11th February 2025

Never, ever do the easy wrong instead of the harder right.

The standard initial measure for prostate cancer detection is a PSA test. It is a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigens, it can be unreliable, this was explained to me, especially as my previous results had been negative. In other words, it may not detect the actual presence of a cancer.

My diagnosis of Prostate cancer that led to surgery two years ago was prompted by a doubling of PSA numbers on my regular six-monthly checks. The test in the summer of 2022, had been normal, yet in December 2022 levels had doubled. There has been some talk that my most recent Covid Moderna booster in October 2022 could have some influence? 

After looking at the PSA data, my consultant gave me another, far more detailed shall we say, ultrasound examination- an interesting ‘inner body experience’, and immediately informed me, with some quite graphic images, that my prostate had increased to some three times the normal size on my last check. To allow him to understand more, an MRI scan followed by a pre surgery CT scan was now needed.

I was left with two choices, radiotherapy, this treatment is an option for curing prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate or has not spread very far. Radiotherapy can also be used to slow the progression of prostate cancer that's spread and relieve symptoms.

Or, a radical prostatectomy, the surgical removal of your prostate gland. This treatment too is an option for curing prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate or has not spread very far.

These options were discussed with a panel of experts in both fields pre commencing a solution. In my case the recommendation was to have a radical prostatectomy because if surgery failed to see a cure, radiotherapy was seen as a fallback option. It is not possible to have a radical prostatectomy if the radiation treatment failed.

Thankfully, I was ‘out to lunch’ for this procedure having been given a general anaesthetic and I am really pleased to know that two years later the 3 monthly checks are now 6 monthly and still looking good.

So, the purpose of this highly personal blog for the record, I was 71 back then, is to highlight the fact that you guys, especially if you are over 40- the new hot spot for this cancer to start showing and are reading this you need to look out for the symptoms and get checked out now if any are showing. 

The symptoms of growths in the prostate are similar whether they are non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). The symptoms include:

• Having to rush to the toilet to pass urine
• Passing urine more often than usual, especially at night
• Difficulty passing urine, including straining to pass it or stopping and starting
• A sense of not being able to completely empty the bladder
• Pain when passing urine
• Blood in the urine or semen

The last two symptoms – pain and bleeding – are very rare in prostate cancer. They are more often a symptom of non-cancerous prostate conditions.

If you have any of the above, there are no prizes for hoping they will go away as I can tell you they will not, and if left could end up killing you. Get to see your doctor now, as the headline says, “Never, ever do the easy wrong instead of the harder right.”

For wives and partners this is a big worry for them, they do not suffer but do feel your pain while you are being investigated and especially if you are found to have a problem. It can be life changing for them too.

Give them some recognition for the support they give you in getting through this.

I cannot emphasise enough to those who may be about to have surgery, get the NHS Squeezy’ app, vital for the post-prostatectomy journey. Pelvic floor exercises (Squeezes) are a crucial aspect of rehabilitation. These exercises aid in regaining control, promoting bladder function, and supporting the overall recovery process more than you can ever imagine!

If you are in a similar position to that I found myself in, I am very happy to speak with you as in my case I knew nobody.

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