A good mate of mine has been going through Prostate cancer and for some time didn't tell any one except a few close friends ,he has recently started to talk about it openly in the hope it will encourage men to get the examination , I'd like you to read the following email he wrote to every one he knows , he has given permission to pass it on freely , since the age group of the forum is the danger zone I thought it a good place to post it , mates name is Mick
David
Hi
I have prostate cancer and need to pass on an important message -
If you are male and over 40 or have a loved one in this age group, I hope you take the time to read this message to learn from my experience. It may save the life of a Brother, Father or Son.
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2009 and had surgery (radical prostatectomy) 8 weeks later. Almost a year has passed, some cancer is still in me and I'm battling on. I will soon start radiation therapy.
I went to the doctor for a routine checkup in June 2009 and simply asked for blood tests to include a PSA check (prostate cancer blood test). The GP was reluctant to order the PSA test as he didn't consider it necessary. I insisted, because I had seen an interview on TV regarding prostate cancer, and thought I should have it checked.
The doctor contacted me a few days later and asked me to come in to discuss the test results. My heart skipped a beat. The PSA level was high but the doctor told me not to worry, as only 1 in 1000 men in my age group (40-50) get prostate cancer.
I was not considered to be in a high risk category. There is no history of prostate cancer in my family, nor did I have any symptoms, but, the PSA test result came back above the normal range. I was treated for a month for suspected prostatitis (prostate infection) - a process of elimination of another cause of an elevated PSA level. Unfortunately my PSA level continued to rise.
I was later referred to a urologist and had a biopsy within a week of that appointment. Two days after the biopsy the urologist called me at home on a Friday night, and said that I had prostate cancer. He spoke for about five minutes but I can't remember anything he said other than, "Sorry but you have prostate cancer". I was stunned; the whole world was spinning, Would I die? What about the kids? I thought I was prepared to hear a result either way, but I was shell shocked. I cried, the world had instantly changed for me.
The future I had imagined was thrown into doubt. Would I see my kids grow up and start their own families? Would I hold my Grandchildren one day? Would I reach retirement age and travel the world?
I was in the urologist's office on the following Monday morning to discuss my options. More (staging) tests followed; CT scans and bone scans to see if the cancer had spread. The radiologist who did the bone scan said "Wow, 45, you're a bit too young to be seeing me!". I heard that a lot. People consider prostate cancer to be an old man's disease, but it isn't.
I didn't sleep or eat well for weeks. Waiting for ongoing test results and specialist appointments seemed to take forever. I couldn't concentrate at work. I only told a few close friends. I read everything I could find on the Internet relating to prostate cancer while constantly worrying. I made a new will & EPOA. It was emotionally draining. I used to lie awake at night staring at the ceiling worrying about the future... 'The kids are still at school. (Nick 14 & Steffy 13). What if I don't get through this?'
I had robotic surgery to remove the prostate gland in November 09. Four days later the surgeon came to see me with a histology report (pathology report from the operation). He believed that they had got it all. The prostate gland had been removed and there was no sign of cancer in the surrounding tissue. I was expected to be OK. It was over. I sobbed for half an hour. Thank God it was over.
I took six weeks leave from work to convalesce. The physical recovery was painful and the subsequent incontinence & impotence very distressing. My body will never be the same. I felt humbled by the generosity and support I received from my family & friends. It's something I will never forget. My son Nick and I have a very special bond. He helped nurse his Dad; made my lunch everyday before making his own for school. He has grown up too quickly and understands his risk of cancer. I'm worried for him.
In February 2010 I went back to the Urologist for a checkup, expecting to be given the "All Clear". Something was wrong, the PSA was detectable. It has been bouncing up and down since, indicating that there is still cancer there somewhere. "Oh no, not again". Emotionally I hit rock bottom and have been receiving treatment for depression. I recently met with a radiation oncologist to plan 6 1/2 weeks of salvage radiation therapy. I should have had that first PSA test sooner.
I guess you get the message, I have suffered and wouldn't want anyone to go down this road. Sadly, the people I love have also shared the grief. It could happen to anyone, but IT CAN BE AVOIDED. If I had been having regular PSA tests since age 40 I would probably be OK now. My partner & kids shouldn't be worrying about my next test result and further treatment, they should be enjoying life. I often feel guilty that I have caused them grief that could have been avoided, had I been more diligent with my health checks.
Sadly, many men die unnecessarily because they're not aware of the risks, or are put off by the idea of a digital rectal examination. Yeah, It's undignified and a bit uncomfortable, but it can save your life. Men are often too proud to consider health checks, or put health on the back burner as a low priority. Generally women seem to have breast screening and pap smears as a normal routine. Why don't men consider regular prostate tests?
Before my cancer diagnosis, I hadn't had a physical prostate exam for over two years because I didn't like the previous experience with Dr Banana fingers up the street. I should not have put it off. Now I don't care how often I get poked or prodded or drained of blood. It's better than dying.
