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3rd (now 4th) PSA increase

User
Posted 24 Apr 2017 at 16:06

I think Ray has had all the RT they will give him Gordon :-(

Ray, John had reflux problems but we never associated it with the Cialis ... makes sense though since it affects so many other muscle groups.

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

User
Posted 24 Apr 2017 at 16:54
Hi Lynn

You are very knowledgeable. . Why is brachy a possible option after RT ? Yet RT not or is it ?

Gordon

User
Posted 24 Apr 2017 at 17:28

Most oncologists would not offer brachy after RT as the radiotherapy makes the prostate gloopy, which makes it hard to place the seeds safely. There are a few places in the UK where you can get HIFU after RT.

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

User
Posted 24 Apr 2017 at 20:30

Thanks to all for the comments

Andrew, reassurance helps my mind from wondering down the wrong path needlessly.

Chris, in another thread I passed the comment GP wanted me to give Cialis a break for 6 weeks and then restart to see if Cialis was the cause. My conclusion was symptoms (feeling of continual virus on one side - excess fluid made worse on excertion/eating - food sticking and reflux was still there after 6 weeks at a very low level but intensified greatly on restarting Cialis to the extent I had to stop them again.

Gordon I never close doors on any life issues so options from my part will remain open on PCa possible challenges to come. I had 3DRT what was then quite a new idea. Since then more focussed RT is on board. I've been here plus a decade and from that have learned one step at a time is the way forward and predicting what PCa will do is futile as like life it plays by its own rules.

Lyn, rechecked prescribing leaflet and reflux is down as an uncommon side effect. After some questions GP had a ureaka moment, pulled out a flow chart sheet covering Child/Teenage issues(?) and said no choice but refer you. I'm a male so of course I didn't ask what he thought. I'm still gambling on Cialis.

My mood must be improving as I'm busy busy.

Ray

User
Posted 25 Apr 2017 at 00:30

In general, it is the case that once a man has had a full course of RT further doses are only given largely to alleviate pain by being directed at a very small number metastases. However, in some cases at certain hospitals there is a willingness to consider further more refined RT. Two of the hospitals I asked whether I might be treated this way in need said it was a possibility and one asked if I could obtain the details of precisely the paths of the original RT so these could if possible be avoided. However, UCLH, my present hospital, have told me that they would not administer further RT or even more HIFU as I have had 2 major treatments already. (I was assured that this was not because of my age or other health issues.) In the event that my current PSA of 0.66 doubled, they would suggest HT. In that situation I might again investigate the possibility of refined RT such as but not limited to Cyberknife, as a possible way to further delay HT.

Some oncologists are prepared to treat more aggressively than others. It is up to the individual, if he so wishes, to explore what might be the next step for him and whether to follow the norm or perhaps take more of a risk with a consultant who thinks outside the envelope.

Barry
User
Posted 25 Apr 2017 at 12:24

Barry

Yes I think in the first instance it’s down to each to decide if they want the hassle, for want of better word, of going down relatively new paths or staying with the norm. If the former then finding a NHS consultant who thinks likewise is perhaps the first step? In that I could be well placed as my RT centre is QE Birmingham, whom my chosen local hospital is linked to, as if they can’t provide a service they are likely to have contacts that have, a thought to keep in my head

My approach to treatment, if needed, would be different it if it was gauged to be a new cancer or the old one never completely gone away. Dr Walsh’s thoughts are a new cancer trying to develop would fail due to inadequate blood supply caused by RT damage to vessels. So I guess that answers that one.

Cancer cells need a good supply of blood which still leaves the thought does Cialis have a bearing on RT guys– not a lot but enough to push one over the edge?

Whilst typing this hospital just rang, uro appointment next Weds – my mind is debating is that quick or normal? After all these years the mind still plays PCa games -:)

Ray

Edited by member 25 Apr 2017 at 12:25  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 03 May 2017 at 21:32

So a long hospital day. On the back of son-in-law unexpectedly dying aged 45 - puts PCa issues into perspective. Whether it should or not influence PCa decisions is?

Throat issues: Inflammation ( meds given) - need CT Scan as some doubt but unlikely to be PCa related.

