Prostate Cancer (Merged)
Prostate Cancer (Merged)
I am age 63 and flew for 30 years mostly longhall.
I have just been diagnosed with prostate cancer (PSA 8.1 and biopsy result 2 cores out of 8 Gleason score 3+3=6). MRI scan indicates cancer confined to the prostate. I had an uncle (my father's brother) who died from this cancer age 74.
I have decided to go for a Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy. This is comparatively new in the UK but has been used for some time in the US.
I would welcome comments from anyone who has first hand information on this operation.
I have just been diagnosed with prostate cancer (PSA 8.1 and biopsy result 2 cores out of 8 Gleason score 3+3=6). MRI scan indicates cancer confined to the prostate. I had an uncle (my father's brother) who died from this cancer age 74.
I have decided to go for a Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy. This is comparatively new in the UK but has been used for some time in the US.
I would welcome comments from anyone who has first hand information on this operation.
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Mike,
I can't comment on the robot assisted aspect, but I had a radical prostatectomy just over 3 years ago at age 52, (which is young for prostate cancer), with a Gleason also of 3+3, and it was confined to the prostate. I've not been flying professionally, but held a class 1, and was able to get that renewed last year when there was a possibility of flying.
I was in hospital for just over a week, and off work for close on 6 months, but that wasn't helped by a massive flood at our home just before I went into hospital, and at the time I was working on the ramp at Dublin, so I had to be 110% sure that I was completely fit before returning to what I knew would be a demanding job, the doctor was very cautious, and with all the things that had to be done to sort out the house after the flood, I wasn't going to argue.
Three years down the line, I'm not working on the ramp any more, though that was nothing to do with the prostate issues, but I am still working full time, with no problems.
I have a PSA check done every six months, and I'm due one now, the last one was still undetectable. From a day to day point of view, I have very few problems, the only one worth even mentioning is a very minor stress incontinence, certain positions will provoke a very minor urine leak, but it's very easily managed and contained by very lightweight pads.
Thr first few weeks at home were tedious, in that I was catheterised for 3 weeks, and the theory and practise of catheters are somewhat different. Mine was a nuisance, both from a comfort view and operationally. It also leaked, despite being checked several times. Mobility wise it wasn't too bad, I was up and about walking within 3 days in the hospital, not too far at first, but once the catheter was out, then further afield, to get the strength back. Driving was not allowed for a number of weeks after surgery.
No way can any encounter with the big C be dismissed lightly, but looking back over what's been happening, it could have been a lot worse. I can still do 99.9% of the things I used to, without problems, and so far, there's no indication of anything else to worry about.
OK, depending on how the surgery goes, there are some "personal" issues that you'll be facing, but an open forum is not the place for that level of discussion, if you want to PM me, I can give you some more specific pointers to books that are helpful, or other comments that might be appropriate.
Hope that helps a little, best of luck with the operation and recovery.
Cheers
I can't comment on the robot assisted aspect, but I had a radical prostatectomy just over 3 years ago at age 52, (which is young for prostate cancer), with a Gleason also of 3+3, and it was confined to the prostate. I've not been flying professionally, but held a class 1, and was able to get that renewed last year when there was a possibility of flying.
I was in hospital for just over a week, and off work for close on 6 months, but that wasn't helped by a massive flood at our home just before I went into hospital, and at the time I was working on the ramp at Dublin, so I had to be 110% sure that I was completely fit before returning to what I knew would be a demanding job, the doctor was very cautious, and with all the things that had to be done to sort out the house after the flood, I wasn't going to argue.
Three years down the line, I'm not working on the ramp any more, though that was nothing to do with the prostate issues, but I am still working full time, with no problems.
I have a PSA check done every six months, and I'm due one now, the last one was still undetectable. From a day to day point of view, I have very few problems, the only one worth even mentioning is a very minor stress incontinence, certain positions will provoke a very minor urine leak, but it's very easily managed and contained by very lightweight pads.
Thr first few weeks at home were tedious, in that I was catheterised for 3 weeks, and the theory and practise of catheters are somewhat different. Mine was a nuisance, both from a comfort view and operationally. It also leaked, despite being checked several times. Mobility wise it wasn't too bad, I was up and about walking within 3 days in the hospital, not too far at first, but once the catheter was out, then further afield, to get the strength back. Driving was not allowed for a number of weeks after surgery.
