Popular Post drat01 Posted April 7 Popular Post Share Posted April 7 Hi, Apologies for this and appreciate I haven't posted on here for a while. (still a regular on Twitter and various FB forums - modding etc). Some of you may remember me (said in the style of the Simpsons) as someone who used to post on here a lot until certain things happened, but more water than a Prince Andrew sweat has gone under the bridge and I really hold no grudges or malice etc. I used to (and still do) tell shit jokes, had the direct line to a Villa player (Gaz Cahill) and argue politics with people like Tony. I still talk and see a few off here and that is great. So what is this bollox intro all about? Well, some of you will know that I was diagnosed two years back with what we now know is Stage 4 Prostate Cancer. No symptoms, was just sitting at home saw some of the stuff off Jeff Stelling etc, had a blood test and as they say the rest is history. Treatment has included Chemo, no hair loss other than a bald spot in my beard ! and after that a continual course of hormone treatment (think of it as a permanent chemo - 4 tablets a day for however long it takes - ie for ever). I see my Oncologist every 3 months now (just by phone) and the PSA level continues to come down - currently at 0.25, which considering it was 25 at the start is bloody good going. I typically have 3 questions for the Onco team a) Can I drink Beer? b) Can I go on holiday, c) Can I still buy long life milk !!! The side effects physically are a reduction in body hair (for sale 1 electric razor) and severe fatigue at times. As anyone who follows me on Twitter (IanMSanders) will know, I have numerous holidays, love a beer or 6 and am still a Villa season ticket holder and often go away matches etc (looking forward to Lille soon). Mental stress around Cancer can never be underestimated, its bloody massive. You think about it first thing and that goes through to last thing at night. It's how you fill your day that makes a massive difference. Also, the impact of family and friends is unreal. Anyway, why I am saying all of this is that I am very vocal about my story and one of the first things I realised was a) I was not alone in this fight (I am a cancer fighter NOT a sufferer) and b) I am not unique. Talking about the challenges I am facing is my way of coping and hopefully helping others - I have two mates who have had tests who have also found they have prostate cancer, all because of what I have been talking about. Blokes have typically never been ones to be open about feelings, nor discuss some of their personal health issues and this is very much part of the problem. This is changing but still has a long way to go. So the bottom line (!!!) really is, if you are of a certain age, get to your docs and ask for a PSA test. Its a simple thing and even if the docs say no, insist on it, they cannot refuse. If you are a 'ladyyyyyy' then make sure your men - dads, partners, brothers, uncles etc go and get a test. The earlier it's detected, the better the result will be. If any of you are worried about any of these things, feel free to reach out to me and I can chat or point you at people who can really help. We have online (private) forums of blokes who are all cancer fighters for example and knowing that you can reach out to chat with others is worth its weight in gold. 1 in 8 is the official number for blokes who will get it at some time, in reality according to my Onco nurses is that it's probably 1 in 4 or even 1 in 3. That ain't meant to scare anyone, it's just education to show that if you are aware and keep an eye on things, you can sort it out early enough. Right, that is enough waffle, and again apologies if this ain't a subject people want to read on a football forum, I just thought I would share a few things that I have experienced so far. Cheers Ian (and if any of you do see us down VP etc please say hello - I seriously don't bite - That was Rantin Rob - another name from the past 39 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seat68 Posted April 7 Share Posted April 7 18 minutes ago, drat01 said: Hi, Apologies for this and appreciate I haven't posted on here for a while. (still a regular on Twitter and various FB forums - modding etc). Some of you may remember me (said in the style of the Simpsons) as someone who used to post on here a lot until certain things happened, but more water than a Prince Andrew sweat has gone under the bridge and I really hold no grudges or malice etc. I used to (and still do) tell shit jokes, had the direct line to a Villa player (Gaz Cahill) and argue politics with people like Tony. I still talk and see a few off here and that is great. So what is this bollox intro all about? Well, some of you will know that I was diagnosed two years back with what we now know is Stage 4 Prostate Cancer. No symptoms, was just sitting at home saw some of the stuff off Jeff Stelling etc, had a blood test and as they say the rest is history. Treatment has included Chemo, no hair loss other than a bald spot in my beard ! and after that a continual course of hormone treatment (think of it as a permanent chemo - 4 tablets a day for however long it takes - ie for ever). I see my Oncologist every 3 months now (just by phone) and the PSA level continues to come down - currently at 0.25, which considering it was 25 at the start is bloody good going. I typically have 3 questions for the Onco team a) Can I drink Beer? b) Can I go on holiday, c) Can I still buy long life milk !!! The side effects physically are a reduction in body hair (for sale 1 electric razor) and severe fatigue at times. As anyone who follows me on Twitter (IanMSanders) will know, I have numerous holidays, love a beer or 6 and am still a Villa season ticket holder and often go away matches etc (looking forward to Lille soon). Mental stress around Cancer can never be underestimated, its bloody massive. You think about it first thing and that goes through to last thing at night. It's how you fill your day that makes a massive difference. Also, the impact of family and friends is unreal. Anyway, why I am saying all of this is that I am very vocal about my story and one of the first things I realised was a) I was not alone in this fight (I am a cancer fighter NOT a sufferer) and b) I am not unique. Talking about the challenges I am facing is my way of coping and hopefully helping others - I have two mates who have had tests who have also found they have prostate cancer, all because of what I have been talking about. Blokes have typically never been ones to be open about feelings, nor discuss some of their personal health issues and this is very much part of the problem. This is changing but still has a long way to go. So the bottom line (!!!) really is, if you are of a certain age, get to your docs and ask for a PSA test. Its a simple thing and even if the docs say no, insist on it, they cannot refuse. If you are a 'ladyyyyyy' then make sure your men - dads, partners, brothers, uncles etc go and get a test. The earlier it's detected, the better the result will be. If any of you are worried about any of these things, feel