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User

Posted 10 Dec 2014 at 09:56

Hi Dave,

The blood was slightly less than on Monday. I wasn't surprised I found blood when I wiped myself because emptying my bowels had been quite painful. It wasn't that I was constipated or anything.

I think I'm probably going to have to wait for the medications my GP gave me to work. It's just strange that after two and a half weeks of no bleeding, it should suddenly start again.

Steve

User

Posted 10 Dec 2014 at 16:16

Hi Steve

In my posting on 8 December I referred to your Urologist - I should of course said your Oncologist.

You are happy with your GP but because of the number of bleeds your have had since your RT ended I still think you should speak to to your Oncologist or your Clinical Nurse Specialist, if you have one.I would do it now rather than later.

Alan

User

Posted 10 Dec 2014 at 20:50

It may simply be that your oncologist sees the bleeds as a known side effect of RT and assumes that you were aware of and understood the risk. Bowel bleeds tend to look worse because the area is so well serviced by arteries / veins. It may be that none of the medical staff you have spoken to understand how distressed you are by the situation and therefore haven't communicated this to your oncologist. If you make a call to the onco's secretary or have another conversation with the nurse specialist, perhaps make sure that you are communicating how frightened you feel.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 10 Dec 2014 at 22:49

Hi Steve

You are certainly going through it at the moment, just think if the RT has done this to your bowels, God knows what it has done to the Cancer.

All the best

Roy

User

Posted 11 Dec 2014 at 08:35

Hi Steve

A rectal show of blood or bleeding is a side effect from the treatment and it can be something or nothing.

I see from your last posting that your Oncologist told you that you should contact them if you had any bleeding problems. When you call again tell them - as I am sure you will - that you are calling on the advice from your Oncologist. I would move this up a gear and ask to speak to your Oncologist's Secretary. Ask the Secretary if she/he could find out if your Oncologist is aware of the full extent of your problems and for someone to get back to you. I would ask about the possibility of having a sigmoidoscopy

By way of interest, the previous NICE guidance recommended that men treated with radical RT should be offered a flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years. So far I cannot find an equivalent recommendation in the latest guidance from NICE – no doubt it is there somewhere.

I hope there is some positive reaction to your phone call.

Alan

User

Posted 11 Dec 2014 at 14:56

Hi,

Thanks for your messages.

I feel in a bit of a reflective mood. Six months ago today, on the 11th.June, I was told I had cancer. A moment that changed my life forever. I can't believe what I've been through since then. It would just be nice if things could improve over the next six months. I wish I could change things.

Anyway, I rang my cardiac rehab nurse to discuss my bleeding problems and the pain I was now getting and she agreed with me that it was time that oncology tried to sort out my problem or at least investigated what the cause was. She told me that I should stress to them that this was delaying my heart treatment so it needed sorting.

I've just rung my clinical oncology nurse and left a message. Hopefully, I will hear back from them soon.

Steve

User

Posted 11 Dec 2014 at 18:26

Hi Steve,

You've been through a lot so hang on in there. I know it's easy for me to say and i'm probably saying the obvious but try to keep calm and not be too stressed as this might affect your overall recovery. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Hope the oncologist gets on top of this situation for you asap.

All the best, Arthur

User

Posted 12 Dec 2014 at 17:56

Hi,

I finally managed to something sorted.

I rang my oncologist's secretary this morning, explained the situation I'm in and straight away she said I needed to see the oncologist face to face so she booked me an appointment for Monday. That's more like it, I might at least be referred to someone who can try and fix the bleeding issue.

I was advised yesterday by my cardiac rehab nurse that I should probably not consider working until after I've had the other artery corrected. Not good news for me but she did say she'd email my cardiac consultant to stress that it was important that my case is treated sooner than later because of my need to return to work.

Some better news on the work front is that I received an email from the new digital editor of the newspaper I've been working for (who are ceasing their printed editions next week) saying they will probably still be offering work to freelances to supply pictures for their online editions that will replace them. I'm due to meet him next Thursday at a special staff lunch they are holding, so I want to make a good impression if I can. It will be sad too because many of the existing staff who are leaving will be saying their goodbyes.

