Newly diagnosed

Hello everyone,
Well, I've joined the club nobody wants to belong to.

It's taken a little while to get the courage to post, what with the
emotional roller coaster I'm on right now.

62 years old
G2 (GL7 cancer cells found in 1 of 8 biopsy plugs),
T1 Stage
Don't remember what my PSA was. Just high.
MRI and X-rays done.
Seeing specialist on Wednesday 3rd January to see what future holds.

End June (Saturday night watching NCIS) I found myself having
difficulty peeing and after an hour, dialed 999 due to pain starting.
4 minutes later a paramedic was phoning for an ambulance to take me to
A&E 20 miles away.

I can tell you my eyes watered seeing the nurse appear with that
looong tube - oh no guess where that's going!
No problem, no paint at all, just relief:-)

Usual examinations showed enlarged prostate and high PSA.
Uro at hospital put me on alfuzosin hydrochloride (Xatral XL) to relax
the bladder.

Tube came out 2 days later. No problem.
Waterworks back to normal.
Doctor said to wait a while before more blood tests as high PSA may be
due to large prostate.
Well a month ago another test, PSA still high, and appointment made
for internal scan and biopsy.

There was a TV report here in the UK, just before my appointment,
about men being unable to get proper treatment for their PCa, during
which one interviewee said the biopsy was the most painful experience
he had ever had.
That I did not need to hear!!

Came the day and . . "off with everything below the waist and lay
sideways on examination table with knees under chin"
Yes sir.
"I'm going to . . . . but 2 injections first"
I did NOT feel a thing!
Other than the unusual pressure of something foreign being stuck up my
jacksy/jacksie no pain at all.
Now I started to get anxious thinking of that guy on TV.
Click . . Click . . NO PAIN AT ALL . . Click
It only got painful during the last 2 biopsy plugs.
"All done. Results in 7-10 days"
Ah it's over. Relief.

The worse part was the waiting.
And then the kick in the stomach, the b*lls etc on hearing the dreaded
word 'cancer'.
As week later I had MRI and X-rays.

Now one of my hobbies is Model Engineering, building miniature steam
engines,something I have not done for 20 years due to lack of
equipment and workshop since settling in England.

I've just spent 2 years equipping the garage with the tools and
equipment to start again, and also converted the small 3rd bedroom
into a library and hobby room for building plastic kits and painting
cast figurines, so I will be really, really, REALLY peed off if I
don't get to use any of the facilities I've take these past 2 years to
build-up.

I've had a looked at the various web sites mentioned in this ng, and
read some of the postings, but these, the postings, are really scaring
me reading the SEs some are having from some treatments.

I'm not bothered about dying, it's just the effect my problem is
having on my 84 year old mother who is not in good health.
I see her wasting away in front of my eyes, which is causing me more
stress than my probem right now.

I don't have a family of my own - still single, so one problem not to
worry about.

It's the thought of the horrible SEs from various treatments that is
scaring me more than death itself.

So, Wednesday I find out.
And Wednesday is the start of the rest of my life so to speak.

Oh I will be so *&%^$ pissed off if I don't get to use either of the
hobby rooms.
REALLY, REALLY, REALLY . . . . .

On a better note . .
Happy New Year
or should that be
Happier New Year to all in the group.

GeoffH
(The Pirate)
Norfolk - UK not VA

"GeoffH" <halgate> wrote in message
news:v19fp2tt67kt459q3e4leph4nta2ookm9a@4ax.com...

Hello Geoff,
>
> It's taken a little while to get the courage to post, what with the
> emotional roller coaster I'm on right now.
>
....
>
> There was a TV report here in the UK, just before my appointment,
> about men being unable to get proper treatment for their PCa, during
> which one interviewee said the biopsy was the most painful experience
> he had ever had.

It was for Spouse some years ago but this time he said he didn't want that
pain and it was done under a light ga. Most NHS doctors are concerned with
the whole of the patient's welfare.

We don't have a tv so don't see horror stories.

> The worse part was the waiting.

Well, the best part is that it has been diagnosed, now you're on the way to
life-saving treatment. The worse thing to do would be not to accept it.
Don't be frightened.

> Now one of my hobbies is Model Engineering, building miniature steam
> engines,something I have not done for 20 years due to lack of
> equipment and workshop since settling in England.
>
> I've just spent 2 years equipping the garage with the tools and
> equipment to start again, and also converted the small 3rd bedroom
> into a library and hobby room for building plastic kits and painting
> cast figurines, so I will be really, really, REALLY peed off if I
> don't get to use any of the facilities I've take these past 2 years to
> build-up.

