Adam’s Advanced Prostate Cancer Journey

In this episode I talk about the meeting I had with my consultant to discuss the blood test I had after the end of ten months of treatment. To my shock the PSA level has risen - meaning either a temporary spike caused by the targeted radiation, or the cancer has resumed its aggressive growth.

In this episode I talk about the various medication I've taken during my ten-month treatment plan; the benefits and side effects, both short-term and long-lasting. I also mention the horrible industry in selling supposed 'cancer curing' pills online, exposed today on the BBC News website as a result of an undercover investigation.

In this episode I discuss the completion of my radiotherapy treatment, and how a referral to a chemo rehab exercise class has helped me cope mentally with no further medical treatments (for now). I also talk about how I've decided to take up fishing again - something I loved as a kid, and which I know will be perfect for the regular mindfulness sessions I was recommended to start.

In this episode I describe how my radiation therapy is going - and nearly complete - and how it has affected my urinary function.

I also talk about prostate awareness events that I've attended in recent weeks, and what the immediate future holds. 

In this episode I describe my first two radiotheraphy sessions, and the differences in preparing for that versus chemo.

I also reveal how I'm still suffering withdrawal effects from the chemo drugs, and what's in the diary for this coming week.

In this episode I discuss the changes since the chemo toxin has finally left my system, and how steroid withdrawal has caused problems. I also talk about my pre-assessment radiotherapy appointment ready for the cycle starting next week.

In this episode I reflect on my birthday this week, a milestone I didn't think I'd reach when first diagnosed last October, and also my meeting this morning with my consultant t discuss the results of my CT scan last week to see how effective the 18 week chemo treatment has been. 

...and lots of it.

In this episode I explain how urinating goes hand in hand with prostate cancer (sometimes literally), from being an earlier indicator that something may be wrong, to causing issues in your everyday life.

I offer hints and tips from my own journey, and what you can do to make things as easy and comfortable for yourself as possible.

This episode discusses my feelings on finishing the 18 week chemotherapy treatment, how my body (and mental wellbeing) have affected, and my thoughts about the future. 

In this episode I welcome special guest Gary Lamb and discuss his own prostate cancer journey, during which he elected to undergo radical prostatectomy - a procedure to remove the entire prostate gland.

In this episode I talk about the emotional reaction to receiving my final chemotherapy infusion, and how the plan for radiotherapy set for May and June won't be finalised until the results are known of my forthcoming CT scan. 

I also talk about the interview I recorded for UHCW's new podcast Patients Stories, and the local prostate cancer awareness initiative I'm working on here in Coventry.

Happy Easter!

In this episode I describe how chemo session 5/6 went, and the work I've carried out his week on various prostate cancer awareness initiatives, including a forthcoming guest spot on a major local podcast and a new awarerness group which will launch this coming week with a couple of events.

And my PSA is at it's lowest recorded level!

In this episode I ponder the usage of blood in diagnosis, treatment progress and everyday life, and the return of back pain this week, as I prepare for chemo cycle 5 of 6. 

In this episode I talk about the forthcoming Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and initiatives which are available to show your support and raise vital funds.

And I didn't record it on Friday 30th February, despite what I say in the recording!

In this episode I describe my latest chemo infusion - No. 4 of 6 - and how this podcast has been reassuring other men starting out on their own prostate cancer journey, just through my being myself and speaking about it in an everyday way. Long may it continue! 

In this episode I talk about changes to appearance due to cancer treatment, from hair loss from chemotherapy to weight gain and fluid retention due to steroids.

I also discuss the results from my progress meeting with my oncologist clinical nurse specialist, and early ideas for prostate cancer awareness events here in Coventry.

In this episode I discuss how I'm coping with chemotherapy at the midpoint of the eighteen week treatment, and compare the readings from my latest blood test with those on diagnosis in October. 

I also talk about a new prostate cancer related project which I'm aiming to launch in the very near future.

In this episode I'm delighted to be joined by Lindsay Randall of the Macmillan Cancer Support office at Coventry's UHCW. Lindsay explains what Macmillan can do for everyone affected by cancer, be it a patient or family member, and how they help to reduce stress in all sorts of situations, some which won't even be apparent when you are first diagnosed.