Anyway, hoping that Monday's appointment will help get things sorted.

Have a nice weekend everyone.

Steve.

Edited by member 12 Dec 2014 at 18:24 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 12 Dec 2014 at 19:05

Hi Steve,
Looks like that curve you have been riding may be on the up at last!
A few separate threads look like they are coming together.
Chin up and look forward!

All the best

Kevin

User

Posted 16 Dec 2014 at 00:12

Hi,

Well, the day finally arrived when I, at last, seemed to get things sorted.

I saw my oncologist who agreed that I'd had a pretty tough time recently. I explained to her my need to get things moving so I could get back to work and she reminded me that the most important thing was my health. She told me that I had been very lucky things had happened as they did. When I mentioned that I should have been running the Reading Half Marathon in March, she said she thought the way things were, I may not have survived that race, given the state of my heart. I found that quite a scary thought.

Anyway, she thought I should continue with the suppositories for another week as she thought they seemed to be working. The bleeding issue has been improving over the last couple of days, so she could be right. She told me to contact her again if the problem continued.

Before the meeting ended she suggested that I called into the cardiac unit to see if the appointment with my consultant had been booked yet.

This turned out to be very good advice because when I checked with the department, they found that nothing had been booked. The receptionist was so helpful that she went to see the consultant who came out to see me. He's a really friendly guy who, when he heard of my situation, immediately booked me an appointment for my angioplasty for the 19th. January, the earliest date they had available. He said that hopefully, by then, the bleeding issue shouldn't be a problem but if it was, I could always have a double bypass operation instead. He said he was happy to do whichever I decided on but having read a bit about the bypass op, I think the simpler angioplasty would be my choice even though it would not be as long lasting.

One thing I checked with him is whether or not I could go back to work next Tuesday after my four week driving ban had finished (a legal requirement following a heart attack). He said that there should be no problem provided I took it fairly easy to begin with. Great news. Before I left, he wished me a Happy Christmas and said he would see me in the New Year.

So I was happy that, at least, I know when things are going to be sorted and that my return to work is in sight. I won't take any chances, I want to be around for a few more years yet.

Steve

Edited by member 16 Dec 2014 at 00:17 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 16 Dec 2014 at 00:53

Well done, Steve. Sorting your health comes before everything else.

Paul

Stay Calm And Carry On.

User

Posted 16 Dec 2014 at 01:14

Hi Steve

I hope you finally get this sorted in the new year, it such a shame we have to chase up appointments, or we get lost in the system, it's something all newbies need to be aware of.

All the best

Roy

User

Posted 16 Dec 2014 at 01:43

Pleased to see that you have some resolution and plans are now in place.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 16 Dec 2014 at 09:01

Pleased for you Steve.
Here's to a happier and healthier 2015
Best Wishes
Sandra

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails

User

Posted 16 Dec 2014 at 10:30

thank goodness Steve on all counts, now you can go back to work albeit at a slower pace, enjoy your xmas and new year and work towards your January appointment.

Mandy Mo

User

Posted 16 Dec 2014 at 15:58

Hi Steve,

That will be a weight off your mind, that plans are now in place to sort out your issues, there is nothing worse than uncertainty.

Now set your sights on a very happy and joyful holiday period with your family.

Good luck and best wishes,

Gerry.

User

Posted 16 Dec 2014 at 18:12

Hi Steve,

At last it looks as if things are getting better. Long may it continue. Best wishes to you and your family,El.

User

Posted 18 Dec 2014 at 02:15

Hi,

Just had a really nice day. My daughter was kind enough to take myself, my wife and grandson to visit my mum. It was her first chance to see her first great grandchild. She lives in the Midlands and due to recent events I've not had too much chance to see her. I'm really looking forward to being able to drive again next Tuesday, it's been frustrating having to rely on other people to give me lifts. The big advantage was that I was able to drink. We had a really nice meal at a local pub, it was just what I needed after the events of the last few weeks.

