Prostate Cancer

 I was diagnose with Prostate cancer July last year. July 16th I went to see my GP to discuss my blood test results in regard to my statins medication for Cholesterol.  Everything was fine. My GP asked if there was any problems. I mentioned that I was getting leg cramps quite a lot, a known side effect, and acid reflux was on the up. She thought that an examination was in order. She did a quick exam & thought my bladder seemed to be over-large & quite solid. I was given a letter to take to Burton Hospital A&E the same morning, There I was processed & sent through for treatment. A catheter was fitted & 3 Ltrs were drained from my bladder. I was kept in overnight. The next day I was examined by the hospital Dr. (Khan I think). It was thought there might just be some cancerous issue. I was discharged with a warning there would be a follow-up appointment at the Urology Centre for a biopsy. My Wife called to the hospital with a change of clothing, T-shirt & jogging bottoms. I went to the hospital in a shorts & sandals (We had a pretty good summer) and no way was I going to be walking about with a leg-bag containing urine. I was not a freak as some people may think, so to save embarrassment all around, joggers were the order for the duration. I had parked my car about 1/2 a mile from the hospital as parking charges are astronomical. I had parked for about 30 hours and saved a load of cash. About a week later, I had a letter telling me of an appointment at the urology center for a check up/biopsy, August 13th. I still had the catheter & leg bag fitted from my first visit. A very nice Lady (Miss Sha) was my consultant, she would be doing the exam & biopsy. I felt quite at ease, even knowing that I was in for some discomfort. I'll not go into details but the biopsy was over & on my return home my underwear was blooded. It was Friday 6th  September I saw Dr Khan again. He came straight to the point, telling me "There are cancer cells in there." I was not really surprised or even worried, I knew that men of my age group with prostate cancer is very common, and that the success rate in 'curing it' is high. He asked if I had any thoughts on this, to which I answered " Thank you, but it is not my problem, it's yours." He was very surprised my my answer, and asked what I meant. I told him that he and his team were the qualified people who had the responsibility of 'curing me', it was mine to follow their advice as closely as possible, and to report any thing I might think important. He was very pleased with that. His response was that if more men had my way of looking at this problem, his life would be so much easier.
Friday 13th I had 3 scans and 1 x-ray (on my eyes). I had steel in one eyes many years ago, and as I was going to have an MRI scan, it had to certain I would be compatible due to the magnetic fields in the scanning. So MRI followed by a CAT scan followed later in the day a bone scan. All was well (as could be expected)

STAMPEDE TRIALS

I was given the opportunity of joining the trials early October and having been processed by some computer somewhere, I was accepted as suitable.

I was officially in the STAMPEDE TRIALS as of Friday 25th October I was interviewed by my Consultant Researcher Dr. AD Chetiyawardana and Sister Sarah Hathaway-Lees. (Cancer research) at Queens Hospital. We chatted & had a few good laughs during my interview (They had not met me before) I filled in some paperwork giving my consent for the trial. I was told that my drugs were deemed as suitable for my condition, but to make sure I read the instructions carefully. I would be seen again in 6 weeks time by Dr. Cheti (as he was known). I would have to see Sarah on a fortnightly basis for blood samples taken at my GP's and blood pressure readings. A blood pressure test at the time was showing good results. After the interview I was given 2 Zoladex tablets to start my treatment, I had to make an appointment at my local surgery for an implant of a 3 month supply of Zoladex. My next move was to call into the pharmacy for my new drugs, 6 weeks supply of 4 Abiraterone (HRT) tablets taken with water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Followed some two hours + with one tablet of Prednisolone (Steroid) to be taken with food...Let battle commence.
I have been on these drugs now for a while, and having read the instructions about side effects. I thought I would start a diary of daily of events, noting any problems, side issues and information as I received it.
 November 7th I had my catheter removed for a new one November 13th  I had an appointment at the Urology clinic for a bladder test. I sort of failed, I could not pass urine, which is not uncommon. But for all that,it was a GOOD DAY! My catheter was taken away permanently & was given a box of 30 compact catheters,single use self insertion. I had my freedom back. Swimming & walking were back on the cards. My archery is still on hold as I cannot see that blowing £80 or so on subs is a good idea if my further treatment knocks me down. I think the treatment will involve Radiotherapy, 5 days a week for 7 weeks minimum. It could well start late January or wait up until March. I will soon find out the where and when.
December 5th I had my first blood pressure reading which was high enough to cause slight concern. After a 10 minute rest it had come down to be acceptable-JUST. This means I have to have another test at my local surgery the following week. I e-mailed the result to Sarah on my return home and had a reply within the hour to double my Prednisolone dose. I now have volunteered to have extra BP tests when I have blood samples taken & e-mail the results to Sarah. The altered dosage seems to be doing the trick...so far. Tomorrow 3rd January I have my next Zoladex implant. The needle looks like a size 4 knitting pin, but hollow.

More to follow as and when