Help with my Dad please

User

Posted 02 Dec 2017 at 14:30

Hi all,

after some thoughts about my father please. He is 70 and had to go and have some regular blood tests 10 weeks ago - came back with low platelets and possible kidney function problems. Retested and told they were ok but dr wanted to do more blood tests - he returned on Tuesday thinking he would be told all ok however, they had tested his PSA levels and they were high(he has not told me how high). Given a DRE exam while there and told prostate very enlarged, also told his bladder is swollen. It has been a standing joke in the family for the last few years that wherever we go we need to find where the toilets are as he cannot be far from one. Really worried there was more to it. Gp has said she is concerned about prostate and bladder cancer - urgent referral done - he has appts on 11th Dec for MrI scan and also ultrasound on bladder. Is this normal to have the ultrasound? Dad thinks the consultant who does the MRI will give him results on the day, is this likely? The waiting is awful

User

Posted 02 Dec 2017 at 21:31

Hello Angela

Since we don’t know the PSA it’s a little hard to answer but it sounds like your dad could be in urinary retention which is why the doctors want to do an ultrasound. They look at the kidneys to check how they are functioning. They can usually tell how the bladder is emptying and whether the kidneys and bladder is working properly. The prostate can block the exit from the bladder if it is enlarged and that can cause problems. It sounds like doctors are doing all the right things. Hold tight and yes, they will be able to tell what’s going on from the scan straight away.

Good luck to you dad

Lots of love

Devonmaid

User

Posted 02 Dec 2017 at 22:21

Hi Angela,

I agree with Devonmaid, it sounds like they are doing all the right tests so try to br positive. Your Dad needs someone with him at the consultations who has a notepad and a pen to make notes of what is said and don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for clarification. Your first step is to call the Prostate Cancer UK Specialist Nurse and have a chat, ask for the toolkit it will help you understand what is going on and be able to understand what you are told by the Consultant. As time goes on you might look at other Prostate Cancer Publications, I got loads and they were very helpful to me. Please remember that the Consultants are experts but that doesn't mean you can't ask questions - remember the only dumb question is the one you don't ask. Four and a half years ago when I was going through my diagnosis I was in a mess and so were my family so I understand where you are, all I can advise is to try to calm down and think positive, it's not easy I know but try your hardest you being upset won't help your dad. The 11th December may seem like a long time but in reality it isn't. You can always (with your dad's permission) ring up and ask what the PSA reading was. PSA readings are an imperfect measure, the Specialist Nurse will be able to explain.

All my best wishes, I'll follow your story.

NormanA

Edited by member 02 Dec 2017 at 22:23 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 03 Dec 2017 at 16:04

Angela, the consultant won't do the MRI scan. This will be done by technicians and a Radiologist will report on the scan to your consultant. It will probably be a few days before you have the answers you want. It sounds as though your father has been grinning and bearing a problem for far too long, with the result that it is now an acute one. A warning to us all not to neglect problems in embarrassing parts of the body!

Good Luck.

User

Posted 03 Dec 2017 at 17:41

Hi Angela,

Just to reiterate some of the comments above. The pen and notebook are a must. My daughter came with me to most of my early appointments both before and after diagnosis and the start of treatment. I’m sure, like me, your dad will hear everything that he is told but because there is so much to remember taking it all in is quite another thing. I can also confirm that the results of the MRI will go to your dad’s consultant and won’t be available there and then.

I too was given an ultrasound early on. This was to see, as already mentioned, how much urine was was left in my bladder after urinating.

I agree that the waiting is awful but the more information your dad’s consultant has the better they will be able to formulate a treatment plan.

All the best

Dave

Edited by member 03 Dec 2017 at 20:56 | Reason: Not specified

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