Spouse is a model maker too - flying aircraft. He also makes replica
historical items. He's continued buying the latest equipment and tools, he's
witnessed my life since I had cancer treatment eight years ago and he
expects to be the same. It's VERY unlikely that you won't be able to use
your facilities - at least the ones in your hobby rooms :-)
>
> I've had a looked at the various web sites mentioned in this ng, and
> read some of the postings, but these, the postings, are really scaring
> me reading the SEs some are having from some treatments.

As in newspapers, good news isn't mentioned much, horror stories are a very
small proportion of patients' reports. We've had excellent care and service
from the NHS and it's been a rewarding experience. But say that round here
and you're accused of being smug or, even worse, lying. That's sad because
people like you need to know that it's not all bad. Up to now you've had
good experiences which have given the lie to the bad reports you've heard.
Remember that almost every man's experience is different from every other
man's. The same is true of other cancers too. Also, care is different in UK,
you won't be on your own after the treatment, instead you'll have speedy
responses to any discomfort you experience and any needs you might have.

You've been diagnosed, you're in good hands, you've had no pain. You MIGHT
have pain post surgery but that can be controlled, don't try to keep a stiff
upper lip and be manly, say when (if) it hurts.
>
> I'm not bothered about dying, it's just the effect my problem is
> having on my 84 year old mother who is not in good health.
> I see her wasting away in front of my eyes, which is causing me more
> stress than my probem right now.

Geoff, we all die. Your mother's had a good innings and your feelings for
her are admirable but sometimes we have to let go and attend to ourselves.
>
> It's the thought of the horrible SEs from various treatments that is
> scaring me more than death itself.

People who describe SEs are only saying what THEY experienced, you might
not. In fact, the probability is that you won't. I don't know anyone in real
life who has done and I'm not unique.
>
> So, Wednesday I find out.
> And Wednesday is the start of the rest of my life so to speak.

Make the most of it :-)
>
> Oh I will be so *&%^$ pissed off if I don't get to use either of the
> hobby rooms.
> REALLY, REALLY, REALLY . . . . .

You will. Don't worry, it won't add a single day to your life :-) There's no
point in worrying about something which MIGHT happen. Might as well
celebrate before knowing that your lottery number has won the jackpot :-)

Where in the flat county are you?

Mary

First of all Geoff, take a deep breath..... and remember that no matter what
your results are you will get to play in your hobby room!

I presume the MRI and X-rays are to check for bone mets (cancer spread)
please be reassured that if you do have bone mets it does not mean that you
have the very aggressive bone cancer, it means you would have prostate
cancer that has spread to the bone. This is much slower growing and can
respond to hormone treatment. Of coarse it goes without saying that you may
have a perfectly clear scan in which you will face a choice of treatments.
Either way, take your time to decide what is best for you, this cancer does
afford you a little bit of 'thinking time'

I am not a Doctor and my advice only comes from personal experience. My
husband John (50years old) has been fighting this cancer for over 3 years
unfortunately he is one of the few who despite a courageous fight is
loosing the battle and we are at the tail end of it all.

We are also in the UK (Northamptonshire) and have lots of experience with
Clinical trials at the Royal Marsden in Sutton surrey. If you need to have a
chat please do not hesitate to email me and i will give you my phone number.