I had to be really careful what I said to my mum. When I found out about my cancer, I made the difficult decision that I wouldn't tell her about it. She's in her 80's now and has been really upset because my sister's husband has been fighting cancer for the last five years. If she found out that her only son also had cancer she would be devastated. All she would do is sit around worrying about me all the time when she couldn't really do anything. I don't want to cause her that much pain unless I really have to. The recent heart attack has made it even more difficult. In some ways, that could worry her even more as my dad died of a heart attack when he was only 47. If my treatment is successful, she need never know. I don't like keeping such a secret but I just want her to be happy.

I had a slightly worrying moment this evening. I started to get chest pains and had to resort to using a special spray I was given when I left hospital. I was warned this could happen as I have an unresolved heart problem. I have to spray this liquid under my tongue, sit down and wait five minutes, if the pain doesn't go, repeat the process again. If the pain doesn't go after twenty minutes, I have to ring 999 for an ambulance to get to the hospital as soon as possible. Just a bit scary.

Fortunately, the spray worked though it left me with a dreadful headache, a side effect of using the spray. My wife was a bit concerned this happened, as I had the same happen last night but I didn't mention it on this site because I thought it was just a one off incident. It's going to be a bit of a nervous time until I have my second operation in January now. I know my wife would prefer it if I didn't go back to work until I've had that but I'm sure I'll be ok.

Anyway, we'll see how things go. I don't intend taking too many risks.

Steve

User

Posted 18 Dec 2014 at 09:51

Hi Steve, sorry you had to take the spray. Was it a nitroglycerin one?

I know you are anxious about returning to work. It's going to be a difficult one to call isn't it. Stress if you do and stress if you don't
I can understand your wife preferring you to hold back though. She is obviously concerned about you.
Good luck with everything.
Try and rest whilst you can.
Best Wishes
Sandra

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails

User

Posted 18 Dec 2014 at 11:43

Hi Sandra,

Yes it is that one. Even through you spray it under the tongue, you can still taste it. It's like taking poison, no wonder you get a headache.

Still, if it works that's all that matters.

Steve

User

Posted 18 Dec 2014 at 12:53

Steve,

I understand your response to your mum entirely. I was in exactly the same dilemma when I was diagnosed. I had had cancer previously and my mum had been very supportive then but it was thirty plus years ago. Now she is 91 and having discussed it with my brothers we decided for now we would not tell her, as she would just worry but is herself too old and infirm to do anything sbout that worry.

I have been lucky for three years now and the situation remains the same. I know that as I have an incurable diagnosis that there will come a time when chemo kicks in and I think I would have to tell her then, until then she can live out her life without that worry. I am realistic enough to know we will both die but kinda hope it is my mum first for this reason, it feels the natural order!

User

Posted 18 Dec 2014 at 16:38

Hi Steve,

Trevor calls his spray his headache producer. He has several all over the house and in the car etc. Your cardiac nurse is right if the second spray doesn't give relief in say 15/20mins or starts to worsen hot foot it via ambulance to A&E. Don't hang about. Once you have had this second angioplasty you will feel so much better in body and mind. I would think if your job isn't physically demanding it would be OK to return to work and maybe that being occupied will help your frame of mind but your body and of course your rehab nurse will be the best to guide you.

I always remember after Trevor's 1st heart attack his cardiac Nurse saying that he would be so much more aware of every little twinge his body makes where before he would probably not have even noticed.

BFN

Julie X

NEVER LAUGH AT A LIVE DRAGON

User

Posted 19 Dec 2014 at 23:46

Hi,

Thanks for your messages.

Today was four weeks since I had my heart attack and I'm beginning to realise that the next month (my other operation is due to take place a month today) is probably going to be quite hard for me.

Yesterday, I had to say goodbye to many of the people I've worked with for the last five years at a farewell lunch held by the newspaper to mark the final editions of the paper. They are continuing with an online edition but very few of the existing staff are staying so I feel as if it's very much the end of an era. I really feel as if I should be available for work as soon as possible otherwise other freelances will be doing the shifts that I would have hoped to have been given. By the time I've recovered it will be difficult to get shifts if the new editor has got used to using the other freelances.

