Surviving Prostate Cancer

It’s been a while since I’ve updated the blog. Simple reason is that nothing major has been happening, that is until about a month ago.

I’ve been having some discomfort around the site of the old prostate which is now causing some issues. A few weeks ago while at work I ended up doubled over in pain at the site of the old prostate, unable to stand back up. This lasted about 10 minutes all told and wasn’t pleasant at all. I contract Mr Karim and got an appointment to see him. Inital thoughts were that this was some kind of mechanical issue, either bladder stones, or some of the plastic clips inside me had moved and was causing issues.

So I was booked in for an ultrasound, flow test, and Flexible Cystoscopy to see what was happening.  The ultrasound came back fine, liver, kidney and outside of the bladder have all been checked and all looked OK.

The came the day of the cystoscopy. I was aprehensive to say the least, what man wouldn’t be. But considering everything else I’ve been through, it was just another day on the farm.

For those who don’t know what a Flexible Cystoscopy is check out this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cystoscopy

The whole procedure didn’t take too long, and i found it interesting watching the whole thing on the monitor next to the bed. Once the local anesthetic gel had been inserted I didn’t really feel anything, in fact I didn’t even know the camera was in until I saw the images on the screen.

Anyway, once the procedure was done, I was sent home with some anti-biotics and told to take things easy. It was a little sore, and the pills made me spend more time on the loo than anywhere else. Oh and when I peed… man did it sting! ouch.

The results of all the tests pointed to the scar tissue around the neck of the bladder causing issues. It’s still pretty solid which doesn’t flex very much and this is where the pain is coming from. Over time the tissue will stretch and will become more flexible so I’ll get less pain going forward. Phew… at least the Cancer isn’t back!!

Next update will be in October when I have my next PSA test. This will be my first 6 month test so I’m hoping things are still going well. Cheers

Well it’s been one of those weeks

I went in last week to have some blood taken for my regular 3 monthly PSA test and ended up having to get it done twice! Long story short I was too dehydrated the first time round and my viens just collapsed every time they tried to take any. I was sent home with strict instructions to drink loads and keep warm. So off I went and just kept drinking.

Next morning I returned to the clinic for round 2. Again on the first attempt they couldn’t get anything at all, then finally after a little pushing and wiggling of the needle, and a pop! they managed to get some blood All in all it took 6 attempts to get anything!

Anyway, I go to see THE MAN on the 29th with some good news… my PSA is now stable enough for me to go on to 6 monthly checks!!

He also checked the site of my recent hernia operation and proclaimed that all was well and that I can now resume normal every-day activities

All in all it’s been a really good week!!

The boys out on the town!

However, in the end it was a really good day. We started by handing out flyers to the fans outside and suprisingly we got a very welcome reception from them. From there we got dressed into our drag outfits and then stood in front of 16,000 fans to explain what The Great Drag Race was all about.

The Great Drag Race @ Millwall

After the game we met the Chairman of the club and a few of the player and really enjoyed ourselves.

The Great Drag Race @ Millwall