"Treatment for prostate cancer"

In December 2015 I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel in both arms and lower back pain, I was advised by my surgery to have a P. S. A. blood test which came back high. I saw nurse practitioner for examination a week later and less than a week after that received a call from ward 5 B. R. I. to say I had been fast tracked for a biopsy, which was completed by noon that day. I was told 10 days afterh the biopsy that I had early stages of prostate cancer and all options and treatments were explained to me along with a pack containing useful contacts, websites and phones numbers. A week later after discussing with urology staff I decided to go for surgical removal of my prostate. In February my wife and I were invited along with 5 or 6 other men in my situation to meet the dedicated team who gave us tips and advice and M Addla explained the operation and answered our concerns, finally a man who had the operation in September 2015 talked about his experiences and expressed regret at not having surgery straight away. The following week I was admitted to ward 5 at 10am and prepared for surgery.

After 3 hours of surgery I was taken to ward 14 for the night, where the next day I was encouraged to get out of bed and keep mobile. Throughout Saturday afternoon during visiting I was fully monitored and prepared for discharge at 5 30pm with all necessary medication and future appointments, I returned to ward 14 on the following Friday at 8am and by 12 30pm my catheter had been removed and I was back in full control of my bladder, Monday I had my 16 staples removed at my local surgery and apart from 5 small areas on my stomach the only reminder now of cancer are the daily injections and socks to prevent D. V. T. s

From December 2015 when I had my P. S. A. blood test until the end of February I could not have got better care especially during the operation and on ward 14 and I would advise any one finding themselves in this situation to explore all options open to you and when your decision is made listen to all advice given by medical staff and do as they tell you they know best and its for your benefit not theirs. Many thanks to Mr Addla and all urology staff at B. R. I. , ward14 Zoe and Ian.