and donating to fight a disease that affects 1 in 8 men and takes a life every 45 minutes.

Please keep sharing and supporting to help spread the word and if you do wish to make a donation please click the link to my just giving page below.

 
I am in contact with Louise Hollingsworth and Jamie Brewin so hopefully hear something soon, I have chased each week will give Jim a nudge today.

I think I've done the club a bit of a disservice then given that they haven't dismissed your request out of hand. As Daggers says Jim will help out if he possibly can.
 
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