Check-up

I saw one of the registrars this morning. They are basically happy with the way the treatment is going and are happy that the PSA count is down to 1.1 – in the normal range. I asked about bone density checks (the hormone treatment I am on thins the bones) and was told that they don't do such tests until there are symptoms such as bone pain and that won't happen until I've been on the treatment for many years. The same applies to bone strengthening treatments (such as Zometa). I asked about their policy regarding stage three clinical trials. The multi disciplinary team discusses the patients suitability for such trials and offer them at the start of treatment. I said I was interested in the Stampede trial and the Alpharadin trial if I fit the criteria. I do understand why I might not fit the trial protocols – Stampede because of recent testicular cancer and Alpharadin because of spread to lymph nodes – but I want them to know that I am interested. Finally I asked that I be copied with any correspondence with my GP.

I had to provide a urine sample for cytology tests. The samples given on previous visits had suspicious cells in them but further investigations had found nothing. The suspicious cells are unrelated to the prostate cancer but could point to problems with my bladder or kidneys. If anything suspicious is found in the sample this time, I will be called in for another cystoscopy examination (camera poked through the tubes), this time under general anaesthetic as a day case patient. I should know within a fortnight whether this will be necessary. Otherwise my next appointment will be in six months time.