Skin cancer

[joedavis70]

The silent killer is prostate cancer, if you have any probs with the old water works get down to your docs right away, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer 5 years ago, it has now spread to my bones.
2 weeks ago when I went to the hospital to see my consultant I said to him no messing about I want the truth, what is my life expectancy as you see it? he said in my opinion 1 to 2 years? but cancer is unpredictable, it could be sooner or it could be later, its a case of take one day at a time.

 

[wreckedit]

Very sad to read that.

The latest on my skin cancer is the marks that were used to ID Basil Cell carcinoma have worn off. This was because my partner became to ill to keep them marked up on my back. I was using permanent marker but that comes off. Anyway I went back to the clinic to see if they could mark them again but there wasn't an appointment available to me for several months. They said ask my own doctor to do it. Since its a group practice and I have found in the past they do not all sing from the same hymn sheet I have left a message at the reception for them to book me with a Doctor who would be best for the job. I wouldn't mind betting I'm going to get the run around.

 

[joe-90]

Do you have a webcam or camera with a delay? If so - then photograph them.

 

[Susiejb]

that is sad news joedavis I am sure that everyone on here sends you their very best wishes, thank you for highlighting this issue, much better to be embarrased for five minutes and consultt your GP about anything worrying.
wreckedit I would just say don't beafraid to make a nuiscance of yourself, hope its sorted very soon.

 

[cantaloup63]

This is one of the most useful threads we have had for a long time. Best wishes to all of those who have or are still undergoing treatment.

Especially joedavis.

 

[joe-90]

The problem with prostate cancer is that it is difficult to detect. You can get a PSA test but it isn't very accurate. You can get a finger up the bum test but the cancer may be on the 'wrong' side and not be reachable.

 

[masona]

Very sad to read that.

The latest on my skin cancer is the marks that were used to ID Basil Cell carcinoma have worn off. This was because my partner became to ill to keep them marked up on my back. I was using permanent marker but that comes off. Anyway I went back to the clinic to see if they could mark them again but there wasn't an appointment available to me for several months. They said ask my own doctor to do it. Since its a group practice and I have found in the past they do not all sing from the same hymn sheet I have left a message at the reception for them to book me with a Doctor who would be best for the job. I wouldn't mind betting I'm going to get the run around.

I know the feeling, you cannot put a price on your health, if possible maybe go private for a quick answer?

 

[masona]

The problem with prostate cancer is that it is difficult to detect. You can get a PSA test but it isn't very accurate. You can get a finger up the bum test but the cancer may be on the 'wrong' side and not be reachable.

I have an enlarge prostate and this is the email reply from Helpline Enquiries <[email protected]>

Copy & paste,

You were also advised to have this checked further when you turned 50. You say that your current PSA blood test is 0.8ng/ml and your GP has requested to see you in a year as this result is within normal range for your age. You are concerned that some men with a normal or low PSA level are found to have prostate cancer and would you benefit from further tests and investigations.

A PSA blood test on its own does not confirm or rule out prostate cancer but it can be helpful in pointing out a problem with the prostate gland. In order to assess the risk of prostate cancer your GP has to find out if you have any symptoms, carry out a digital rectal examination (DRE) and find out if you have any increased risk factors. The risk factors associated to prostate cancer are age, men with a family history of prostate cancer and men of black African and black Caribbean descent are more at risk. Only by considering these factors together your GP can decide whether further investigations are needed. You may wish to discuss your concerns about further tests with your GP.

As you have read the PSA test alone is not a perfect and reliable test and some men with a normal PSA reading may be found to have prostate cancer. We hope that more sensitive tests will be developed for prostate cancer and it is likely that any future developments may involve a combinations of tests rather than a standalone test.

Some men who have had a PSA test, may choose to have regular tests, particularly if they are more at risk of developing prostate cancer. There is however no research to suggest how frequently men should have a repeat PSA test, but this could be every one or two years. It would seem your GP has requested to see you in a year and unless you develop or notice a change in symptoms, a year would seem acceptable. The following link may be useful for further information on understanding prostate cancer risk:

http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/prostate/index.html

 

[joedavis70]

If ever you have any aches pains or any health concerns get down to your doctors right away thats why you pay your NHC for, never say I have got no time I am too busy working.
Prior to me being diagnosed with prostate cancer I thought I was immortal I had never seen the inside of a hospital or my doctors surgery, I was brought down with a bump when told I had PC, the very mention of cancer puts the fear of god in the hardest of men, but always remember there is a lot of help and support out there for you.
I might have been given one or two years to go but at the age of 70 I am still doing a bit of work albeit part time.
All the best to anyone given the dreaded news

 

[RigidRaider]

Not just moles: a couple of years ago I found a hard little lump in the skin on the top of my bald bonce. Got sent to a skin specialist who said it was solar keratosis and zapped it with nitrogen. While she was at it she had a good look around and did a few on my forearms, which also get a lot of sun. She warned me to keep an eye out for them because they can also develop into cancer. A solar keratosis is a hard scaly area of skin cells that is a bit itchy from time to time and when you scratch it, it flakes off.

Here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_keratosis