No way can any encounter with the big C be dismissed lightly, but looking back over what's been happening, it could have been a lot worse. I can still do 99.9% of the things I used to, without problems, and so far, there's no indication of anything else to worry about.
OK, depending on how the surgery goes, there are some "personal" issues that you'll be facing, but an open forum is not the place for that level of discussion, if you want to PM me, I can give you some more specific pointers to books that are helpful, or other comments that might be appropriate.
Hope that helps a little, best of luck with the operation and recovery.
Cheers
Mike,
Can only wish you the best and tell you of my two friends from the airline biz who tackled this problem and are today fit as a fiddle after the surgery. It is one of the most cureable cancers as I'm sure you know ( 98% the last I heard...I'll take those odds any day ). The "cure" might be a bit of a tough go, but one does come out the other end cured.
Coming back here to bring us all up to date would be a service to us all if you feel up to it.
Best of luck.
Can only wish you the best and tell you of my two friends from the airline biz who tackled this problem and are today fit as a fiddle after the surgery. It is one of the most cureable cancers as I'm sure you know ( 98% the last I heard...I'll take those odds any day ). The "cure" might be a bit of a tough go, but one does come out the other end cured.
Coming back here to bring us all up to date would be a service to us all if you feel up to it.
Best of luck.
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Mike:
No firsthand experience here, I do women, not men (!). However, my urological friends tell me that the robotic assisted prostatectomies go extremely well. Rising in popularity here in the US, probably because you can spend a pile of cash on the "DaVinci" machinery and we like expensive stuff like that. However the payoff comes in the ability to operate more precisely in tight quarters, and thus decrease the odd of damaging nerves while still removing the bad bits. That's the key to lessening the odds of those "personal problems" alluded to.
If I needed it, and it was available, that's the way I'd go.
___________
Graham MD
No firsthand experience here, I do women, not men (!). However, my urological friends tell me that the robotic assisted prostatectomies go extremely well. Rising in popularity here in the US, probably because you can spend a pile of cash on the "DaVinci" machinery and we like expensive stuff like that. However the payoff comes in the ability to operate more precisely in tight quarters, and thus decrease the odd of damaging nerves while still removing the bad bits. That's the key to lessening the odds of those "personal problems" alluded to.
If I needed it, and it was available, that's the way I'd go.
___________
Graham MD
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Hi guys!
I think that the topic of prostate cancer is a big issue among 50+yr old men. My father recently went through a tissue-taking proceedure for biopsy... Right now he has an enlarged prostate although cancer is not ruled out.
This is the first time that my dad going to have a major surgery (if ever) and the family would like to be ready with the aftershocksthe operation might bring. After the proceedure he's now wearing a diaper to make sure he doesn't leak.
Hope to hear more insights from you guys. Let's help each other out; we never know when we will have it too.
Long live!
RQ
I think that the topic of prostate cancer is a big issue among 50+yr old men. My father recently went through a tissue-taking proceedure for biopsy... Right now he has an enlarged prostate although cancer is not ruled out.
This is the first time that my dad going to have a major surgery (if ever) and the family would like to be ready with the aftershocksthe operation might bring. After the proceedure he's now wearing a diaper to make sure he doesn't leak.
Hope to hear more insights from you guys. Let's help each other out; we never know when we will have it too.Long live!
RQ
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Mike6567
Having almost identical levels to you of the prostate nasties about 12 years ago (no personal noticeable effects with a PSA of 9) and at age mid 60s, I was initially given 3 choices.
1. Radical prostatectomy
2. 6 weeks session of radiography
3. Watch for further developments.
None appealed so full blown research revealed CRYO (freezing) Surgery with one only surgeon experiened in Oz. Hollow probes inserted into the prostate under Ultra Sonic monitoring enabled the injection of liquid nitrogen which formed frozen tissue around the tips of the probes. This process can be very nerve sparing in the region and it rid me of the problem. This process has been considerably improved/refined and a better mix of cryo gases now used.
Brachy process seems to be the current popular way to go where by the prostate is mapped for the nasties and again hollow probes inserted under computer control to enable high radiation pellets to be inserted for very short periods and evidently resulting in very satisfactory zapping. Hear tell that this process can be all over and done in outpatients in a morning or afternoon session.
Meanwhile two of my compatriots have suffered terribly during their last few years on the planet and all because they were diagnosed too late.
Pre start check lists should include "Recent PSA test confirmed"
Having almost identical levels to you of the prostate nasties about 12 years ago (no personal noticeable effects with a PSA of 9) and at age mid 60s, I was initially given 3 choices.
