cancer and AF

[Sue5453]

2 weeks ago I got told I have cancer just waiting for hospital to get back to me and let me know what can be done for me if anything but now I have both AF And Cancer now

[BobD Volunteer]

Been there worn the T shirt out. Not sure what your question is but I had major prostate cancer surgery, hormone and radiotherapy in 2011/2 and I'm still here. Positve mental attitude is all you need.

[Zinzaida in reply to BobD]

Hi BobD... interested in your journey and positive outcome...I have also been diagnosed with prostate cancer but Corvid 19 has interrupted further consultation...my next appointment has been put back to May 2021!!!....I have had 2 biopsies with a PSA level of 5.6 and 6.7 respectfully...along with my appointment being put back I have been told to have a PSA test every 3 months upto the time of the next appointment... obviously concerned I made enquires into going private for radical prostectomy for a cost of £19,000... however, I was advised that it may not be approved until AF problem resolved as it could cause a problem with the anethesist during the robotic operation...ER has advised me that he wouldn't recommend me for ablation and it was the anethesist to control any anticipated problems...all this aside I guess my quandary is wether to wait out for the next appointment next year or proceed with with an early op; privately...I'm 67 and living with PAF for some 10 years now under some control with flecinide and bisoprolol...also on meds for GERD... would be interested to know more about your diagnosis and circumstances which promoted radical prostectomy...

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Zinzaida]

Long story! First picked up raised PSA (5. something) in 2004 when moved house and new doctor ran background checks. Aged 59. PSA continued to rise over the next few years and I had three rectal biopsies all of which showed nothing whilst PSA rose to 36. Drugs given brought down to 30 but raised again soon after. Fourth (trans perineal ) biopsy discovered cancer "hiding round the front" . Radiotherapy advised. I said no want it out. Several weeks discussion I won. Radical prostatectomy May 2011. Discovered cancer had spread out of prostate. (What a surprise) so lost various other non esential bits and bobs in the vague area. August 2011 started three years of Zoladex hormone implants to stop testosterone on which cancer feeds and December to Jan 2012 had 33 sessions of radiotherapy, first 22 were broad focus to mop up area and last 11 were tight focus on prostate bed.

Since then regular PSA tests with results of less than 0.01% which is deemed undectectable although I had one reading in 2018 of 0.02% for some strange reason.

They say all men die with it, the secret is not to die from it.

PM me if you want any gory details.

[Zinzaida in reply to BobD]

Sound like a tough trip BobD...You don't mention any MRI scans taken...is that correct???...sorry to sound thick but don't know how to PM🙄...

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Zinzaida]

Yes had MRI and bone scans along the way. Click on chat icon at top of page.

[oliviab9]

So sorry to hear your news x sending you a hug x

[Tikaneko]

Really sorry to hear your news, as Bob says try to stay positive and you’ll get through it, with a little help from friends and family. Sending you hugs xxx

[Jalia]

So sorry to hear this Sue. Yes, positivity is all very well but good treatment , alot of luck and support from your loved ones as well.

Hope you don't have to wait too long for your nèxt step.

J x

[Kaz747]

Sorry to hear your news Sue. I like the saying, “cancer is a word, not a sentence”. I hope there’s great treatment and support for you. Stay positive xx

[lovetogarden]

Oh my gosh, so sorry to hear this. Just what you don't need, more stress, more medical issues. Hoping you get great, speedy care and treatments all go well. Hugs.

[Hidden]

Very sorry to hear this Sue but so many advances have been made so try to be positive and take on board support from family and friends to help you get through........huggggssss

[Auntielala]

So sorry Sue. I'm having cancer treatment too. What I can tell you is that whilst attending cardiac and oncology appointments, I have been impressed by the care I have been given. You will be well ooked after. It must be scary for you in the current situation, but they will make the best decisions for you and keep you safe. The oncology units are taking great care and have precautions in place to protect both us and themselves. I wish you a gentle journey with your treatment.

[Hidden]

Sorry to hear your news. I have been there too ( a very long time ago). Hope they let you know soon. I found the waiting the worst part. Sending hugs x

[jeanjeannie50]

Sorry to hear this news Sue. I guess your mind is in a whirl right now. My sister had lung cancer about 5 years ago, they cut it out and she leads a totally normal life now. Sending you a big healing hug. Jean x

[RICH22]

three suggestions:

1) do research

2) do more research

3) repeat steps 1 and 2

I have 2 different kinds of cancer, AF, T2Diabetes, osteoporosis + about 6 more "co-morbidities" -- life is a challenge, got some good friends, some bad friends, love writing fiction and exercising my favorite muscle.... no, not that one! I mean my brain!