Up until the day of my surgery I did not have symptoms that would have prompted me to see a doctor. No doubt if I hadn't volunteered for the checkup I might be in a much worse situation by now. Obviously if you're feeling OK it doesn't mean that you are OK.
I kept details of my health problem to a small group of family and friends. I felt it was very personal and embarrassing, but now I know it's nothing to be ashamed of. I'm not looking for sympathy. I'm sharing my story because I want others to learn from my experience. I'm hoping that this email will prompt more men to check their health.
Some positives have come from my prostate journey. My perspective on life is different. I appreciate the good things. I hold the kids a lot closer and listen to them when they want to talk. I'm never too busy for them. Problems at work are not so important. I have met some wonderful people in the medical profession and made friends through the Brisbane prostate cancer support group, who feel like family.
If one person reads this message and makes an appointment for a health check then that's another positive. (Have a cardiac & diabetes check too). The PSA test is inconclusive so it's best to have both the blood test and rectal exam. A physical examination can detect a tumor in >15% of cases where the patient doesn't have an elevated PSA.
The information available from the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and Beyond Blue were of great value to me, but it all costs money. Cancer research institutions need ongoing funding. I worry about my Son Nick as his chance of getting prostate cancer has doubled. I'm hopeful that there will be rapid advances in detection and treatment technologies so my Son and other men don't have to follow me on the prostate cancer journey.
Breast Cancer receives a lot of publicity but prostate cancer doesn't have the same public profile. Each year in Australia, close to 3300 men die of prostate cancer - almost equal to the number of women who die from breast cancer. Sadly, 20 000 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year.
Prostate cancer doesn't discriminate. It can happen to anyone. I'm just an average guy. A family man who goes to work at the office each day and also enjoys hobbies like anyone else. I'm sharing my story in the hope that others will relate to it and realise the importance of health checks. I sent an email similar to this to my close friends some time ago and several were prompted to have their prostates checked. One has just commenced treatment for prostate disease and another has just finished radiotherapy. It made a difference, so I'm sharing my story with the wider community.
Guys, the key message here is to have a prostate checkup. Not just for your sake, but for the sake of your family and friends who could potentially suffer with you later because you weren't proactive. Early detection is the key to a good recovery. If detected and treated early, prostate cancer can be cured. If the cancer spreads outside the prostate capsule, the outlook is not so good. There is no cure, just treatment to slow it down and manage the symptoms.
Boys, pick up the phone and make a doctor's appointment NOW.
Girls, make sure he does it or make the appointment for him. Don't put it off.
Mick
David
Hi
I have prostate cancer and need to pass on an important message -
If you are male and over 40 or have a loved one in this age group, I hope you take the time to read this message to learn from my experience. It may save the life of a Brother, Father or Son.
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2009 and had surgery (radical prostatectomy) 8 weeks later. Almost a year has passed, some cancer is still in me and I'm battling on. I will soon start radiation therapy.
I went to the doctor for a routine checkup in June 2009 and simply asked for blood tests to include a PSA check (prostate cancer blood test). The GP was reluctant to order the PSA test as he didn't consider it necessary. I insisted, because I had seen an interview on TV regarding prostate cancer, and thought I should have it checked.
The doctor contacted me a few days later and asked me to come in to discuss the test results. My heart skipped a beat. The PSA level was high but the doctor told me not to worry, as only 1 in 1000 men in my age group (40-50) get prostate cancer.
I was not considered to be in a high risk category. There is no history of prostate cancer in my family, nor did I have any symptoms, but, the PSA test result came back above the normal range. I was treated for a month for suspected prostatitis (prostate infection) - a process of elimination of another cause of an elevated PSA level. Unfortunately my PSA level continued to rise.
I was later referred to a urologist and had a biopsy within a week of that appointment. Two days after the biopsy the urologist called me at home on a Friday night, and said that I had prostate cancer. He spoke for about five minutes but I can't remember anything he said other than, "Sorry but you have prostate cancer". I was stunned; the whole world was spinning, Would I die? What about the kids? I thought I was prepared to hear a result either way, but I was shell shocked. I cried, the world had instantly changed for me.
The future I had imagined was thrown into doubt. Would I see my kids grow up and start their own families? Would I hold my Grandchildren one day? Would I reach retirement age and travel the world?
I was in the urologist's office on the following Monday morning to discuss my options. More (staging) tests followed; CT scans and bone scans to see if the cancer had spread. The radiologist who did the bone scan said "Wow, 45, you're a bit too young to be seeing me!". I heard that a lot. People consider prostate cancer to be an old man's disease, but it isn't.