1. Radical prostatectomy
2. 6 weeks session of radiography
3. Watch for further developments.
None appealed so full blown research revealed CRYO (freezing) Surgery with one only surgeon experiened in Oz. Hollow probes inserted into the prostate under Ultra Sonic monitoring enabled the injection of liquid nitrogen which formed frozen tissue around the tips of the probes. This process can be very nerve sparing in the region and it rid me of the problem. This process has been considerably improved/refined and a better mix of cryo gases now used.
Brachy process seems to be the current popular way to go where by the prostate is mapped for the nasties and again hollow probes inserted under computer control to enable high radiation pellets to be inserted for very short periods and evidently resulting in very satisfactory zapping. Hear tell that this process can be all over and done in outpatients in a morning or afternoon session.
Meanwhile two of my compatriots have suffered terribly during their last few years on the planet and all because they were diagnosed too late.
Pre start check lists should include "Recent PSA test confirmed"
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Great topic lads
Prostate problems are more commen than people realise and they do not just affect 'old' men. If you are suffering from any type of urinary problems please read on.
There are three common disorders:
Prostatitis: - Inflammation or infection of the prostate. This can affect men at any age of their adult life. Although this is not a life-threatening condition it takes a significant toll on the quality of life of those afflicted. As well as urinary problems it is also characterised by symptoms of pain and discomfort around the anus, scrotum and the area in between (the perineum). Can also affect your sex life!! Experts do not know how to cure/control this.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. The gradual enlargement of the prostate gland in middle-aged men can cause problems by constricting the urethra, pinching off drainage from the bladder and hence interfering with urination. BPH is most common in men over 50 and about half of all men will have BPH by the age of 60.
Prostate Cancer: This is rare before middle age, with very few cases occurring in men under 50. Most prostate cancers are slow growing and many can be treated effectively or cured, especially if they are caught early. Prostate cancer is the second most common form of potentially lethal cancer to affect men
Only 1 in 7 men know what the prostate is, and fewer know of the three disorders. "Ignorance is not bliss"
Couple of great links:
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/bps-assoc/ (support group for Prostatitis)
http://www.prostate-research.org.uk/
There are three common disorders:
Prostatitis: - Inflammation or infection of the prostate. This can affect men at any age of their adult life. Although this is not a life-threatening condition it takes a significant toll on the quality of life of those afflicted. As well as urinary problems it is also characterised by symptoms of pain and discomfort around the anus, scrotum and the area in between (the perineum). Can also affect your sex life!! Experts do not know how to cure/control this.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. The gradual enlargement of the prostate gland in middle-aged men can cause problems by constricting the urethra, pinching off drainage from the bladder and hence interfering with urination. BPH is most common in men over 50 and about half of all men will have BPH by the age of 60.
Prostate Cancer: This is rare before middle age, with very few cases occurring in men under 50. Most prostate cancers are slow growing and many can be treated effectively or cured, especially if they are caught early. Prostate cancer is the second most common form of potentially lethal cancer to affect men
Only 1 in 7 men know what the prostate is, and fewer know of the three disorders. "Ignorance is not bliss"
Couple of great links:
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/bps-assoc/ (support group for Prostatitis)
http://www.prostate-research.org.uk/
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A couple of additional thoughts, based on experience
Just to clarify a few things that have been mentioned here.
First is that in some cases, mine included, there can be no symptoms what so ever, but cancer can be present.
I was extremely fortunate that when I went to renew a class 1, the medical examiner in Denver decided that my prostate needed checking, if he'd not done the gloved finger check, I might well not be sitting here typing this. A few months later, my prostate was being removed with Gleason 3 + 3 cancer, which was close enough to being a more serious problem. As far as I know, it was caught in time, before anything nasty escaped.
Radio therapy, and associated treatments.
I looked very carefully at the options, as I had time, and talked to a leading radio therapy consultant here in Ireland. He would have done it if I'd insisted, but he made it very clear to me that radiotherapy was not the best choice for me, given my age and other circumstances. He put it like this. "We can't guarantee that we can place the radio therapy needles close to every area of cancer, or that they will be completely effective, and the same is true for external beam radiotherapy. Therefore, there is a possibility that we won't get it all. If you have radiotherapy, there is no surgical option at a later date, there will be too much scar tissue in the way for a surgeon to be able to get the accuracy that's essential. If you have surgery and at a later date we see a recurrence, we can then use radio therapy to attack the remnants".
