23 February, 2009
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
March 2009 is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Learn more about it at prostate -cancer.org.uk
Prostate ultrasound scan and biopsy
Well that is another check out of the way. It didn't hurt though there was some discomfort. This is how it went.
First Emma one of the nurses explained what was to be done and who would be there whilst it was done. She explained the potential risks, what would be done to mitigate them and what to do if I suspect I have an infection. She also checked whether I had various conditions that they'd need to take account of. I am to expect some blood in my urine and stools for up to a few weeks but probably only for a day or two.
The main risk is that infection could get into my blood stream through the site of the biopsy. The symptoms to look out for are those akin to flu - feverishness, aches, feeling unwell - if I do get these I'm to go straight to A&E because I'll need intravenous antibiotics. The mitigating actions are preemptive antibiotics, the first of which she gave me. She also gave me tablets to take tonight and tomorrow. I then had an hour to spend whilst the antibiotics took effect before the actual treatment. I went off to have a black coffee and a scone.
The hospital is testing out new machines to do the ultrasound scan and biopsy because the existing ones, though serviceable, are getting a bit old. I was asked if I minded being treated with the machine under test. I was happy to agree, not least because the machine is a better one. It did mean that there was a representative of the machines makers present, but what ho, if there was going to be two doctors and two nurses another woman would make little difference.
The ultra sound scan and biopsy is actually a single procedure - the scan helps the doctor position the tool to take the samples. I had to get changed into one of those daft gowns that are open at the back. Makes sense for this procedure though. The doctor explained the procedure again and gave me another chance to ask any questions. Then I had to lie on the bed on my left side with my knees up to my chest. A pillow supported my head. The two nurses were on the other side of the bed, the way I faced, their main purpose seemed to be to engage me in conversation to take my mind off of what was happening in my back passage. They did it well.
The doctor first examined my prostate with a finger before inserting the tool and injecting a local anaesthetic. I felt the tool being inserted but not the injection. I think that the lubricating gel they use has some anaesthetic properties itself. There was some discomfort as the tool was moved about inside me and some of the biopsy snips made me jump a bit but there was no pain. Then the tool was withdrawn and I was allowed to lie on my back for a while whilst the information about expecting blood and what to do if I suspect an infection were repeated. It was also emphasised that if I have any worries over the next few days I can ring the clinic, or if out of working hours, the urology ward. Then it was get dressed an go home. I was given some tissues to put in my underwear to soak up any potential bleeding.
The results should be available to the consultant in a week or so. I'll get a call from the clinic to make an appointment to see the consultant when he has the results. My friend, who has recently been through all this, gave me a lift home and suggested some questions to ask when I next see the consultant about the results. When I got home I found that the postman had delivered a letter from the hospital detailing my appointment for the MRI scan which will be next Monday morning. It is pleasing to see the urgency being applied to get things sorted. Actions are happening in days rather than weeks.
First Emma one of the nurses explained what was to be done and who would be there whilst it was done. She explained the potential risks, what would be done to mitigate them and what to do if I suspect I have an infection. She also checked whether I had various conditions that they'd need to take account of. I am to expect some blood in my urine and stools for up to a few weeks but probably only for a day or two.
The main risk is that infection could get into my blood stream through the site of the biopsy. The symptoms to look out for are those akin to flu - feverishness, aches, feeling unwell - if I do get these I'm to go straight to A&E because I'll need intravenous antibiotics. The mitigating actions are preemptive antibiotics, the first of which she gave me. She also gave me tablets to take tonight and tomorrow. I then had an hour to spend whilst the antibiotics took effect before the actual treatment. I went off to have a black coffee and a scone.
The hospital is testing out new machines to do the ultrasound scan and biopsy because the existing ones, though serviceable, are getting a bit old. I was asked if I minded being treated with the machine under test. I was happy to agree, not least because the machine is a better one. It did mean that there was a representative of the machines makers present, but what ho, if there was going to be two doctors and two nurses another woman would make little difference.