I didn't sleep or eat well for weeks. Waiting for ongoing test results and specialist appointments seemed to take forever. I couldn't concentrate at work. I only told a few close friends. I read everything I could find on the Internet relating to prostate cancer while constantly worrying. I made a new will & EPOA. It was emotionally draining. I used to lie awake at night staring at the ceiling worrying about the future... 'The kids are still at school. (Nick 14 & Steffy 13). What if I don't get through this?'
I had robotic surgery to remove the prostate gland in November 09. Four days later the surgeon came to see me with a histology report (pathology report from the operation). He believed that they had got it all. The prostate gland had been removed and there was no sign of cancer in the surrounding tissue. I was expected to be OK. It was over. I sobbed for half an hour. Thank God it was over.
I took six weeks leave from work to convalesce. The physical recovery was painful and the subsequent incontinence & impotence very distressing. My body will never be the same. I felt humbled by the generosity and support I received from my family & friends. It's something I will never forget. My son Nick and I have a very special bond. He helped nurse his Dad; made my lunch everyday before making his own for school. He has grown up too quickly and understands his risk of cancer. I'm worried for him.
In February 2010 I went back to the Urologist for a checkup, expecting to be given the "All Clear". Something was wrong, the PSA was detectable. It has been bouncing up and down since, indicating that there is still cancer there somewhere. "Oh no, not again". Emotionally I hit rock bottom and have been receiving treatment for depression. I recently met with a radiation oncologist to plan 6 1/2 weeks of salvage radiation therapy. I should have had that first PSA test sooner.
I guess you get the message, I have suffered and wouldn't want anyone to go down this road. Sadly, the people I love have also shared the grief. It could happen to anyone, but IT CAN BE AVOIDED. If I had been having regular PSA tests since age 40 I would probably be OK now. My partner & kids shouldn't be worrying about my next test result and further treatment, they should be enjoying life. I often feel guilty that I have caused them grief that could have been avoided, had I been more diligent with my health checks.
Sadly, many men die unnecessarily because they're not aware of the risks, or are put off by the idea of a digital rectal examination. Yeah, It's undignified and a bit uncomfortable, but it can save your life. Men are often too proud to consider health checks, or put health on the back burner as a low priority. Generally women seem to have breast screening and pap smears as a normal routine. Why don't men consider regular prostate tests?
Before my cancer diagnosis, I hadn't had a physical prostate exam for over two years because I didn't like the previous experience with Dr Banana fingers up the street. I should not have put it off. Now I don't care how often I get poked or prodded or drained of blood. It's better than dying.
Up until the day of my surgery I did not have symptoms that would have prompted me to see a doctor. No doubt if I hadn't volunteered for the checkup I might be in a much worse situation by now. Obviously if you're feeling OK it doesn't mean that you are OK.
I kept details of my health problem to a small group of family and friends. I felt it was very personal and embarrassing, but now I know it's nothing to be ashamed of. I'm not looking for sympathy. I'm sharing my story because I want others to learn from my experience. I'm hoping that this email will prompt more men to check their health.
Some positives have come from my prostate journey. My perspective on life is different. I appreciate the good things. I hold the kids a lot closer and listen to them when they want to talk. I'm never too busy for them. Problems at work are not so important. I have met some wonderful people in the medical profession and made friends through the Brisbane prostate cancer support group, who feel like family.
If one person reads this message and makes an appointment for a health check then that's another positive. (Have a cardiac & diabetes check too). The PSA test is inconclusive so it's best to have both the blood test and rectal exam. A physical examination can detect a tumor in >15% of cases where the patient doesn't have an elevated PSA.
The information available from the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and Beyond Blue were of great value to me, but it all costs money. Cancer research institutions need ongoing funding. I worry about my Son Nick as his chance of getting prostate cancer has doubled. I'm hopeful that there will be rapid advances in detection and treatment technologies so my Son and other men don't have to follow me on the prostate cancer journey.
Breast Cancer receives a lot of publicity but prostate cancer doesn't have the same public profile. Each year in Australia, close to 3300 men die of prostate cancer - almost equal to the number of women who die from breast cancer. Sadly, 20 000 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year.
Prostate cancer doesn't discriminate. It can happen to anyone. I'm just an average guy. A family man who goes to work at the office each day and also enjoys hobbies like anyone else. I'm sharing my story in the hope that others will relate to it and realise the importance of health checks. I sent an email similar to this to my close friends some time ago and several were prompted to have their prostates checked. One has just commenced treatment for prostate disease and another has just finished radiotherapy. It made a difference, so I'm sharing my story with the wider community.
Guys, the key message here is to have a prostate checkup. Not just for your sake, but for the sake of your family and friends who could potentially suffer with you later because you weren't proactive. Early detection is the key to a good recovery. If detected and treated early, prostate cancer can be cured. If the cancer spreads outside the prostate capsule, the outlook is not so good. There is no cure, just treatment to slow it down and manage the symptoms.
Boys, pick up the phone and make a doctor's appointment NOW.
Girls, make sure he does it or make the appointment for him. Don't put it off.
Mick