Natasha Robinson writes: When we first sat around the Rye News Editorial Meeting table, discussing this series of articles, I was surprised that three hands went up immediately. I shouldn't have been. About 1 in 8 men in the UK will develop Prostate Cancer in their lifetime. Here is Peter's story...
Meeting da Vinci
"I think it’s fine, feels smooth to me, but maybe …” my GP’s words before taking the all important decision to put me on the cancer pathway – and that after only a tiny elevation in my already low PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) measurement. Anyone know what I’m talking about because, if you are male over 40, then you should!
Your prostate is a small, about the size of a walnut, but important gland in the pelvis and is part of the male reproductive system. What my GP detected was some sign of it becoming wrinkly, which can be one of the early signs of potential prostate cancer. This is the major cause of cancer in men … and we are not generally very good at talking about it and taking steps to try and ensure early detection and treatment.
Turning up at my first referral appointment the consultant was a bit perplexed. Why I was there: low PSA, no other symptoms - problems with urinating, blood in urine or semen). However, he took the same view as my GP with the next steps being an MRI, followed by a prostate biopsy. The biopsy, not the most pleasant of experiences, takes samples from your prostate to check if there are any signs of cancer.
My next stop was to the specialist cancer nurse, who carefully advised me that the MRI and biopsy clearly indicated cancer in my prostate which was on the verge of spreading to other parts of the body. Let’s be clear, many of us will have prostate cancer and die at a ripe old age without being affected, but for some medical attention will be required to prevent life threatening issues developing.
Having been diagnosed you will have options, depending on your individual situation. In my case this included either removal of the prostate, or chemo- or radiotherapy. All this was clearly explained by the specialist cancer nurse. However, after meeting a surgeon, it felt to me that a straightforward removal seemed the best way of getting rid of the problem once and for all. I say straightforward, but it involves highly skilled surgery and a clever robot … hence my new friend da Vinci.
The Da Vinci robotic surgical system allows a skilled surgeon to make even more precise movements than usual with a wider range of rotating hand motion than if the operation were performed manually. Powerful cameras are coupled with 3D vision to give clearer internal visibility during the operation so your surgeon can operate at the peak of their ability. This is really important, as the prostate is surrounded by nerves that are directly related to bladder control and erectile function … and a key skill of the surgeon is to remove the prostate while retaining all other capabilities … no mean feat!
As the surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, recovery takes a while, but the keyhole nature of the surgery makes this easier. Support on the recovery of bladder control and erectile function is often also required … and can be difficult.
But for me at least, after 3 years and regular PSA tests I have now been discharged from hospital care … but will definitely be continuing to check my PSA levels!!
I am one of the lucky ones. But if we all are more aware of the symptoms and talk to our GP (and each other) about PSA tests, then more men can hopefully find a problem before it develops into a more serious issue. Then we can take advantage of the various options that are available to reduce male cancer deaths.
Major advances in treatment are being made all the time … let’s take advantage of them!