The ultra sound scan and biopsy is actually a single procedure - the scan helps the doctor position the tool to take the samples. I had to get changed into one of those daft gowns that are open at the back. Makes sense for this procedure though. The doctor explained the procedure again and gave me another chance to ask any questions. Then I had to lie on the bed on my left side with my knees up to my chest. A pillow supported my head. The two nurses were on the other side of the bed, the way I faced, their main purpose seemed to be to engage me in conversation to take my mind off of what was happening in my back passage. They did it well.
The doctor first examined my prostate with a finger before inserting the tool and injecting a local anaesthetic. I felt the tool being inserted but not the injection. I think that the lubricating gel they use has some anaesthetic properties itself. There was some discomfort as the tool was moved about inside me and some of the biopsy snips made me jump a bit but there was no pain. Then the tool was withdrawn and I was allowed to lie on my back for a while whilst the information about expecting blood and what to do if I suspect an infection were repeated. It was also emphasised that if I have any worries over the next few days I can ring the clinic, or if out of working hours, the urology ward. Then it was get dressed an go home. I was given some tissues to put in my underwear to soak up any potential bleeding.
The results should be available to the consultant in a week or so. I'll get a call from the clinic to make an appointment to see the consultant when he has the results. My friend, who has recently been through all this, gave me a lift home and suggested some questions to ask when I next see the consultant about the results. When I got home I found that the postman had delivered a letter from the hospital detailing my appointment for the MRI scan which will be next Monday morning. It is pleasing to see the urgency being applied to get things sorted. Actions are happening in days rather than weeks.
20 February, 2009
What's it all about?
It looks like things are going to get interesting for me and I want my friends and family to have an easily accessible way to find out how things are going.
Two years ago I had worries about one of my testicles but I didn't take immediate action. I was lucky. I had testicular cancer (seminoma) and it had spread to two or three lymph nodes. An operation removed the offending article and chemotherapy sorted out the lymph nodes. Since November 2007 I have been clear.
A few weeks ago I noticed changes to the way and the frequency I was passing urine. No waiting around this time. My GP examined my prostate and arrange for a PSA test. When I saw him again to get the results he told me that the count was high (57) and that he had referred me to the Urology Department at the local hospital.
My appointment at the hospital was yesterday. The consultant there examined me again and confirmed that it looks very much like prostrate cancer. He put things in train for me to have an ultrasound scan and biopsy of my prostrate gland, a bone scan and an MRI scan. I also provided more blood for another PSA test and checks of my kidney function and blood calcium.
No hanging around. The ultrasound scan and biopsy is scheduled for Monday morning. I've just got back from the bone scan and the MRI scan will be done within a few weeks. I'll have another meeting with the consultant once he has the results of the biopsy in a week or ten days from Monday.
I reckon this is a fine example of the NHS working well, just as it did two years ago. I'm optimistic that the problem has been found early this time and that the prognosis is good.
Two years ago I had worries about one of my testicles but I didn't take immediate action. I was lucky. I had testicular cancer (seminoma) and it had spread to two or three lymph nodes. An operation removed the offending article and chemotherapy sorted out the lymph nodes. Since November 2007 I have been clear.
A few weeks ago I noticed changes to the way and the frequency I was passing urine. No waiting around this time. My GP examined my prostate and arrange for a PSA test. When I saw him again to get the results he told me that the count was high (57) and that he had referred me to the Urology Department at the local hospital.
My appointment at the hospital was yesterday. The consultant there examined me again and confirmed that it looks very much like prostrate cancer. He put things in train for me to have an ultrasound scan and biopsy of my prostrate gland, a bone scan and an MRI scan. I also provided more blood for another PSA test and checks of my kidney function and blood calcium.
No hanging around. The ultrasound scan and biopsy is scheduled for Monday morning. I've just got back from the bone scan and the MRI scan will be done within a few weeks. I'll have another meeting with the consultant once he has the results of the biopsy in a week or ten days from Monday.
I reckon this is a fine example of the NHS working well, just as it did two years ago. I'm optimistic that the problem has been found early this time and that the prognosis is good.
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