I shall be thinking of you this Wednesday

Carolyn, John Preston
xx



"GeoffH" <halgate> wrote in message
news:v19fp2tt67kt459q3e4leph4nta2ookm9a@4ax.com...
> Hello everyone,
> Well, I've joined the club nobody wants to belong to.
>
> It's taken a little while to get the courage to post, what with the
> emotional roller coaster I'm on right now.
>
> 62 years old
> G2 (GL7 cancer cells found in 1 of 8 biopsy plugs),
> T1 Stage
> Don't remember what my PSA was. Just high.
> MRI and X-rays done.
> Seeing specialist on Wednesday 3rd January to see what future holds.
>
> End June (Saturday night watching NCIS) I found myself having
> difficulty peeing and after an hour, dialed 999 due to pain starting.
> 4 minutes later a paramedic was phoning for an ambulance to take me to
> A&E 20 miles away.
>
> I can tell you my eyes watered seeing the nurse appear with that
> looong tube - oh no guess where that's going!
> No problem, no paint at all, just relief:-)
>
> Usual examinations showed enlarged prostate and high PSA.
> Uro at hospital put me on alfuzosin hydrochloride (Xatral XL) to relax
> the bladder.
>
> Tube came out 2 days later. No problem.
> Waterworks back to normal.
> Doctor said to wait a while before more blood tests as high PSA may be
> due to large prostate.
> Well a month ago another test, PSA still high, and appointment made
> for internal scan and biopsy.
>
> There was a TV report here in the UK, just before my appointment,
> about men being unable to get proper treatment for their PCa, during
> which one interviewee said the biopsy was the most painful experience
> he had ever had.
> That I did not need to hear!!
>
> Came the day and . . "off with everything below the waist and lay
> sideways on examination table with knees under chin"
> Yes sir.
> "I'm going to . . . . but 2 injections first"
> I did NOT feel a thing!
> Other than the unusual pressure of something foreign being stuck up my
> jacksy/jacksie no pain at all.
> Now I started to get anxious thinking of that guy on TV.
> Click . . Click . . NO PAIN AT ALL . . Click
> It only got painful during the last 2 biopsy plugs.
> "All done. Results in 7-10 days"
> Ah it's over. Relief.
>
> The worse part was the waiting.
> And then the kick in the stomach, the b*lls etc on hearing the dreaded
> word 'cancer'.
> As week later I had MRI and X-rays.
>
> Now one of my hobbies is Model Engineering, building miniature steam
> engines,something I have not done for 20 years due to lack of
> equipment and workshop since settling in England.
>
> I've just spent 2 years equipping the garage with the tools and
> equipment to start again, and also converted the small 3rd bedroom
> into a library and hobby room for building plastic kits and painting
> cast figurines, so I will be really, really, REALLY peed off if I
> don't get to use any of the facilities I've take these past 2 years to
> build-up.
>
> I've had a looked at the various web sites mentioned in this ng, and
> read some of the postings, but these, the postings, are really scaring
> me reading the SEs some are having from some treatments.
>
> I'm not bothered about dying, it's just the effect my problem is
> having on my 84 year old mother who is not in good health.
> I see her wasting away in front of my eyes, which is causing me more
> stress than my probem right now.
>
> I don't have a family of my own - still single, so one problem not to
> worry about.
>
> It's the thought of the horrible SEs from various treatments that is
> scaring me more than death itself.
>
> So, Wednesday I find out.
> And Wednesday is the start of the rest of my life so to speak.
>
> Oh I will be so *&%^$ pissed off if I don't get to use either of the
> hobby rooms.
> REALLY, REALLY, REALLY . . . . .
>
> On a better note . .
> Happy New Year
> or should that be
> Happier New Year to all in the group.
>
> GeoffH
> (The Pirate)
> Norfolk - UK not VA

From: halgate (GeoffH)

Oh I will be so *&%^$ pissed off if I don't get to use either of the
hobby rooms.

=====> hi geoff - with only one core being positive and dx'ed at stage
T1, i won't even think about giving up your hobby rooms. in fact, you
might as well plan on building another room because you are going to be
around for a long, long time.

it's not the end of the world.

yes, your life will never be the same, but that doesn't mean that your
life is going to be worse either.

if i were to say anything to you right now, i think it would be to focus
on the future and not the present and make plans for your hobby. all of
this may look like a mountain, but when you are on the other side of
this and look back at it, you will see that it was nothing more than a
speed bump in the road of life.

and i can tell you that i'm pushing 4 years post op treatment and that
speed bump is even looking smaller...... )

and yes, i'm back to planning and doing the things that i want to do.

~ curtis

knowledge is power - growing old is mandatory - growing wise is optional
"Many more men die with prostate cancer than of it. Growing old is
invariably fatal. Prostate cancer is only sometimes so."
http://community.webtv.net/PALMER_ENT/doc

GeoffH wrote:

> 62 years old
> G2 (GL7 cancer cells found in 1 of 8 biopsy plugs),
> T1 Stage

> End June (Saturday night watching NCIS) I found myself having
> difficulty peeing and after an hour,

> Usual examinations showed enlarged prostate and high PSA.

> Doctor said to wait a while before more blood tests as high PSA may be
> due to large prostate.

I'd "guess" that T1 should be T2 or more, given the "high" PSA,
symptoms, and "large" prostate.

However, since you're on the road to treatment, relatively young; maybe
a cure is in your future.

Even if you are not cured, you can plan on many, many, many years of
working on your models. That's just the way it is.

-kh

"GeoffH" <halgate> wrote in message
news:v19fp2tt67kt459q3e4leph4nta2ookm9a@4ax.com...
> Hello everyone,
> Well, I've joined the club nobody wants to belong to.
>
> It's taken a little while to get the courage to post, what with the
> emotional roller coaster I'm on right now.
>

4 years post surgery here. Sounds to me that you have a better chance of
dying due to a heart attack in 25 years, or getting hit by a truck than your
PCa. Sure it's not a good thing, but it's just another curve in life that
you'll adjust to. This not a death sentence. Happy new years!


