All clear ( or as near as ) after 3 month PSA Test

Visit to the BPC at The Priory to see Mr D.
Great news re the PSA test < 0.01 which is the lowest reading done by the lab. As a result of this I dont need another PSA test until 12 months post op. Basically I am now on annual PSA's, which makes sense as if a recurrence occurs its going to be over a year so why bother with the 3 monthly PSA's that the NHS do? At least I dont have to suffer the anguish of PSA anxiety every three or six months. So next PSA will be in 9 months time.

Completed the EPIC survey document and we went over the questions. Bit disappointed as I am  amber for continence due to still using the occasional pad. Hopefully I will go green at the six month check up ( in 3 months time ). ( I have only used a pad for a long distance drive for work on the motorway )

ED, Mr D doesnt want me using Caverject or VED but instead to combine my existing Cialis with Muse once a week. He will write to GP to prescribe, not looking forward to this as apparently it can sting when you use it. We had a discussion around the interpretation of the term 'erection' on the questionaire as it is subjective - agreed my view that its where it is firm enough for penetrative intercourse - I am not there yet. But I am positive that within a year I will be there as he saved both neurovascular bundles, and Mr D seems confident also.

We talked about the upper back/arm pain and he wants me to get this sorted out - so do I. He will refer me to a consultant for shoulder and MRI if GP doesnt. I said i will speak to GP this week and get resolved.

The other pains should go away - including hopefully the abdomen pain - as i didnt have a lump at the spot he wasnt concerned at the moment. To be reviewed at the next visit in another 3 months.

More exercise will help with all these niggling pains.

So, great day really ...

... update - GP believes that the neck/arm pain has been caused by a trapped nerve - 3 hours+ in theatre and putting pressure on my neck will have resurfaced an old problem I had from about 20 years ago. GP also not happy to give me MUSE as I wasnt instructed in clinic. After two weeks of talking to GP and the local NHS hospital I have been prescribed 1 pellet of MUSE to trial the use. I then have to go back and discuss with GP. Makes you wonder why I bother !! Its wrong that we have to fight for our rights to have treatments. Also a highly qualified consultant urologist , one of the best in Europe recommends what I need and a local GP says no! Terrible situation.

3 months post op approaching.. ultra sensitive psa results due

Went and gave my blood test last week ready for my three month post operative meeting with consultant urologist. I have heard on support forums the expression 'PSA Anxiety' which is the fear and waiting for your results. Its especially hard after you have had surgery as you are hoping above all for an undetectable result as this means the big C has gone away.  The theory is two tests after surgery , three months separating each , indicates the cancer has not persisted. That's the first goal. You then go for years of regular tests and as long as the PSA doesn't creep up and become detectable then there is no biochemical recurrence,  that's the ultimate goal. The one that stays with you the rest of your life. The reason why the anxiety will always be there. But apparently it gets easier over time.

So Monday I go to The Priory and the beginning of the monitoring starts. Fingers crossed.

Apart from this how have I been. Climbs another Welsh mountain last Sunday. It gets easier. Also I need to lose weight. Have put to much on after the operation and I think its hampering my full recovery.

I have still got that pain in my abdomen still and back pains. Might speak to GP.

ED, well , natural erections are still non existent but I am taking the medication. I need to find out what BUPA can do and otherwise see GP next Thursday about NHS treatment. It comes free on the NHS as its a side effect of prostate cancer treatment. It could be anything up to years to sort this out. Have to stop myself getting depressed about this.

Continence shock.... I thought I had it all sorted out. Haven't worn a pad in a couple of weeks but I have been at home. Big work day today and I did over 7 hours driving and a 3 hours meeting. Have caught a cough and it started last night. Had a bit of stress incontinence last night. Thank god I wore a pad and dark suite today as I was coughing most of the day and leaking. Just found it really hard to control, especially in the car. Still Tena 2 for men did the job nicely. Also gave me real confidence when at work. Seems it might take time to develop the technique when I had a cough.. especially one of these violent winter ones. This is really unusual for me as I don't get colds.

Snow... the whole country is worried about snow today. I was up before 6am and drove 200 miles south , had a meeting and then drove the same back. Shattered . Now the weather man says we may have the same snow on Monday. Please no. This may jeapordise my visit for my results. Really hope not.

Will update the blog here when I have had my clinic visit next week.