That was a pretty convincing argument for me. OK, I was (relatively) young, and fit, so major abdominal surgery was not so much of an issue as it would be for an older man. the other factor was that radiotherapy is relatively new, so they don't have long term survival statistics yet, and my potential survival period after surgery is longer than they can predict yet. Another convincing argument!
Yes, there are "issues" either way. That's the hard call, and I can't make it for anyone else, but for me, surgery was the best option, and so far, nearly 3 years later, I'm not seeing any problems with the PSA, which is as good as it gets.
The important things.
If there is any history in the family of problems with the prostate, get it checked from age 45 onward. Unbeknown to me, my father had problems with his prostate in his 40's, and it was treated. I still don't know exactly what was wrong with it, but he's still alive at 80, albeit with some problems again showing up now. He doesn't talk about it even now, and knowing what I've had to go through, and regrettably, many men have the same attitude.
Any symptoms, get it checked, and don't delay. Caught early, it's VERY treatable, left too long, and it's extremely nasty!!!!
I'm not going to go into more personal details in an open forum message, but if anyone is reading this and is concerned about anything that they've seen here, PM me, and I am prepared to discuss in a lot more detail if it will help. Either way, DO NOT IGNORE prostate, the cost of doing so can be deadly.
Usual disclaimer, I'm not a medic, but having been there, and done the research big time before the surgery, I have more than a passing knowledge of what's involved, and yes, I'm prepared to talk about it if it means I save someone else from a very painful end. Nuff said
First is that in some cases, mine included, there can be no symptoms what so ever, but cancer can be present.
I was extremely fortunate that when I went to renew a class 1, the medical examiner in Denver decided that my prostate needed checking, if he'd not done the gloved finger check, I might well not be sitting here typing this. A few months later, my prostate was being removed with Gleason 3 + 3 cancer, which was close enough to being a more serious problem. As far as I know, it was caught in time, before anything nasty escaped.
Radio therapy, and associated treatments.
I looked very carefully at the options, as I had time, and talked to a leading radio therapy consultant here in Ireland. He would have done it if I'd insisted, but he made it very clear to me that radiotherapy was not the best choice for me, given my age and other circumstances. He put it like this. "We can't guarantee that we can place the radio therapy needles close to every area of cancer, or that they will be completely effective, and the same is true for external beam radiotherapy. Therefore, there is a possibility that we won't get it all. If you have radiotherapy, there is no surgical option at a later date, there will be too much scar tissue in the way for a surgeon to be able to get the accuracy that's essential. If you have surgery and at a later date we see a recurrence, we can then use radio therapy to attack the remnants".
That was a pretty convincing argument for me. OK, I was (relatively) young, and fit, so major abdominal surgery was not so much of an issue as it would be for an older man. the other factor was that radiotherapy is relatively new, so they don't have long term survival statistics yet, and my potential survival period after surgery is longer than they can predict yet. Another convincing argument!
Yes, there are "issues" either way. That's the hard call, and I can't make it for anyone else, but for me, surgery was the best option, and so far, nearly 3 years later, I'm not seeing any problems with the PSA, which is as good as it gets.
The important things.
If there is any history in the family of problems with the prostate, get it checked from age 45 onward. Unbeknown to me, my father had problems with his prostate in his 40's, and it was treated. I still don't know exactly what was wrong with it, but he's still alive at 80, albeit with some problems again showing up now. He doesn't talk about it even now, and knowing what I've had to go through, and regrettably, many men have the same attitude.
Any symptoms, get it checked, and don't delay. Caught early, it's VERY treatable, left too long, and it's extremely nasty!!!!
I'm not going to go into more personal details in an open forum message, but if anyone is reading this and is concerned about anything that they've seen here, PM me, and I am prepared to discuss in a lot more detail if it will help. Either way, DO NOT IGNORE prostate, the cost of doing so can be deadly.
Usual disclaimer, I'm not a medic, but having been there, and done the research big time before the surgery, I have more than a passing knowledge of what's involved, and yes, I'm prepared to talk about it if it means I save someone else from a very painful end. Nuff said
Considerably Bemused Wannabe
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Mike, I've got nothing to add on the medical sid of things. I just want to wish you the very best for which ever treatment you decide to go with.
Take care,
Steve.
Take care,
Steve.
