My Prostate Cancer Journey and Why You Should Get Tested

[simongt]

Day one at home after my hernia op, same day cut & shut. All well within the bounds of me behaving in an appropriate genteel manner - !
Finally went private as the NHS, to be fair has been overcommitted and under established since it's formation in 1948 but after a years waiting, I was going to have to wait quite another few months before getting it fixed and we want to get on with our lives - !
We have savings and it's that sort of thing we have savings for.
Hardly surprisingly, couldn't fault any of the treatment and procedures, so now it's just the up to four month journey to full recovery.
My only very minor grumble was when I was given my tea post op, the crisps 'garnish' to my pieces were salt & vinegar flavour as that's all they had at the time; the only flavour I don't like - !

 

[The Jogger]

It's been nearly 6 weeks since my prostate removal, I found the first week quite a challenge with the catheter in place. On the 8th day I removed it myself. Things started to improve after that, although I still have some niggling pains in the pelvic area but I've read that's the healing going on but I'm not convinced. I walk 5kms everyday along the Chichester canal. On Feb 3rd I have a meeting with the surgeon for the histology report, then March my first post op PSA. Onwards and upwards. Oh and the other side effects have been minimal.

 

[Buck]

I have had PSA tests since 2019 and had a follow up PSA test last year. This showed a level of over 11 ug/L and led to a speedy MRI which thankfully showed no abnormalities. The consultant recommended a 6 month follow up which was done in February - the result has gone up to 14! (context I was just over 4 in 2024 and just over 1 in 2019)

I have no change in symptoms just frequent toilet visits and no family history but such a high result is very concerning. Consultant has asked for another PSA blood but has said they want me off the bike for 4 weeks prior to the blood test as it is now recognised that cycling can causing damage/bruising to the prostate and elevate results for some individuals. I'm not sure if my condition (Crohn's) and the long term medication I am on has any effect - my limited research seems to suggest not?

She said that if the result is high again then they will do another MRI before deciding on next steps (?biopsy)

As others have said, do get tested and also use your figures to spot trends and changes to your physical symptoms.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

I have had PSA tests since 2019 and had a follow up PSA test last year. This showed a level of over 11 ug/L and led to a speedy MRI which thankfully showed no abnormalities. The consultant recommended a 6 month follow up which was done in February - the result has gone up to 14! (context I was just over 4 in 2024 and just over 1 in 2019)

I have no change in symptoms just frequent toilet visits and no family history but such a high result is very concerning. Consultant has asked for another PSA blood but has said they want me off the bike for 4 weeks prior to the blood test as it is now recognised that cycling can causing damage/bruising to the prostate and elevate results for some individuals. I'm not sure if my condition (Crohn's) and the long term medication I am on has any effect - my limited research seems to suggest not?

She said that if the result is high again then they will do another MRI before deciding on next steps (?biopsy)

As others have said, do get tested and also use your figures to spot trends and changes to your physical symptoms.

Good luck going forward.

 

[biggs682]

I am due a 3 month PSA test on Thursday and like @Buck I have been advised not to cycle prior to the test but only for 10-14 days

 

[PK99]

man that was a tough read but also kinda powerful, the early test really made the difference there, people ignore that stuff way too long, glad it worked out for you, stories like this probably push more guys to actually get checked instead of avoiding it

Thank you for your kind words.

Indeed I hope to inspire other guys to get tested.

I have made no secret about my Journey and as a result I have found myself acting as informal mentor to guys online and in the real world.