June 24th
Today I met with Mr Karim over at the bridge clinic for my first post operation check-up. For most of the day I’d been a little nervous, wondering what the results were going to be and what I could expect to have to deal with in the future.
Well I am very happy to tell you all that the results were probably as good as you could wish for. My Super sensitive PSA (SPSA) test results came back as >0.01 ng/mL which is the lowest measurement possible. You don’t get better than that. Mr Karim was very impressed! My original PSA test result last year was 3.00 ng/mL, so to now have a result of 0.01 ng/mL is outstanding.
I do not require any futher treatment, no radiotheropy, no cemo, nothing. I will remain under observation for the next 5 years which works out at PSA tests every 3 months for the next year, then PSA tests every 6 months for another year, and then finally once a year for the final 3 years. At the end of all this, if my PSA level remains as low as it is now then I will be pretty much cured.
We then discussed the operation and the details of the cancer found within the Prostate. It was found that the cancer had not breached the Prostate wall and all of it was contained within the organ. Having said that the cancer had almost reached the wall so had the operation not taken place when it did the cancer could have easily spread to the lypth nodes and bladder.
Finally we talked about the future and I have offered my services to others, to help them understand what it is like to live with Prostate Cancer, how the operation feels, the emotional rollercoaster ride, and what to expect going forward.
The outlook is very, very good so I am now looking forward to living my life to the full again. I am also now looking to devoting some time to promoting the detection of Prostate Cancer, especially in younger men, and the need for regular screening just like that available to women for cervical cancer. It would not be difficult for the NHS to offer this screening, it’s a simple blood test, but it does cost money, and therefore the NHS cheque book needs to be balanced.
The starting point for all this will be the development of the Robdav.co.uk web site. I’m going to build this up with as much information, details, help, advice, and a forum for people to share their experiences. I am then going to look into raising money to help fund more research into Prostate Cancer. Just watch this space and we’ll see what happens over the coming months and years….
Really proud of you and look forward to a few more years together xxx
Hi Bob, long time reader first time comment
Great to hear your good news.
Hi–so, another “youngster”! I was 43 at diagnosis, but had suspected it for a while. I, too, have blogged about my experience. I had a Da Vinci prostatectomy, too. I later had to have salvage radiation. All seems well now. I’m a couple of years out of radiation with undetectable PSA. All the best!
BTW, I live in the southwest U.S., but I have a friend who worked for a while in Nottinghamshire. Small world.
Sounds like you’re doing great, and surgery was a success! Best wishes.
Hello there, thanks for the very kind comments on my blog. I do seem to have become a member of the “youngsters” club, and know of only a handful of men who are in my age group. It’s important that we spread the word because there are still many men out there who do not know or understand the isssues around Prostate Cancer.
Incidentally, where in Nottinghamshire did your friend work?
Take care my friend
Rob
a few more years? lol… I’d hoped for more than that
love you xx
What an interesting article!!!! Thanks for sharing.. my dad has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and my heart went out to him and knowing his ordeal. I am 47 and recently did a PSA test only to learn that mine was quite high also and following which I had to do a biopsy which I heard the news of the Big C. I have been doing some research online and came across your website and am presently seeking doctors advice and seeing which will be the best possible treatment for my dad as well as for myself.
Your article has been a positive one and I truly appreciate your word by word account of all you went through. May God bless you and I hope other youngsters such as ourselves will get tested while its early.
Great news on your follow up test that all is OK. As a man with very elevated PSA but a negative biopsy it is leaves me with a feeling of constant turmoil. Although no cancer found after my biopsy I will always wonder, ‘Did they just miss it by a hair’s breadth?’ I am watchful waiting so at least I am being monitored. Thank you for this detailed and informative story of your road back to health. For visitors to this blog… go get a PSA test, it might save your life.