The recent incidents where I'm experiencing chest pains are not going away and after a conversation with my cardiac rehab nurse yesterday, she agreed with my wife's feelings that next week would be too soon for me to return to work. She said that if I was her husband, she wouldn't be very happy if I did, especially as the chest pains have happened when I've just been sitting and not been doing anything that might have caused them.

I decided that she was probably right so I said I would wait until after the Christmas break and see how I felt then. She thought that would be best, she said she didn't want anything to happen to me before she had chance to torture me with the fitness programme she has planned for me following the January operation. She probably wasn't joking. I don't mind, I want to get fit again, when it's ok to do so.

Steve

Edited by member 20 Dec 2014 at 02:24 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 20 Dec 2014 at 07:08

Loved that last paragraph Steve. Your nurse sounds like a fine woman, wanting to torture you thoroughly AFTER Christmas!

I can understand your frustration at the restrictions placed on you, but if you return too early or have too much stress you could end up never having to worry about those things again.

I hope you have sorted our everything you are entitled to under the system to ease any extra financial worries because worrying about money or how you'll manage isn't going to help.

What other jobs can be done using photography on a freelance basis? I expect you've explored them all though haven't you.
Keep your chin up, keep resting, keep positive.

You will be so much better in 2015.

Best Wishes
Sandra

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails

User

Posted 20 Dec 2014 at 09:18

Hi Steve,
The frustration in your words are virtually tangible!
I fully understand the drivers for you getting back to work but I'd say you just need to hold back for the next month and get yourself sorted.
I know news never stops but I'd guess work would be lighter over the Christmas break anyway, so a good time not to be available.

Kick back and focus on the family.

All the best

Kevin

User

Posted 22 Dec 2014 at 18:46

Hi,

Only five hours fifteen minutes until I can drive again. Have to start my Christmas shopping tomorrow.

Feeling good. Haven't had anymore chest pains since last week.

Looking forward to being released from house arrest.

Steve

Edited by member 22 Dec 2014 at 19:06 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 22 Dec 2014 at 20:59

WAY TO GO STEVE, back to driving again and a bit nearer normality but seriously Christmas shopping are you mad the day before Christmas Eve, you men you always leave everything until the last minute.http://community.prostatecanceruk.org/editors/tiny_mce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif

I am a great believer in fate and I think 2015 is going to be your year, you have had your run of bad luck it's somebody else's turn know.

Merry Xmas and much better 2015.

BFN

Julie

NEVER LAUGH AT A LIVE DRAGON

User

Posted 23 Dec 2014 at 14:16

Dear Steve

I don't always respond, but reading your threads daily.

Wishing you all the best.

Alison x

User

Posted 23 Dec 2014 at 14:22

Pleased to hear things are getting easier for you Steve ,have a good Christmas and all the best for the new year Andy

User

Posted 23 Dec 2014 at 19:50

So pleased to hear things are on the up Steve.

Here's to a great Xmas and a better new year

All the best

Bri

User

Posted 23 Dec 2014 at 20:26

So good to pop on and see this positive post Steve.

Merry Christmas, the torture can wait!

Cheers

Allison

User

Posted 24 Dec 2014 at 00:47

Happy Birthday Steve have a good one.

Roy

User

Posted 24 Dec 2014 at 01:02

Roy,

Thank you, glad to have made it to this day, after the events of the last few weeks. There were times when I wondered if I was going to make it.

Hope you've just had a great day with your birthday celebrations, I'm looking forward to having my family around me to share it with me. I'm sure I will be a little sad too, realising what I could loose if I don't win this fight against cancer.

Had another show of blood this morning, for the first time since last week, just to remind me that my rectal problems haven't gone away yet.

I'm sure everything will come right in the end. I'm not going to let it spoil the next few days.

Have a great time.

Steve

PLEASE NOTE THIS CONVERSATION IS CONITUED ON THE "Today is the First Day of the Rest of My Life" THREAD.

Edited by member 20 Jan 2015 at 15:25 | Reason: Not specified

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