Possible prostate cancer and MDS-RAEB2
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Possible prostate cancer and MDS-RAEB2
It has taken me nearly a year to come to terms with MDS-RAEB2, I have just completed my 16th cycle of Azacitidine.
Last week I had blood in my seminal fluid which terrified me. I saw a GP who did a rectal examination. The gland is smooth but enlarged due to my age (71) which is common. I have no problem urinating.The GP I saw is not my regular one and he wanted to discuss the problem with my own GP about me having a PSA blood test, which he admitted was unreliable. He was not sure if the Azacitidine or the antibiotics for a sinus infection I'm taking would have an effect on the results or an MRI or ultrasound or biopsy would be the answer.
My own GP returns on Friday and I have made an appointment to see him.
I asked the doctor who examined me to liaise with my haematologist.
Because of the catalogue of errors made by my previous GP and the delay in my diagnosis after 4 years of sinus infections and nose bleeds, I finally consulted an ENT specialist privately who immediately referred me to a haematologist and I was diagnosed with MDS in November 2014
Because of my past experience in the delay in diagnosis I have an inherent distrust of GPs so I have written to my haematologist appraising her of my predicament and asking her to liaise with my GP.
I have struggled to remain calm these past 15 months, and succeeded most of the time.
The prospect of prostate cancer has scared me beyond belief and my stress and anxiety levels are off the chart.
Last week I had blood in my seminal fluid which terrified me. I saw a GP who did a rectal examination. The gland is smooth but enlarged due to my age (71) which is common. I have no problem urinating.The GP I saw is not my regular one and he wanted to discuss the problem with my own GP about me having a PSA blood test, which he admitted was unreliable. He was not sure if the Azacitidine or the antibiotics for a sinus infection I'm taking would have an effect on the results or an MRI or ultrasound or biopsy would be the answer.
My own GP returns on Friday and I have made an appointment to see him.
I asked the doctor who examined me to liaise with my haematologist.
Because of the catalogue of errors made by my previous GP and the delay in my diagnosis after 4 years of sinus infections and nose bleeds, I finally consulted an ENT specialist privately who immediately referred me to a haematologist and I was diagnosed with MDS in November 2014
Because of my past experience in the delay in diagnosis I have an inherent distrust of GPs so I have written to my haematologist appraising her of my predicament and asking her to liaise with my GP.
I have struggled to remain calm these past 15 months, and succeeded most of the time.
The prospect of prostate cancer has scared me beyond belief and my stress and anxiety levels are off the chart.
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Re: Possible prostate cancer and MDS-RAEB2
With reference to my previous post regarding prostate cancer
My haematologist had her clinical nurse phone me and when I explained the only indication I had she said go ahead and have the psa test, but it's more likely to be an infection.
I telephoned the Prostate Cancer charity who echoed the nurses findings.
My doctor said he would call me with results, but I will call the practice myself.
The prostate nurse gave me the level it should be at my age (5) he also advised me that men in my age can register twice that and not have cancer. The test can throw up false negative and false positive results.
I've calmed down after the initial shock and being realistic I'm already dying with MDS so anything else that develops will have t get in the queue
My haematologist had her clinical nurse phone me and when I explained the only indication I had she said go ahead and have the psa test, but it's more likely to be an infection.
I telephoned the Prostate Cancer charity who echoed the nurses findings.
My doctor said he would call me with results, but I will call the practice myself.
The prostate nurse gave me the level it should be at my age (5) he also advised me that men in my age can register twice that and not have cancer. The test can throw up false negative and false positive results.
I've calmed down after the initial shock and being realistic I'm already dying with MDS so anything else that develops will have t get in the queue
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Re: Possible prostate cancer and MDS-RAEB2
Good news indeed!!
My GP phoned me to tell me that my PSA test result is normal, thank goodness for that.
Going to bed happier for a change tonight
My GP phoned me to tell me that my PSA test result is normal, thank goodness for that.
Going to bed happier for a change tonight
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Re:Possible prostate cancer and MDS-RAEB2
With you all the way. What a rollercoaster. Do you sleep OK at night?
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Re: Possible prostate cancer and MDS-RAEB2
A good nights sleep is unfortunately a thing of the past.
Although I manage to keep dark thoughts at bay during the day at night my subconscious takes over giving me horrible nightmares.
Many is the time I have woken in the middle of one of these and have had to get up in the small hours greatly distressed and further sleep that night is impossible.
Although I manage to keep dark thoughts at bay during the day at night my subconscious takes over giving me horrible nightmares.
Many is the time I have woken in the middle of one of these and have had to get up in the small hours greatly distressed and further sleep that night is impossible.
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Re: Possible prostate cancer and MDS-RAEB2
I had that for a couple of years before I started to slow down in the day as well and realised it was a depressive illness. Such a huge relief to start anti-depressants and almost immediately started to sleep better. It was as though the dynamo of horror was unplugged and didn't get into full swing but subsided. Might be worth chatting to your GP - early morning wakening, and symptoms worst first thing, is a classic of depressive illness.
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Re: Possible prostate cancer and MDS-RAEB2
I was diagnosed clinically depressed in 1994 due to work related pressure, so I do know the signs to be aware of. I had every different type of antidepressant prescribed which made not an iota of difference. A year of counselling by a CPN got me out of that dark hole I was in.
I am confident I can get over this spell without medication. I've started to go to bed earlier now and avoided watching TVs or using a computer in the evening. I'm used to waking early after many years as a postman and for me it's the best part of the day, even better now the mornings are lighter. I live about 150yards from the sea and sit on the empty beach watching the waves hit the shore for some time which lightens my mood considerably.
Thanks for your suggestion though.
Best wishes
Anthony
I am confident I can get over this spell without medication. I've started to go to bed earlier now and avoided watching TVs or using a computer in the evening. I'm used to waking early after many years as a postman and for me it's the best part of the day, even better now the mornings are lighter. I live about 150yards from the sea and sit on the empty beach watching the waves hit the shore for some time which lightens my mood considerably.
Thanks for your suggestion though.
Best wishes
Anthony
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Re: Possible prostate cancer and MDS-RAEB2
Living by the sea - wonderful. The life of nature has rescued me on many occasions!
All the best.
All the best.
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Re: Possible prostate cancer and MDS-RAEB2
you're not alone... been diagnosed with depression (been put on paroxetine) soon after I got diagnosed with prostate cancer as well...
Last edited by Suchiss on 09 Mar 2017 17:59, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Possible prostate cancer and MDS-RAEB2
Dear Suchiss,
That is a blow indeed.
I hope you are responding to treatment for all your ailments.
Very best wishes
Anthony
That is a blow indeed.
I hope you are responding to treatment for all your ailments.
Very best wishes
Anthony
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