Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured.
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
@annecavicchi
I was tested every year (PSA) for two decades, but missed a year. Next test showed PSA had skyrocketed. Biopsy showed stage 4 prostate cancer. It happened quickly.
Scans, surgery, radiation, hormone therapy followed.
Surgeon removed the prostate and some flesh where it had spread, but there are still aftereffects.
Good side: I am in Canada, so the cost to me was about $1,000 mostly for hospital parking, travel, and some drugs not fully covered. In the USA I would have died. -
Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
@annecavicchi So sorry to hear that your husband has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. I have a good friend who just had a similar diagnosis, although possibly not so advanced. Doctors had been telling me for years now that I didn't need to have my PSA levels tested regularly but I insisted after my friend's diagnosis. Luckily I seem to be ok so far, but of late doctors seem to have preferred erring on the side of missing something with older males, rather than deal with "false alarms" from a temporary infection. But I think they're now starting to see the errors of their ways.
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
Sorry to read about your husband. I hope he recovers to remission.
Canadian in Australia here. Annual blood test standard here.
Elevated PSA got me an MRI; MRI was iffy, so due for a biopsy on February 3rd.
We'll see how that pans out, but right now I am pretty happy with Medicare here in Australia.
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
@annecavicchi I have no words. I’m so sorry.
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
@annecavicchi I am so sorry for you and your family. I don’t know if you’re aware they are using mRNA technology to develop treatments for different cancers. You could see if they have done any for prostate cancers or maybe request they research it for your situation
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
@annecavicchi Very sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis, I know from experience how overwhelming it all is.
I concur about regular testing. I was fortunate my GP raised getting tested when I was 50 rather then the recommended 55. She went through the issues with early testing (false positives, etc) and I decided to get my PSA checked anyways. Seven months later I was in surgery having my rebellious prostate removed.
I definitely recommend anyone with a prostate seriously consider getting tested at 50 (or earlier if you're in high risk group). I also recommend anyone with a prostate get educated about prostate cancer as if you have one and live long enough it's almost guaranteed you will get prostate cancer eventually.
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
@annecavicchi I'm sorry you have to go through this.
We've been through the same ordeal with my husband.I wish you both a lot of courage in this difficult time.
(Hug offered if welcome)🫂
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@annecavicchi
I was tested every year (PSA) for two decades, but missed a year. Next test showed PSA had skyrocketed. Biopsy showed stage 4 prostate cancer. It happened quickly.
Scans, surgery, radiation, hormone therapy followed.
Surgeon removed the prostate and some flesh where it had spread, but there are still aftereffects.
Good side: I am in Canada, so the cost to me was about $1,000 mostly for hospital parking, travel, and some drugs not fully covered. In the USA I would have died. -
Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
@annecavicchi Hey, I'm Stage 4 too. 20 months since first symptoms, 18 months from formal diagnosis.
I'm still here. It's inoperable, it was metastatic, but chemo got rid of the metastases and now I'm on "maintenance". Subsequently found out I also have Lynch Syndrome - genetic aberration making me susceptible to a number of different cancers incl prostate.
If you need an ear to bend, hit me up by DM. Happy to talk to you both (I'm in the UK so time difference applies!)
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@annecavicchi Hey, I'm Stage 4 too. 20 months since first symptoms, 18 months from formal diagnosis.
I'm still here. It's inoperable, it was metastatic, but chemo got rid of the metastases and now I'm on "maintenance". Subsequently found out I also have Lynch Syndrome - genetic aberration making me susceptible to a number of different cancers incl prostate.
If you need an ear to bend, hit me up by DM. Happy to talk to you both (I'm in the UK so time difference applies!)
@annecavicchi I should probably say, btw:
Symptoms, all of a sudden - blood where it shouldn't be.
PSA score: 1206.GP quote: "I'm no oncologist but that looks like advanced metastatic prostate cancer to me"
Urologist quote: "Massively enlarged prostate"
Oncologist quote: "You're looking at... well... if you're unlucky, 3 to 5 years"So far, I am not unlucky!
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
So sorry to hear that, Anne. I do hope the treatment your husband gets will be effective.
