My Father, Norbert Leon Auguste Sencier, died of prostate cancer over 20 years ago. There were no tests available then so it had spread everywhere by the time it was diagnosed. He went very bravely and was an inspiration to those around him in the hospice. At the age of 50, I decided to have a psa test every year. A simple blood sample is taken then checked for a chemical (psa) only produced by the prostate gland. If your psa levels are too high for your age then it's advisable to have an internal examination by your doctor. A finger up the bumb hole to see if the prostate is smooth! (a far worse experience for your doctor than you!) I went through this process and my doctor advised seeing a specialist. The specialist, Mr Bashir, then decided that I needed a biopsy of my prostate which was done at the same appointment back in May. A little uncomfortable, ouch!!!!
On the 18th June I found that I had passed my Access Diploma which would mean I could start my degree in September. On the same lovely sunny day I went for the result of my biopsy; I felt so fit and well, it just couldn't be bad!
Out of the 10 samples taken, 8 showed level 3 and 4 cancer. 1 being mild and 5 being aggressive. The 3 & 4 are then added together making 7. The 7 is taken onto another scale of 1 to 10. 1 to 5 being suspicious cells, 6 & 7 the lowest cancer rating and 8 to 10 are progressively worse. I can't describe the feeling when you are told that you have cancer; my first thoughts were 'how do I tell my partner and my children'?
The hope right now is that the cancer is confined to the prostate. The low psa level and the time since I was last checked suggest I may be lucky. I will have to have an MRI scan on Monday 5th July. After this scan I will know more. The treatment options are numerous and will be discussed by specialists both from the Carlisle and Newcastle Hospitals.
As I will not get the result of this scan for several weeks, I am going on holiday to Cyprus pretending that nothing has happened!!
I will be posting updates several times a week, and if you would like to comment or contact me then that would be nice!
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ReplyDeleteOooops, hiccup the first time round...
ReplyDeleteHi Dad, Love the blog!
Think it's a great way to keep us all up-to-date and it may give others that are going through the same thing some comfort too - especially as you're great with the anecdotes.
Love you pure millions and here for you and logging into your blog daily.
I read a proverb that made me smile today:
'Yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift'
Love Sasha xxxxxx
Nice one mate! You'll be fine i'm sure. It'll probably turn out that you have a long lost child living up your bum instead of cancer and a happy ending will be had once you've passed an extra large stool.......knowing you anyhow!!!! If you ever need anything, you know where we are.
ReplyDeletePaul
Not ANOTHER child! when will it end!!! xxx
ReplyDeleteLove it Paul! Thanks girls, so good to have you here xxxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a man! I'm so proud of you Daniel. At least you know the new arrival won't be from your right one!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Daniel,
ReplyDeleteytou always call me a fighter, now to your own advice, stare fear in the face and bloody laugh at. Keep your chin up,and stay a little mad!!!!
AND England won yeah!!! sylvia xxxxx
Blimey Dan, there are limits to what lengths you can go to just to surprise us at our reunions you know.............!!!!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, chin up buddy, you know all us 67b sprogs are rooting for you.
Thanks Roy, Silv & you my wee hobbit, all this support sure as hell helps. I will return!!! ha ha x
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog Dan, some good info on it for the rest of us. I can just see all those arses making their way to the Docs for a cavity inspection after a Vindaloo supper.
ReplyDeleteOnwards and upwards mate and we'll see you at Harrogate next year.
Dan, nothing focuses the mind quite like the prospect of ones own mortality, as an insulin dependant diabetic I live with this concept daily, so I'm hoping to live long enough to die of somthing else anyway...
ReplyDeleteJust remember that life is "a sexually transmitted terminal disease" However the good news is that 2 of my friends have been diagnosed with the same problem as yourself, both have had the operation and are back to normal health now so I would expect your prospects of being a very old man are probably good. Stay lucky hey.
PS. If you can find your way to Australia some time I can put you up for a few weeks at no cost.
Cheers, John Ruggles
Memories? Are you still about John? I'm moving to Bangkok!
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