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Excellent thread Mike and best of luck. I got picked up on a routine medical three years ago at 59 with a PSA of 8.1. Had a biopsy and, thank goodness, it came back clean for cancer, but did show I had an infection - that can have the effect of raising your PSA. Anyway, PSA is back down and holding steady around 4 and I am now on 6 monthly checks, finger and blood, and welcome it. I can only advise any male from 55 on to take this seriously and start getting regular checks if you aren't already.
Cheers
Rick
Cheers
Rick
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PSA and Cancer
My husband is having the robotic surgery on June 21. He is a commercial pilot based in the USA. His Class 1 is currently invalid, we are anticipating the best with this type of surgery. He did take the time to visit 5 different doctors before deciding on MD Anderson Hospital in Houston.
Moderatrix
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Hello Mike
check here for previous discussions
http://www.pprune.org/forums/search.php?searchid=355013
cheers
H.
check here for previous discussions
http://www.pprune.org/forums/search.php?searchid=355013
cheers
H.
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Robotic Surgery
Surgery is over for my husband. He is doing well. In the hospital for 2 nights. Still has the catheter but that comes out in a couple days. Still in Houston and will come home when he is able. All in all he says it went well. Day 1 and 2 were painful.
Prostate Cancer Forum
Thanks for all the replies and advice.
I have recently found a site giving a large amount of feedback on the robotic operation.
http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35
This may be useful for others.
Mike
I have recently found a site giving a large amount of feedback on the robotic operation.
http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35
This may be useful for others.
Mike
Está servira para distraerle.
This appeared on today's BBC web page. Perhaps it might be interesting to some?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5132546.stm
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To all the Brits: The ladies have long claimed the right to specific medical checks such as breast and cervix ( With total justification) but the poor guys dying from prostate cancer have taken a back seat when it comes to having regular screening.
Any male should be regularly screened (I hear from age 50). All it takes is a blood test that you can tag on to your cholesterol check. Just ask your surgery for a PSA check. (Prostatic Specific Antigen).
I once had a urologist tell me that he didn't believe in PSA checks. No problem: I told him not to bother in his case but in mine I was going to have one!
Amusingly I first read about it in the BALPA Log many years ago. I took a copy into my local surgery where the staff all took copies for their husbands/boyfriends.
Any male should be regularly screened (I hear from age 50). All it takes is a blood test that you can tag on to your cholesterol check. Just ask your surgery for a PSA check. (Prostatic Specific Antigen).
I once had a urologist tell me that he didn't believe in PSA checks. No problem: I told him not to bother in his case but in mine I was going to have one!
Amusingly I first read about it in the BALPA Log many years ago. I took a copy into my local surgery where the staff all took copies for their husbands/boyfriends.
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Originally Posted by Lou Scannon
I once had a urologist tell me that he didn't believe in PSA checks. No problem: I told him not to bother in his case but in mine I was going to have one!
I agree with you that it is a disease that has not, until recently, had it's proper share of research attention.
__________
Graham, MD
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Cancer and Flying
Not sure about prostate cancer but I had a right lung upper lobectomy 18 months ago due to squamous cell carcenoma. I was given 3 months to live and only 35% chance of surviving sugery!. Lung came out easy with the tumor, had no narcotic meds after and got Class 1 medical back after 6 months. Now FAA want pathology reports etc 18 months later!!!!!, anyway surgeon says all is well. Moral is, if you want it bad enough, go for it. I am flying corporate in middle east and having a blast...Cancer can be the end, but also the beginning...never give up. Fight and Fight, then when you have no fight left.....fight again...you can win.
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MD Anderson
Originally Posted by ContractFlyGal
My husband is having the robotic surgery on June 21. He is a commercial pilot based in the USA. His Class 1 is currently invalid, we are anticipating the best with this type of surgery. He did take the time to visit 5 different doctors before deciding on MD Anderson Hospital in Houston.
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As a man of 67 I keep an eye on these things and have read the above thread with great interest. I happened to pick up a booklet re Prostate Cancer in my local hospital and I was interested to see that one of the possible ways forward is referred to as "Watchful Waiting". Now it may be that the NHS (UK) is trying to save money by suggesting that, on balance, observing the progress of a cancer (if there is any progress) is cheaper for them and more beficial for the life quality of the patient than radical and invasive surgery? Please may I know what members who have posted earlier think of where Watchful Waiting might fit into a sensible and realistic cancer treatment regime? Thank you.