Say ... What?

What should you do when you suspect internal bleeding, bearing in mind that you are being treated for Prostate Cancer and only months ago underwent intensive Radiation therapy?

Simple right? DO something!

Well, in my case I chose to ignore it and rationalised that the blood (a very small amount) was related to Diet, Haemorrhoids or Constipation.

Of course over the weeks that followed I kept an eye on 'things down under' just in case. But every now and then ... there it was again ... the presence of a small amount of blood!

On each subsequent occasion, I seemed to have a plausible explanation that fit either: diet, haemorrhoids or constipation. But 'lo and behold' a new symptom: a mucous substance rather than evidence of faecal matter?! Hmmm!

I decided in my wisdom (I don't want to know) that it was probably some sort of stomach bug that was responsible for this latest symptom.

But, what do you do when the mucous is then accompanied by what appears to be: small strips of flesh??

Well I know what I did, I took myself off for a blood test, which included 3 days worth of stool samples!

Now I am awaiting a colonoscopy to determine whether the faecal occult blood or FOB (you've gotta love these medical terms) is the result of: Haemorrhoids, Polyps or Radiation Proctitis!

NOTE: for a detailed look at Chronic Radiation Proctitis visit my 'Cancer Journal'

That Time Again

Well the results are in again!

I received the results of my PSA level a several weeks ago, but have been too busy/pre-occupied to post them! I decided that it was time to post the results.


Firstly to recap; we were hoping for a PSA result that was very close to zero. Such a result would mean that I would continue the Zoladex implant for a further period - two to three years is recommended - without having to re-introduce the Androcur and associated side affects.

PSA level

The normal range of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) in an adult male aged 50-60 years, is 0 to 3.5ng/ml. Remember, I started this battle against cancer with a PSA of 84.8ng/ml just 13 months ago!!!

My previous test (August 2008) showed a level of 0.66ng/ml, a negligible amount of PSA and an excellent result! Well the result this time the result was even better!

My PSA was only 0.3ng/ml less than half the previous result!!

This is a huge 'shot in the arm' in regard to my quest for a complete cure!! These tests will be repeated in late February and I expect a similar result.

August Update

Changes:

• The fatigue continues and has worsened somewhat. This seems to occur every time I have a new Zoladex Implant (every three months). The first few weeks or so the side effects seem to be heightened.

• The hot flushes continue but with less frequency and duration. Shortness of breath continues and had worsened somewhat - see point 1 above.

• Night urinations have increased to 2 or 3 per night!! Might have to discontinue my last ‘cup of tea.’

• Sleeplessness is now almost a thing of the past! I sleep very well now (between ‘pit stops’)

• Tiredness has also increased – see point 1 above!

• Sensitivity of the skin IS a thing of the past.

• Hair loss - chest, stomach, under the armpits - continues but is not a problem. Less shaving required now!

• Breast (nipple) soreness and sensitivity are gone.

• Cognitive Impairment continues to improve; largely because I am forcing my brain to remember even small details - the old adage applies here - use it or lose it!!

• Confusion only rarely becomes a problem, because of the above strategy.

• Memory loss has eased considerably - again because of the above strategy!

• Berocca; my 'High protein' energy drink (a breakfast supplement) and Glucodin have all been suspended in favour of:

Propolis - a product of honey, which has proven results for empowering the immune system; Sage – improves memory; improved, well-balanced diet; and, a milk substitute with added calcium and vitamin D – to prevent bone thinning.


Unchanged:

• My attitude is increasingly positive!

• Bowel movements remain good.

• I have maintained a weight loss of 2.5kgs - still 6kgs to go!


While it is important to exercise sufficiently each day to stave off bone thinning and muscle atrophy; it is also important to allow your body sufficient rest each in regard to the Radiation Therapy!

I have had to ‘work’ at balancing these two; it was only when I considered just how much my body was damaged during the Radiation Therapy that I was able to fully understand the importance of maintaining this balance!

Results of Blood Test

Well the results are in!

I received the results of my PSA and Testosterone levels a couple of weeks ago, but have been too busy/pre-occupied to post them! Just this morning, I had a gentle nudge from my niece Kathy and decided that it was time to post the results.


Firstly to recap; we were hoping for a PSA result that was very close to zero. Such a result would mean that I could discontinue the anti-androgen (and therefore reduce the number of side affects) but still continue the Zoladex implant for a further period - two to three years is recommended.

The Testosterone level too, it was hoped, would be very close to zero. This would confirm that the Zoladex was suppressing the testosterone nicely and therefore starving any cancer that may still be present.


Testosterone

A 'normal' reading for adult males in regard to Testoterone is: 2.8 to 8.0ng/ml. For an adult FEMALE, the range is: 0.06 to 0.82ng/ml.

My result ... 0.51ng/ml!!

That means, I fit neatly into the 'normal' range for an adult female! Which explains a few things!! (Long term readers would be aware of the 'feminising affects of my meds).

But all is not lost, my result also puts me squarely in the range of a pre-pubescent male (7 to 12 years)!!

I've managed to turn back the clock!

Now before you scoff, such a proposition is not as fanciful as you might think - consider.

1) I no longer have any hair under my armpits!
2) My skin complexion is that of a pre-teen!
3) The hair ALL over my body (except on my head) is falling out!
4) The hair on my head is thickening and growing back!
5) My testicles are 'shrinking'!

I think you get the picture...


PSA level

The normal range of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) in an adult male aged 50-60 years, is 0 to 3.5ng/ml. Remember, I started this battle against cancer with a PSA of 84.8ng/ml just 11 months ago!!!

Well my test showed a level of 0.66ng/ml, a negligible amount of PSA and an excellent result!

Coupled together, these results are a 'shot in the arm' in regard to my quest for a complete cure!! These tests will be repeated in early November and I expect a similar result.