Update on Popeyes radiation damage and cancer reccurence

[Popeye]

The bumpy ride I have been having lately has culminated in another round of clots and retention that resulted in the Mackay Hospital putting me on another emergency flight by the RFDS to Townsville. It was here while trying to keep the bladder irrigated and clot and tissue free that my specialist organised for me to undergo an older treatment using an ALUM irrigation for the bladder. In fact it has been so long since they used this treatment new protocols had to be written and only one nurse could be found who remembered how to prepare and administer the treatment. For those that can remember back in the old days when men used cut-throat razors they also carried with them a little white pencil type stick from memory called a styptic pencil. This was moistened and applied to any razor cuts stopping the bleeding, well I understand that this is the same stuff and the principle was applied to early bladder washes when bleeding was a problem.

 

Well the treatment worked and continues to do so for the moment. However the time it has bought me has allowed me to have a brand new type of MRI here in Townsville. I had to pay the full cost of the MRI as medicare have not listed it as yet. The results have been extraordinary as my specialist was able to show me in great detail the workings in my pelvic area.

The bladder is badly diseased with barely any room to contain the urine. The walls of the bladder are udder like with huge protubances of thicknesses that are my future when they begin to break away causing the bleeding and blockages. The bladder has to be removed and I will be fitted with a stoma.

 

 The specialist then showed me in vivid detail the active cancer cells still attached to the remains of the prostate bed and he is certain that he will be able to remove these totally. Time will tell the micro metastasis story for me.

 

The main concern is the problem of the possible fusing of tissue between the prostate bed and the rectum/anus area. It appears from the MRI that there is a division in the tissue but there are parts that were hidden from view. He will however have an expert in this colon area standing by.

 

I am due to have the procedure done next Saturday 8th November and it seems strange to me that here I am having standard prostate cancer treatment but it has all been back to front from the normal way of the workings of doctors. It is interesting that I am able to have this surgery after radiation but I can say I am looking forward to a resolution to my bladder problem. My doctor says approx. 5% of patients experience the type of bladder issues I have endured after radiation treatment while 95% sail through. I can see his point but I can tell you that being a member of the 5% brigade has been frightening. I can hardly wait to have this resolved.

 

Lee

Popeye  

[Charles (Chuck) Maack]

Importantly, Lee/Popeye, is that you continue being optimistic and keeping us posted with the well explained information you have been providing regarding your status and treatment.  Looks like you are currently under a good team that is aware of what's going on inside that abdomen and also optimistic that they can improve your lot.  Just the fact that you have that ability to talk about your status and explain it so well is a good sign that you are a patient not intending to let his prostate cancer take charge.  You explain well and I look forward to reading more as you continue on this not so much preferred journey.

 

Chuck

[JimJimJimJim]

You will all be pleased to hear that Lee has come through the operation, and it seems to have been a success.

There was no involvement of the bowel, so healing and life afterwards will be less complicated.

 

We wish him a speedy recovery!