Dad had congestive heart failure for a long time before his cancer. Light pink pee prompted us to ask our GP for a referral (UK system). Diagnostic tests included a camera to view inside his bladder space (Cystoscopy). It was a straightforward diagnosis that led to an operation to remove an area of his bladder.
My mum’s cancer was discovered after a routine blood test—one she gets for high cholesterol—showed low iron.
Strangely enough, I had a strong gut feeling I needed to quit my job just before we got the news, even though I didn’t want to.
I was able to be with her for her surgery to remove part of her bowel. Unfortunately, she fell into the unlucky 5% who experience a leak at the surgical join, which meant another emergency operation.
Chemo was tough, but now she’s able to enjoy food again and is getting her energy back!
Thanks for sharing, Mika. xo Routine tests can be blessings.
Aw, a leak and emergency op spikes my empathy-adrenalin, just thinking of it. Hugs to you and your Mum
Yup, I hate the chemo - I'm so glad you could with her it rattles the soul going through it with them. Is there a particular food that she's enjoying again?
My mum's taste buds changed a lot after chemo, but thankfully she still loves cake - it helped her regain weight...you know the whole small, frequent food advice-thing.
PROSTATE CANCER - Patient (Me) @prostatecancer @stevensonmark
I was diagnosed with Prostate cancer at the ripe old age of just 46! Normally associated with the older gentleman, my prostate decided it fancied a cell change at an earlier age. It was due to a contact that I knew mentioning that he was going for a prostatectomy that prompted me soon afterwards to get my PSA checked out as I was needing to pee with some urgency (https://prostatecancer.substack.com/p/the-psa-will-be-fine-i-am-only-46).
Nearly four years later and I am still here and purely through a brief conversation with someone else that had been diagnosed and was happy to talk about it...I am here to pass this message on and keep the topic of getting checked if worried out there!
No worries....my first contact with the GP (for the PSA test) was in early February and was diagnosed in early April. I was really fortunate to be seen for each appointment within 2 weeks (or earlier in some cases) of each other.
BLADDER CANCER - Caregiver (Dad) @Carermentor
Dad had congestive heart failure for a long time before his cancer. Light pink pee prompted us to ask our GP for a referral (UK system). Diagnostic tests included a camera to view inside his bladder space (Cystoscopy). It was a straightforward diagnosis that led to an operation to remove an area of his bladder.
BOWEL CANCER - Caregiver (mum)
@musingsbymika
My mum’s cancer was discovered after a routine blood test—one she gets for high cholesterol—showed low iron.
Strangely enough, I had a strong gut feeling I needed to quit my job just before we got the news, even though I didn’t want to.
I was able to be with her for her surgery to remove part of her bowel. Unfortunately, she fell into the unlucky 5% who experience a leak at the surgical join, which meant another emergency operation.
Chemo was tough, but now she’s able to enjoy food again and is getting her energy back!
Thanks for sharing, Mika. xo Routine tests can be blessings.
Aw, a leak and emergency op spikes my empathy-adrenalin, just thinking of it. Hugs to you and your Mum
Yup, I hate the chemo - I'm so glad you could with her it rattles the soul going through it with them. Is there a particular food that she's enjoying again?
My mum's taste buds changed a lot after chemo, but thankfully she still loves cake - it helped her regain weight...you know the whole small, frequent food advice-thing.
PROSTATE CANCER - Patient (Me) @prostatecancer @stevensonmark
I was diagnosed with Prostate cancer at the ripe old age of just 46! Normally associated with the older gentleman, my prostate decided it fancied a cell change at an earlier age. It was due to a contact that I knew mentioning that he was going for a prostatectomy that prompted me soon afterwards to get my PSA checked out as I was needing to pee with some urgency (https://prostatecancer.substack.com/p/the-psa-will-be-fine-i-am-only-46).
Nearly four years later and I am still here and purely through a brief conversation with someone else that had been diagnosed and was happy to talk about it...I am here to pass this message on and keep the topic of getting checked if worried out there!
Thanks for sharing, Mark.
Could you share how long it took to go from talk to test to results?
From the planted thought/worry to getting it checked out?
I found this last year - an NHS England improvement on 2weeks
Last year new guidelines were published for NHS England "Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) and the NHS England Cancer Programme have co-produced this guide, outlining how cancer alliances and constituent organisations can implement NHSE’s best practice timed pathways for cancer.' (March 2024) https://gettingitrightfirsttime.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/BestPracticeTimedDiagnosticCancerPathwayssummary-guide-March-24-V3.pdf
No worries....my first contact with the GP (for the PSA test) was in early February and was diagnosed in early April. I was really fortunate to be seen for each appointment within 2 weeks (or earlier in some cases) of each other.
That's so good to hear! Thanks, Mark.