One cancer apparently not enough!

I had a really good result from PSMA-PET scan in November 2022. PSA had bottomed out to 0.04 over six months. But PSMA did indicate one slight met on L4. January 2023, PSA had risen to 1.9. I elected to have targeted radiation to the L4. No complications or side effects, but two weeks after the radiation, PSA dropped to 0.2. Then a week later during regular checkup with GP, my PSA had dropped again to 0.11.

I thought all was well, but had been having difficulty urinating since December 2022. Finally stopped altogether, so urologist scheduled a cystoscope, but not until January 16, 2023. So I had to self-catheter two or three times a day until the cystoscope. During the scope I was fully awake, and the urologist looked first into the bladder. I could see the video screen, and he said the bladder looked great -- no bladder cancer. But he said I would need a TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) to get urinary relief.

So I had to self-catheter five times a day from January 16 until February 24. By the way, I discovered a wonderful type of catheter: SpeediCath Flex Coude Pro. If a catheter can be wonderful, this one is! It is very thin, with a flexible tip that "easily" slips past obstruction; and it has a sleeve covering the catheter so that you don't actually touch it. Made by Coloplast.

Fast forward to February 24, 2023 when the TURP took place. Doctor said it went really well, but he did find a tumor and sent it off. I went home with a catheter and bag for four days. Four hours after it was removed, I could pee like a fire hose! I've had some slight bleeding and pain in perineum ever since then, but it is gradually receding. Still urinating great.

HOWEVER, the lab report came back positive for BLADDER CANCER. Urologist says it is high grade (I don't do anything second class , but it had not invaded muscle tissue. So now I will have another procedure early April for him to look around and see if he left any visible cancer. Then some scans with consultation with my MO before any treatment.

Climb one mountain, then slide back down a ways!

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Thank you, TalentedITGuy. I'm counting on all the good stories I've heard about beating it.

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My dad got B c from two packs of Salem menthols for 35 yrs . Although he quit at 55, he got BC at 69 . Put it in remission with chemo containing the tb virus . Then a yr later he had a rad prostatectomy . I hope that you can cure you BC . I was self cathing under a Uro’s watch and I went into k failure .. It took me two years to get the tubes foley and finally internal stents out . Imrt and double adt worked . If you never have to cath again it will be a good day . Good luck sir!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. You are so right!

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Good luck !

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It’s not important if I am right . You will do what’s right for you !

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🙏

[Ruthieflo]

my mother was diagnosed with bladder cancer 4 years ago. Also contained within the bladder. She had a treatment which inserted the tuberculosis bacteria into her bladder. Completely successful. Once per week for eight weeks. Uncomfortable for an old lady but she coped. Regular cystoscopy to follow up and keep an eye on things. We are in Australia so I don’t know if that is an option for you but I would think it might be.

[Hidden in reply to Ruthieflo]

Thank you. That is encouraging.

[fmenninger]

You can do this as it’s a slight setback and you will recover to move forward!

Stay strong

[Hidden in reply to fmenninger]

Thank you!

[Lynsi13]

I'm so sorry to hear this. My dad is also battling two cancers. He's had stage four prostate cancer since June 2015. In November 2021 he was diagnosed with lymphoma in his brain. He had to have brain surgery and chemo, but he's currently in remission from it!

Having two cancers certainly complicates things.. prescribing medicines is not as simple as it once was. But all in all, he's a fighter like you and just fights harder!

[Hidden in reply to Lynsi13]

🙏🏼❤️

[Hidden in reply to Lynsi13]

Thank you. Prayers for your dad.

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Thank God it’s you ! Luv ya man❤️🕊

[garyjp9]

I am sorry to hear this but very glad to hear they caught it so early !

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Thank you!

[groundhogy]

oye! Im sorry

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Thank you.

[j-o-h-n]

No problem beating this one...... From what I've heard bladder ca is easier to beat. Remember one foot forward at a time.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Sunday 03/12/2023 7:38 PM DST

[Hidden in reply to j-o-h-n]

Thanks, j-o-h-n!

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I think so. Do you mean the info about your aunt? I replied, but if you didn't receive it, thank you so much for the encouragement.