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Cheshire Chris's Treatment Thread

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User

Posted 22 Aug 2018 at 14:29

Good Luck Chris. I hope the operation goes well.

For what it's worth I found the two weeks of Bicalutamide far harder to cope with than the Prostap that followed it. Fatigue was very noticeable but eased to the point where I was functioning quite well up to the Radio Therapy starting. Each person is different of course but Insomnia has been the only real pain for me. I still sleep the same number of hours but in one or two hour blocks. I am waiting for my second jab to wear off now and can only hope that my sleep improves when it does.

User

Posted 24 Aug 2018 at 14:34

Just had an email from my consultant to say that my kidney surgery will happen next Saturday, 1st September. I'm guessing it's a weekend admission because it's a private procedure, although being done in an NHS hospital.

Good to get a date for it!

Over a week on the bicalutamide now, and no side-effects. The weird "disconnected" feeling I had a few days ago has worn off, thankfully.

Chris

User

Posted 24 Aug 2018 at 15:09

I hope all goes well with the surgery on the 1st Chris.

Ido4

User

Posted 24 Aug 2018 at 16:13

Thanks - I'm looking forward to getting it over and done with. I'll probably be in hospital for two nights, so all being well it's likely I'll be home Monday. Assuming there's a good negative surgical margin on the tumour when it's removed, this should be a complete cure for the kidney cancer. My consultant said that if he's in any doubt about that, he'll remove my entire kidney.

Chris

User

Posted 27 Aug 2018 at 20:51

Chris

glad things are getting sorted now, you sound so much happier lately and I’m glad for you.

i had RT fraction 14 last Friday 24th. This three day weekend over the bank holiday has been very frustrating as all my meant to do is get on with the treatment and get it over with. I have four treatments this week which will take me to 18 and then just two in the beginning of September .

But I was disappointed to get an appointment to see my oncologists eight weeks later on the 8th of November for an update on my situation but apparently I must have eight weeks to get over the radiotherapy before they will give me a PSA test and treatment outcome

User

Posted 27 Aug 2018 at 21:29

Cheers, Alan. Yes, I am a lot happier. I’m enjoying life again, which is something that in all honesty I wondered if I’d ever do again not so long ago! Surgery on Saturday, a few weeks to recover, then hopefully back to work mid October or so. My employer’s been very good, and I can have up to a year off on full pay, but I’ve been on sick leave since the middle of May and I just want to get back to normal life again now. Obviously that’ll probably be disrupted again while I’m having (and getting over) my RT in the Spring, but I really feel that everything’s in hand now and that the end of treatment is in sight. My next real “landmark” with the prostate treatment will be a PSA test in November, when I’ll have been on the HT for three months. I’ve not had a PSA test since my initial diagnosis in May, so I’m keen to know how it’s changed.

Very best of luck with the final RT fractions, and please do let me know how things go.

All the best,

Chris

User

Posted 27 Aug 2018 at 22:09

Hi Chris

I am on the same plan as you HT then RT, I was very pleased to know that the bical tablets had worked in 4 weeks bring my PSA from 39 down to 23. I am waiting for my RT to start.

The last PSA I had was 1.75 so for me bical and then Prostap are working.

Take care

Phil

User

Posted 28 Aug 2018 at 07:47

Good luck with the op, hope it all goes well. x

regards barbara

User

Posted 28 Aug 2018 at 14:07

A year off sick on full pay? You must be a government employee or an MP! 😉

Best of luck with your operation.

User

Posted 28 Aug 2018 at 16:56

I've worked for a large multinational company for well over 20 years, so fortunately I've built up a very good benefits package over that time. My manager and everyone else at work couldn't have been more helpful and sympathetic, and they basically said "take as much time off as you need and get yourself sorted out". I do want to get back to work, though, particularly bearing in mind the fact I'll probably need more time off next year when I have my RT.

Chris

User

Posted 28 Aug 2018 at 20:01

Chris

The best advice I can give you is to try and keep yourself fit from now up to when you start your radiotherapy

Daily walks would be a good start, keeping the distance and effort well within yourself, but if you’re not sure get advice from your GP before starting any exercise routine.

cycling is also good exercise and no stress to the joints.

Today after fraction 15 I was feeling a bit down, in spite of having just 5 more to go. Yet after 45 minutes cycling the endorphins took effect and I got home in a happier state of mind and relaxed.

User

Posted 31 Aug 2018 at 10:23

I have the partial nephrectomy operation tomorrow to remove my kidney tumour. Looking forward to getting it sorted out, but obviously very apprehensive about the actual operation (or rather, the recovery from it). I guess it's natural to be nervous about major surgery! Still, I know it needs doing so it's just a matter of getting through it.

Chris

User

Posted 31 Aug 2018 at 10:42

Good luck on a full recovery friend

If life gives you lemons , then make lemonade

User

Posted 31 Aug 2018 at 10:45

Thanks, Chris. Much appreciated.

Chris

User

Posted 31 Aug 2018 at 13:31

I will be thinking about you tomorrow

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 31 Aug 2018 at 15:08

Thanks, Lyn, that's very kind. I have to be there at 11am, and they're operating at 1pm, so there shouldn't be too much waiting around at least.

Chris

User

Posted 31 Aug 2018 at 15:14

HI Chris

All the best for tomorrow and I wish you a speedy recovery.

You are a real inspiration.

Kind regards

Kevan

User

Posted 31 Aug 2018 at 15:48

All the best for tomorrow and the outcome Chris

Cheers Bill

User

Posted 31 Aug 2018 at 21:46

Hi Chris

good luck for tomorrow mate.

I had fractio 18 and final review today, 2 to go next week.

please ask me for any advice once you get to RT

User

Posted 31 Aug 2018 at 21:52

All the best Chris - hope all goes well.

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