--
JK Sinrod
www.SinrodStudios.com
www.MyConeyIslandMemories.com

GeoffH wrote:
> Hello everyone,
> Well, I've joined the club nobody wants to belong to.

I am sorry to bid you welcome. But as others in the thread have
already said, you're most likely going to be pursuing your hobbies for
a long time.

I had my surgery in November, and I feel pretty good 7 weeks past. I'm
a little sore when I sit down, and I am still regaining continence.
I'll probably be impotent for the next few months, but that has not
stopped my wife and me.

> There was a TV report here in the UK, just before my appointment,
> about men being unable to get proper treatment for their PCa, during
> which one interviewee said the biopsy was the most painful experience
> he had ever had.
[snip]
> "I'm going to . . . . but 2 injections first"
> I did NOT feel a thing!

Do you know what the injections were? I had nothing, and my biopsy was
quite uncomfortable -- as though I were getting kicked over and over
again between the legs from behind. Some numbing agent would have been
nice.

> I've had a looked at the various web sites mentioned in this ng, and
> read some of the postings, but these, the postings, are really scaring
> me reading the SEs some are having from some treatments
....
> It's the thought of the horrible SEs from various treatments that is
> scaring me more than death itself.

I know how you feel; I felt the same way when I started reading this
group in August. Keep in mind that people posting here are at all
levels of this disease, and might be going through a very different
future than you will likely encounter. My SEs are annoying but not
debilitating. And I've probably beaten this cancer -- I'll know more
later in January.

There are a lot of good-hearted people who post here. There's nothing
posted here that you should accept uncritically, of course. Research
your options. But you have a lot of time to make this decision, too.
Prostate cancer is usually very slow-growing.

> So, Wednesday I find out.
> And Wednesday is the start of the rest of my life so to speak.

Please let us know what you learn.

"GeoffH" <halgate> wrote in message
news:v19fp2tt67kt459q3e4leph4nta2ookm9a@4ax.com...
> Hello everyone,
> Well, I've joined the club nobody wants to belong to.

Well, welcome nonetheless, Geoff.


> G2 (GL7 cancer cells found in 1 of 8 biopsy plugs),

I'm not quite sure what you mean by G2. Also, is it 3+4=7 or 4+3=7?

> Don't remember what my PSA was. Just high.

You really need to find out, Geoff. A recommendation that we will all make
is to research this disease to the nth dgree before manking any decisions
and two very important criteria are your Gleason equation and your PSA.

> Seeing specialist on Wednesday 3rd January to see what future holds.

Your speacialist will likely make recommendations for your treatment. He
will take into account your medical numbers and his personal preferences.
You need to take his recommendations under advisement and make YOUR decision
based on your medical numbers and your personal circumstance and priorities.
Again, this is only possible with much research.

> I'm not bothered about dying, it's just the effect my problem is
> having on my 84 year old mother

My mother is only 75, but facing her with the news that I'm dying is
probably my worst fear.




--
PSA 16 10/17/2000 @ 46
Biopsy 11/01/2000 G7 (3+4), T2c
RRP 12/15/2000 G7 (3+4), T3cN0M0 Neg margins
PSA .1 .1 .1 .27 .37 .75
EBRT 05-07/2002 @ 47
PSA .34 .22 .15 .21 .32
Lupron 07/03 (1 mo) 8/03 (4 mo), 12/03, 4/04, 09/04, 01/05, 5/05, 10/05,
2/06, 6/06
PSA .07 .05 .06 .09 .08 .132 .145
Casodex added daily 07/06
PSA <0.04
Non Illegitimi Carborundum

One, you'll get at least a decade, probably two or three, in your choo
choo shop.
Two, What SEs? So what if I wear a pad and can't get it up? Pads keep me
dry, I can still get it OFF just fine, and most guys have fewer
long-term RP SEs than I do.
Third, I'd be infinitely more upset if I had chosen RT and gotten any of
its long-term SEs. But that's a personal choice; some guys live or die
by their erections and don't mind swapping off some impotence risk for
bowel incontinence risk.

I.P.

"GeoffH" <halgate> wrote in message
news:v19fp2tt67kt459q3e4leph4nta2ookm9a@4ax.com...
> Hello everyone,
> Well, I've joined the club nobody wants to belong to.
>
> It's taken a little while to get the courage to post, what with the
> emotional roller coaster I'm on right now.

4 years post-op here.... and looking forward to the future!
I'm 55 years old... and hope to be around for a good while longer!
I do remember the rollercoaster of emotions in the beginning... I think that
was the worst part. Once I decided on a treatment (LRP for me), things got
easier.
Best wishes!
MikeH