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Care Opinion

Prostate Cancer

Posted By The optomist

"Prostate Cancer"

About: North Devon District Hospital / Cancer Services Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford) Ruby Country Medical Group

(as the patient),

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the end of 2010 following a visit to my GP about a shoulder injury and was asked about my general health.  I very rarely attended the doctor as I have always had good health, but mentioned I was having to get up in the night to urinate.

Explanations

Explanations

I was referred to hospital after blood tests revealed a high PSA level.  Since then I have experienced tremendous levels of care, attention and successful treatment, all on the NHS.

I underwent various examinations, a biopsy, scans (both tissue and bone), radiotherapy, hormone injections and regular blood and PSA tests.  I was always seen on time, treated with courtesy, humour and civility as well as concern for my welfare.

After 10 years my cancer is under control and I am certain had it not been for that casual conversation with my GP, that would not now have been the case.

Consequently I urge all men who may be experiencing the slight inconvenience of broken sleep due to the necessity to visit the 'loo' to swallow their pride, talk to their GP and get tested - it is literally a life saving decision.

Yes, I have had side effects,  but not everyone has them and when weighed against the alternative, you live with them.  That's the point - you LIVE!

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Responses

Response from Ruby Country Medical Group 3 years ago
Ruby Country Medical Group

Submitted on 23/09/2020 at 13:38
Published on nhs.uk at 13:39

Thank you for sharing your experiencing and highlighting the need for men to speak to their GP about the symptoms you detail. It's really important. We're happy that you've been able to get the necessary treatment and that you have received good levels of care along the way. This is always good to hear and share, and may be instrumental in encouraging others to get the help they need too. Thank you.

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 3 years ago
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Submitted on 23/09/2020 at 15:58
Published on Care Opinion at 16:10

Dear Optimist

Thank you for taking the time to share your positive experience of your health care with us.

In particular hearing how you have been managing your treatment and symptoms for the last 10 years after such an unexpected diagnosis is inspiring. It is encouraging to hear you say that you are living your life, it is a conscious decision that many people find difficult to make.

Living with a long term condition, whether it is cancer or another condition has its challenges which you acknowledge and clearly embrace.

I hope that you continue to live well and use the support network of the GP and our lovely Urology CNS team when needed.

Holly Conway, Living With & Beyond Cancer Team NDDH

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