So this is my first post for this Blog
Don't expect this Blog to be updated regularly. I'm not real good at this sorta thing
28/11/16: Having been told by my previous GP (JL) that my last couple of PSA tests were "normal", my "replacement" GP (SLL) said... "You had PSA of 6 in 2016 and 5 in 2015. "Here, take this referral and go see a urologist as the normally accepted limit is 4.5". Thus, dear reader, begins the story.
28/11/16: Got to see the urologist (NC) on a cancellation. He explained that he would carry out a Biopsy and send me off for an MRI
20/12/16: MRI
10/1/17: Biopsy
17/1/17: NC confirmed by phone that I have Prostate Cancer and that it's aggressive. Whoopeee!
Sometime between the previous and next entry I jumped "on the wagon" and gave up all booze
27/1/17: Saw NC in his rooms. He confirmed that it's Gleason Score of 10 (the highest you can go). The cancer has gone to 1 node just outside the prostate. Outlined probable course of treatment and to get ready for side effects by starting to take various vitamins (Calcium 1000, Vitamin D3 1000, Magnesium). Said he'd refer me on to Radiation Oncologist (PB)
14/2/17: Saw Rad Onc (PB) who wrote a prescription for Hormone Treatment (Diphereline 11.25mg) injection 3 months apart for 3 years. Radiation will take place 6 months in - daily for 8 weeks at Epworth Richmond. I see him again in 3 months just after second injection and PSA test.
17/2/17: GP (SLL) administered first hormone injection (right butt cheek seeing you asked).
22/2/17: First "hot flush" - rather mild. Then again, it might've just been Melbourne's uncomfortably hot summer!
3/3/17: Notice muscle wastage in upper torso/arms
6/3/17: Saw GP (SLL). Advised me that my weight since last year has dropped (70Kg -> 66.4). I've been monitoring my weight (almost) daily since 4/2/17 and it's been reasonably consistent, with a slight drop (our scales are probably dodgy). She advised me to give up one of my Music Therapy groups (Burke&Beyond) as I was looking rather run-down. Suggested that I review this after Radiation
7/3/17: Blood Test
14/3/17: Saw SLL. Cholesterol is at upper margin of "safe" - needs to be controlled. Protein below acceptable - recommended fish, red meat, beans, dairy, tofu etc.
17/7/17: Not happy about staying on Nexium (and looking at side effects) I decided to switch to a probiotic drink (like Yakult). Took probiotic for 3 nights instead but on third night, woke with reflux. Now doing 2 nights on one, two nights on t'other to see if I can wean myself off Nexium.
It's not worth saying "watch out for the next instalment" but it Is worth saying "Get your PSA checked and make sure that it is at or below the limit. Don't take your GP's word. Ask what the reading was and what the upper limit for your age should be"
28/11/16: Having been told by my previous GP (JL) that my last couple of PSA tests were "normal", my "replacement" GP (SLL) said... "You had PSA of 6 in 2016 and 5 in 2015. "Here, take this referral and go see a urologist as the normally accepted limit is 4.5". Thus, dear reader, begins the story.
28/11/16: Got to see the urologist (NC) on a cancellation. He explained that he would carry out a Biopsy and send me off for an MRI
20/12/16: MRI
10/1/17: Biopsy
17/1/17: NC confirmed by phone that I have Prostate Cancer and that it's aggressive. Whoopeee!
Sometime between the previous and next entry I jumped "on the wagon" and gave up all booze
27/1/17: Saw NC in his rooms. He confirmed that it's Gleason Score of 10 (the highest you can go). The cancer has gone to 1 node just outside the prostate. Outlined probable course of treatment and to get ready for side effects by starting to take various vitamins (Calcium 1000, Vitamin D3 1000, Magnesium). Said he'd refer me on to Radiation Oncologist (PB)
14/2/17: Saw Rad Onc (PB) who wrote a prescription for Hormone Treatment (Diphereline 11.25mg) injection 3 months apart for 3 years. Radiation will take place 6 months in - daily for 8 weeks at Epworth Richmond. I see him again in 3 months just after second injection and PSA test.
17/2/17: GP (SLL) administered first hormone injection (right butt cheek seeing you asked).
22/2/17: First "hot flush" - rather mild. Then again, it might've just been Melbourne's uncomfortably hot summer!
3/3/17: Notice muscle wastage in upper torso/arms
6/3/17: Saw GP (SLL). Advised me that my weight since last year has dropped (70Kg -> 66.4). I've been monitoring my weight (almost) daily since 4/2/17 and it's been reasonably consistent, with a slight drop (our scales are probably dodgy). She advised me to give up one of my Music Therapy groups (Burke&Beyond) as I was looking rather run-down. Suggested that I review this after Radiation
7/3/17: Blood Test
14/3/17: Saw SLL. Cholesterol is at upper margin of "safe" - needs to be controlled. Protein below acceptable - recommended fish, red meat, beans, dairy, tofu etc.
17/7/17: Not happy about staying on Nexium (and looking at side effects) I decided to switch to a probiotic drink (like Yakult). Took probiotic for 3 nights instead but on third night, woke with reflux. Now doing 2 nights on one, two nights on t'other to see if I can wean myself off Nexium.
It's not worth saying "watch out for the next instalment" but it Is worth saying "Get your PSA checked and make sure that it is at or below the limit. Don't take your GP's word. Ask what the reading was and what the upper limit for your age should be"
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