Prostate: DRE indicates nodule. To be arranged MRI followed by biopsy. Consultant no doubt it's PCa so all thoughts/comments PSA were healthy cells recovering was perhaps wrong. Chat overview comments were wouldn't give or advice HIFU as success rate too low. If I wanted that would have to go to London. Surgery possible. If I didn't want that then IHT. Was correct in being prudent to take past letter and my own history as old notes are ?

Ray

User
Posted 03 May 2017 at 22:02

I am so sorry about your son-in-law Ray and I know from bitter experience the helplessness of watching your own child grieve and not being able to do anything to protect her from the pain.

In the midst of tragedy, your own situation takes a bit of a back seat I guess but good news on the throat. How annoying that your notes are missing though :-(

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

User
Posted 03 May 2017 at 22:44

Lyn thanks - yes the heart breaker just helpless

Rau

User
Posted 07 May 2017 at 15:16

Esophagus CT scan today (Sun). Whilst there they fitted the Prostate MRI ,which was planned for Thursday in afterwards - that's good service.

So they arranged Endoscope and Uro apppontments on same day (Wed's) 4 days later had scans done

I'm aware NHS get it wrong sometimes but this time marvellous service

Ray

Edited by member 07 May 2017 at 15:19  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 07 May 2017 at 15:24

Can't beat that for service.

User
Posted 07 May 2017 at 16:42

Well done NHS in your case.

Condolences on the loss of your son in law.

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails
User
Posted 07 May 2017 at 18:33

One thing (actually two things) less to worry about - fingers crossed for swift results

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

User
Posted 08 May 2017 at 09:09

Thanks to all. Son in law day is the 17th. My head is too fuzzy to resolve whether it's better to have swift results or after the day.

Ray

User
Posted 08 May 2017 at 10:21

My thoughts are with you at this difficult time Ray.
I think you just have to take each day as it comes and deal with each thing as it comes up.
I don't suppose that the 17th is going to be an easy day but neither is it going to be the day when everything is settled and put to rest. Your daughter is going to need support way beyond that day so knowing results before or after is unlikely to make much difference in the long run.
All the best
Julie

User
Posted 08 May 2017 at 12:58

Ray,

Firstly my condolences on the loss of your son in law. Words cannot describe such a loss. My sister's daughter died of a brain aneurysm in her case, some years ago, just before she was to be married - devastating.

As regards your medical situation, it seems your consultants are doing what they can to determine whether it is the nodule felt in the DRE that's giving rise to increased PSA and or from another area.  If it is believed that it is the nodule, that may at least enable it to be treated specifically.

Best wishes,

Edited by member 08 May 2017 at 13:19  | Reason: Not specified

Barry
User
Posted 08 May 2017 at 17:20

Julie, I didn't put the support very well.. Indeed yes support needed long term. An incentive for me to keep this PCa under control for as long as possible.

Barry, thanks I read a similar sad loss. We now know it was a burst blood vessel in the brain. My daughter was working away from home at the time and thus the guilt she could have done something if she had been there, but no, so some relief.

Trus date of 19th received today so already in post before MRI was brought forward. I note you now have to stay behind for 1 to 2 hours, somewhat different to my last two as it was pretty much go home straight away.

Ray

User
Posted 19 May 2017 at 14:25

Funeral, circa 300 came which helped to lessen the pain.

Biopsy today: the two in 2004 went fine however in comparison to now a lot more time given to relax guys.

Small amount of blood in urine possibly from recent throat biopsy samples - no histology on system yet.

DRE nodule confirmed.

MRI - "low T2 signal changes peripheral zone are in keeping with prior radiotherapy. No focal lesions have been identified"
7 samples taken from each side.

PSA dropped to 1.55 (1 month ago was 1.96).

Next meet 31st. CNS: we wait for results but HT is a possibilty.

Due to previous RT prostate will take longer to heal so no work at all for 7 days!!

Ray

User
Posted 19 May 2017 at 17:42

Funeral 300????

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

User
Posted 19 May 2017 at 18:48

Lyn
Yep 300, never seen so many. Church packed - Crem afterwards had folks outside - social club packed solid. Family -friends - cricket club members - daughters work colleagues even Son in Law 's local workplace closed for the day so they could attend.

Ray

Edited by member 19 May 2017 at 18:54  | Reason: Not specified

 
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