Sorry to hear that Richard. I was 61 too when diagnosed, had no symptoms and only got tested because an article in the paper suggested all men of 60 should.
The paradox of choice explains why big consumer goods companies hardly ever invent new products, they simply buy up promising startups. Meanwhile successful marketing careers are built on “ line extensions “ or proliferating existing brands with “New improved”, more flavours, more pack sizes, multi-packs etc etc. to command more shelf space.
As a seasoned blood doner, you can also sign up to donate both plasma and platelets! I’ve done that all my life, feeling happy with the thought that someone was clearly “checking” my blood at each donation as well. Win-win. That was until an unrelated appointment at the local gp to test the PSA in my blood - at the behest of a well-meaning cousin. The next day a call from the gp to attend immediately, began a process which confirmed I have stage-three prostate cancer - the forever cancer. Was I expecting too much (common sense) from those to whom I freely gave for decades? And now of course, I debarred from donating blood, lest a stray cancer cell find its way through!! Honestly, quite frankly one expects more.
Having had prostate cancer myself ( 3+4=7, T3a, PSA 6.4) and having had my prostate removed 4 years ago, even when giving blood that is not necessarily one of the things they test for. Though my understanding is that you can give blood after 12 months if, after treatment, there has been no recurrence.As long as the prostate cancer is not aggressive and it has been caught before it has spread there is every liklihood that your life span will not be affected. Most men of 60 & over have signs of prostate cancer and those who have needed treatment include the likes of Rod Stewart, Ben Stiller, Billy Connolly, Stephen Fry.
Oh, you hate Starbucks' coffee, too, Jack. I'm not alone.
It's bad, but taste like heaven's nectar compared to... Pret coffee.
Thanks Ivan. Unfortunately mine was already stage 3, 4+5=9, PSA of 47 at age 61. It has spread. Bummer!
Sorry to hear that Richard. I was 61 too when diagnosed, had no symptoms and only got tested because an article in the paper suggested all men of 60 should.
By the way, if you have not already joined, I would highly recommend joining: https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/
There is a great community there, lots of useful information and members who you wouldn't mind going down the pub with.
Interesting and thoughtful as ever Jack.
The paradox of choice explains why big consumer goods companies hardly ever invent new products, they simply buy up promising startups. Meanwhile successful marketing careers are built on “ line extensions “ or proliferating existing brands with “New improved”, more flavours, more pack sizes, multi-packs etc etc. to command more shelf space.
I know, I was that soldier!
As a seasoned blood doner, you can also sign up to donate both plasma and platelets! I’ve done that all my life, feeling happy with the thought that someone was clearly “checking” my blood at each donation as well. Win-win. That was until an unrelated appointment at the local gp to test the PSA in my blood - at the behest of a well-meaning cousin. The next day a call from the gp to attend immediately, began a process which confirmed I have stage-three prostate cancer - the forever cancer. Was I expecting too much (common sense) from those to whom I freely gave for decades? And now of course, I debarred from donating blood, lest a stray cancer cell find its way through!! Honestly, quite frankly one expects more.
Sorry to hear that, Richard. Hope you're getting the help you need.
Having had prostate cancer myself ( 3+4=7, T3a, PSA 6.4) and having had my prostate removed 4 years ago, even when giving blood that is not necessarily one of the things they test for. Though my understanding is that you can give blood after 12 months if, after treatment, there has been no recurrence.As long as the prostate cancer is not aggressive and it has been caught before it has spread there is every liklihood that your life span will not be affected. Most men of 60 & over have signs of prostate cancer and those who have needed treatment include the likes of Rod Stewart, Ben Stiller, Billy Connolly, Stephen Fry.