Stay positive, think good thoughts, and if you're a believer, pray your ass off!! lol

[Jaws66 in reply to RICH22]

I agree with doing research, but I would advise doing it so you have a list of questions for your doctors when you see them. I had a tumour removed two years ago, and always thought of what I should have asked a couple of hours later.

It is an immense shock initially, but the wait until I knew what treatment was available was the hardest part for me. Once I was over the shock, I realised just how much I wasn't ready to pop my clogs, and how much I wanted to fight it, and that helped me.

Best wishes !

[RICH22 in reply to Jaws66]

absolutely! PubMed is the most trusted of websites, but until you're really savvy with reading results/conclusions of trials, data collections, etc, you can get it wrong. so ya, MUST check everything you learn, with your doctors. and RECORD all consults and visits. If dr. refuses to let you, get a different doctor. NO exceptions.

[Hidden]

I cannot begin to imagine how you must feel right now. My thoughts are with you x

[jennydog]

I've been there too.

Remember - it's not your fault, it's nothing to be ashamed of, and - most important- it's not catching.

You need to boost your immune system. Research vitamins & minerals. Cut out junk food & drink. Eat a very varied diet ( 6 lots of fruit per day doesn't mean 6 apples from the same batch - they could have been sprayed with nasty chemicals ) Avoid chemical drinks such as cola - your body needs a rest from coping with chemical concoctions. Water is safer.

You can fight this. There is life after cancer.

Very best wishes.

[meadfoot]

Sorry to hear you are having so much to deal with. Hold tight, keep strong, there will be a way through to sound health. Big hug sent your way. X

[spinningjenny]

There’s never a good time to be told you have cancer but now is the strangest of times for all of us.

In 2013 whilst waiting for an ablation I was told I had breast cancer. All the heart stuff was immediately put on hold. I was fortunate and only needed surgery and radiotherapy (no need for chemo) and six weeks after the radiotherapy had my ablation.

Got the cancer all clear this time last year.

Please don’t panic. There’s every chance all will be ok in the end. Just do as you are advised and take care.

Good luck.

[Sue5453 in reply to spinningjenny]

Thankyou x

[Alan_G]

Last May I was diagnosed with male breast cancer. I caught it very early and so had a mastectomy literally weeks after I'd first spotted the lump. My concern was the anaesthesia. My ECG and blood pressure passed the tests for general anaesthesia. I asked the anaesthetist what would happen if I went into AF during the operation. She said if it was mild and not too fast, there was nothing to worry about. That implied a fast, uncontrolled AF may well be cause for concern, although she didn't say that.

[nikonBlue]

Sorry to hear your news Sue. I too have been there and because I have AF there was a situation literally as I was prepped for surgery (breast cancer) when the anesthetist said they couldn't give me a general! It was a bit of a shock to say the least but it went ahead and all was fine. As Bob and others have said, positive mental attitude WILL help you through. I'm writing a book about my own journey and the opening line is actually... "Cancer....it's a word-NOT a sentence" as Kaz said in her comment. During my own research for my book, I found out stuff that I so wish I had known at the beginning and I wouldn't have been quite so scared of it all. Kick it's ass Sue and you'll get through.

stay safe

Blue x

[Mrsvemb]

Sue sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I have had two separate primary cancers in 2012 and 2014 together with PAF and am still here to tell the tale. I had radical surgery for both cancers and both times my cardiologist was happy for me to have anaesthetic. He told me to take extra Bisoprolol for two days pre op and let the anaesthetist know that my heart rate has been deliberately lowered.

I had no problems with PAF with either surgery.

Good luck with your journey, whichever route it takes. Stay positive and believe that you will beat it.

Val x

[irene75359]

I can't offer any advice, but wanted you to know I am thinking of you in such a worrying time; please let us know how you get on, we are all rooting for you xx

[TamlaMotown]

Hi Sue, just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts at this very traumatic time...sending you flowers 💐

[Sue5453]

Thankyou

[lwm1198]

Feeling for you, the anxiety doubled I guess with virus and then a diagnosis...but you see what good results our friends here have had - you will get through!

[Lbeat796]

All I can do is wish you the very best of luck

[lixaian]

Hi Sue5453, know the feeling as I am in the same situation, I take each day as it comes and I really fight hard not to get distressed about things. Smile and keep smiling.