“Happy Christmas to you guys, keep up the great work, the last time you checked me l was given an Amber report, unfortunately I had difficulty in getting my GP’s to take my early warning result and my own related symptoms seriously and fobbed off. When I eventually got them to get their act together, time had passed, tests were undertaken, and I was diagnosed with having advanced prostate cancer which had broken out from the prostate! BAD NEWS for me!!!!!
However, thank you guys for the part you played, it seems as though it is definitely a worthwhile exercise, and on an Amber result it is essential one should insist on further tests and action to be taken.
As a PS., A friend of mine who also attended your PSA blood tests did have a green light, but on hearing about my dilemma decided to ask his GP for a PSA blood test and was similarly fobbed off and told that blood tests are not reliable and do not necessarily prove prostate problems and to return sometime in the new year to decide on whether or not he should then have a PSA test, l am proof to the contrary.
Merry Christmas”
Graham from Whitchurch
23rd December 2020
"Thank you for your recent letter enquiring after my PSA blood test results, as arranged with GFCT at Fratton Park.
As you noted in your let, I had a Red Letter showing a slightly high result and as a response to that letter I saw my G.P. the next day and we had a discussion about the results. He gave me a digital rectal examination and he wasn’t too concerned but he arranged for another blood test and an appointment with an Urologist at our local hospital. The second blood test came back slightly lower at 6.1.
On the 21st May I saw the Urologist, Mr Richard Robinson, who did a D.R.E. and he was not overly concerned but he arranged for a Pelvis Prostate MRI scan on the 27th May. The results showed an area within the prostate that required biopsy. On the 8thJune, a Saturday, I had the biopsy done at Q.A. hospital. After waiting a long 6 weeks for the results, I saw a Cancer nurse who informed that it was cancer but early localised stage. The biopsy was on 4 places but only 1 place had cancer. She thought it would be a choice of radiotherapy or a prostatectomy. She authorised a bone scan and a CT scan and informed me that if they were all clear then I could choose one of these treatments.
On the 19th August, I returned to the Urology department to see a Consultant who gave me the good news that they could offer treatment and I chose a prostatectomy after long discussions with my wife and plenty of research on the internet, we thought this would be the best option. I now have an appointment for the operation on 18th September.
I still have nothing to indicate that I have this cancer, so true to say, that without this blood test, I would have been unaware until things would have become serious and not a good outcome. I am not understating that this blood test has probably saved my life, so thanks to everyone involved with this charity.
Please feel free to make use or promote the charity as you wish and know that I have advised men to go for this blood test if they can or ask their GP’s for it. “
Mr D Porter of Southsea
10th September 2019
"The test result did in fact show prostate cancer that had bubbled forming a 9mm tumour. The cancer was too near the bladder for brachytherapy which would have been my preferred course of treatment. I had a Robotic Prostatectomy in Guys Hospital in March of this year. From diagnosis to surgery, the tumour had penetrated the capsule but the surgeon is confident that he removed all of the cancer. The PSA test 6 week after surgery saw a level of undetectable. I have no incontinence issues and am confident that the 50% erectile dysfunction will improve with time. I will be PSA monitored every 4 months for the next couple of years.
Through the course of the diagnosis for cancer, they also discovered I have AF. I underwent a Cardioversion in August of this year and will be having an Ablation later this year.
I had no symptoms whatsoever of either of these conditions and felt well in myself. I would have never have thought of having any health check ups for quite a few years if this test had not been done.
I cannot express enough gratitude to Siemens and GFCT for having put a programme in place and in truth, saving my life.
I would most of all like to thank you for your talk in Siemens meeting which encouraged so many of us to take a test.
You held our attention with an informative wit that broke through anyone’s embarrassment.
Always in your debt”
MR J RUSH OF BECKTON LONDON September 2019