Sharing my own story in hopes that it will incentivise someone to take action
I got my prostate cancer diagnosed at 55 years old through a medical study. It was an opt-in thing and I considered skipping it. Then again, it was just a blood test so my wife insisted. The blood test showed elevated levels of PSA, so a biopsy was scheduled. All 12 samples collected showed active cancer cells. No spreading luckily.
Treatment chosen was radiation, preceded by hormones (which, wow…) Just a few weeks back I got my 5 year “all clear” test, and I have recovered fully. So amazing.
My wife has an acquaintance who’s husband got his treatment start delayed by a year. She is now a widow. Can’t stop thinking that my wife could also have been a widow today. This is serious stuff.
So yeah, guys – get the test done yearly once you pass 50.
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@annecavicchi Hey, I'm Stage 4 too. 20 months since first symptoms, 18 months from formal diagnosis.
I'm still here. It's inoperable, it was metastatic, but chemo got rid of the metastases and now I'm on "maintenance". Subsequently found out I also have Lynch Syndrome - genetic aberration making me susceptible to a number of different cancers incl prostate.
If you need an ear to bend, hit me up by DM. Happy to talk to you both (I'm in the UK so time difference applies!)
Thank you so much for sharing.
I swing back and forth from being hopeful, optimistic, and encouraged to totally fearful that treatment isn't going to work.
They started him on the hormones right away and have recommended the triple (triplet) therapy. I know he is nervous about the chemo, but I think this is what he will do. I've tried not to influence his decision as it really is his to make. I just want him to have the best chance, and from what the oncologist tells us, this is it.
He is a 'take the dog for long walks, golf 2 - 3 rounds a week' guy. In November, hr hurt his back (herniated disc) and in investigating that, the cancer was discovered. Right now, he can only walk short distances with a cane.0
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
Anne, I'm so very sorry you and your husband are facing a grim prognosis.
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
@annecavicchi big hugs
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
Triple therapy started mid February (Relugolix that started mid January, added Darolutamide and chemo with Docetaxel).
He has tolerated the treatments well and is feeling better than he was. The oncologists are pleased with what they see so far.
Two down, four to go.
He is having radiation now (between chemotherapy sessions) to deal with one of the spine metastasis).
We have some hope now - but what a horrible thing for him to be going through all of this. -
Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
@annecavicchi OMG, Anne, I'm just now reading this and I'm so very sorry. But I'm glad to read treatment is going well so far.
And thank you for taking the time, amidst everything, to warn others about the importance of testing. You might be saving some stranger's life.
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
@annecavicchi I am so so sorry. Sending you and your husband hugs, love, and hopeful wishes.
️ -
Triple therapy started mid February (Relugolix that started mid January, added Darolutamide and chemo with Docetaxel).
He has tolerated the treatments well and is feeling better than he was. The oncologists are pleased with what they see so far.
Two down, four to go.
He is having radiation now (between chemotherapy sessions) to deal with one of the spine metastasis).
We have some hope now - but what a horrible thing for him to be going through all of this.@annecavicchi Wishing you both healing, comfort, and peace as you traverse this chapter of your lives together.
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Most prostate cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured. If the cancer has spread, it is typically incurable and symptoms are just managed with hope of some extra time and quality of life.
Guys, please get checked regularly. If your Dr doesn’t mention testing, insist on it. If something just doesn’t feel right, trust that.
Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out with a shocking diagnosis a few weeks ago. If routine testing had been the norm, we may have not have had to face what now lies ahead.
He is not only my husband and best friend, he is my love, my rock, and so much more. I am trying to be strong for him as I am falling apart. I am trying to be strong, but I feel broken. I know I will get through this, but that I will be carrying on without him at some point. I am heartbroken.
Tests, more tests, doctors and specialists, treatment options, monitoring, information, decisions. It’s overwhelming. The healthcare professionals snd the team coordinating care have been amazing, but they can’t fix this.
It feels strange typing this out to people I have never met, but if it helps anyone to not end up where we find ourselves now that would be a good thing.
If you are a GP or other health care provider and a patient comes to you with a general feeling something is wrong, don’t be dismissive when they keep coming back. Don’t make assumptions, and run some damn tests.