free to reach out to me and I can chat or point you at people who can really help. We have online (private) forums of blokes who are all cancer fighters for example and knowing that you can reach out to chat with others is worth its weight in gold. 1 in 8 is the official number for blokes who will get it at some time, in reality according to my Onco nurses is that it's probably 1 in 4 or even 1 in 3. That ain't meant to scare anyone, it's just education to show that if you are aware and keep an eye on things, you can sort it out early enough. Right, that is enough waffle, and again apologies if this ain't a subject people want to read on a football forum, I just thought I would share a few things that I have experienced so far. Cheers Ian (and if any of you do see us down VP etc please say hello - I seriously don't bite - That was Rantin Rob - another name from the past Beautiful but sad story. I had a check 15 years ago after a friend lost her father to it and have had a few checks is in the years that followed. To reiterate. Boys we are embarrassed or put off by this shit but don’t be. It’s **** important. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Dog Posted April 7 Share Posted April 7 31 minutes ago, drat01 said: Hi, Apologies for this and appreciate I haven't posted on here for a while. (still a regular on Twitter and various FB forums - modding etc). Some of you may remember me (said in the style of the Simpsons) as someone who used to post on here a lot until certain things happened, but more water than a Prince Andrew sweat has gone under the bridge and I really hold no grudges or malice etc. I used to (and still do) tell shit jokes, had the direct line to a Villa player (Gaz Cahill) and argue politics with people like Tony. I still talk and see a few off here and that is great. So what is this bollox intro all about? Well, some of you will know that I was diagnosed two years back with what we now know is Stage 4 Prostate Cancer. No symptoms, was just sitting at home saw some of the stuff off Jeff Stelling etc, had a blood test and as they say the rest is history. Treatment has included Chemo, no hair loss other than a bald spot in my beard ! and after that a continual course of hormone treatment (think of it as a permanent chemo - 4 tablets a day for however long it takes - ie for ever). I see my Oncologist every 3 months now (just by phone) and the PSA level continues to come down - currently at 0.25, which considering it was 25 at the start is bloody good going. I typically have 3 questions for the Onco team a) Can I drink Beer? b) Can I go on holiday, c) Can I still buy long life milk !!! The side effects physically are a reduction in body hair (for sale 1 electric razor) and severe fatigue at times. As anyone who follows me on Twitter (IanMSanders) will know, I have numerous holidays, love a beer or 6 and am still a Villa season ticket holder and often go away matches etc (looking forward to Lille soon). Mental stress around Cancer can never be underestimated, its bloody massive. You think about it first thing and that goes through to last thing at night. It's how you fill your day that makes a massive difference. Also, the impact of family and friends is unreal. Anyway, why I am saying all of this is that I am very vocal about my story and one of the first things I realised was a) I was not alone in this fight (I am a cancer fighter NOT a sufferer) and b) I am not unique. Talking about the challenges I am facing is my way of coping and hopefully helping others - I have two mates who have had tests who have also found they have prostate cancer, all because of what I have been talking about. Blokes have typically never been ones to be open about feelings, nor discuss some of their personal health issues and this is very much part of the problem. This is changing but still has a long way to go. So the bottom line (!!!) really is, if you are of a certain age, get to your docs and ask for a PSA test. Its a simple thing and even if the docs say no, insist on it, they cannot refuse. If you are a 'ladyyyyyy' then make sure your men - dads, partners, brothers, uncles etc go and get a test. The earlier it's detected, the better the result will be. If any of you are worried about any of these things, feel free to reach out to me and I can chat or point you at people who can really help. We have online (private) forums of blokes who are all cancer fighters for example and knowing that you can reach out to chat with others is worth its weight in gold. 1 in 8 is the official number for blokes who will get it at some time, in reality according to my Onco nurses is that it's probably 1 in 4 or even 1 in 3. That ain't meant to scare anyone, it's just education to show that if you are aware and keep an eye on things, you can sort it out early enough. Right, that is enough waffle, and again apologies if this ain't a subject people want to read on a football forum, I just thought I would share a few things that I have experienced so far. Cheers Ian (and if any of you do see us down VP etc please say hello - I seriously don't bite - That was Rantin Rob - another name from the past Hey mate - I've been looking for you down the Lower Holte for some time, after chatting for almost 15 years online it was nice to finally meet you in person last season A lovely chat about that blue and white china plate. Have followed your journey through all this and found your attitude to it all inspirational. I don't think there's many blokes out there that can make jokes about what you've gone through. BTW, you promised me you'd be coming to Tenerife, not sure if you remember Take care sir, if you ever see me down the lower, do come and say hello again, be great to have a pint with you 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drat01 Posted April 7 Author Share Posted April 7 Just now, T-Dog said: Hey mate - I've been looking for you down the Lower Holte for some time, after chatting for almost 15 years online it was nice to finally meet you in person last season A lovely chat about that blue and white china plate. Have followed your journey through all this and found your attitude to it all inspirational. I don't think there's many blokes out there that can make jokes about what you've gone through. BTW, you promised me you'd be coming to Tenerife, not sure if you remember Take care sir, if you ever see me down the lower, do come and say hello again, be great to have a pint with you Ha - yeah that was a good day mate. And yes the Tenerife visit is still very much on the cards ... remind me to tell you what happened when I called my "man sausage' the Tardis during a procedure I had to have after some treatments. ... don't say you were expecting that 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Dog Posted April 7 Share Posted April 7 3 minutes ago, drat01 said: Ha - yeah that was a good day mate. And yes the Tenerife visit is still very much on the cards ... remind me to tell you what happened when I called my "man sausage' the Tardis during a procedure I had to have after some treatments. ... don't say you were expecting that I'm not gonna start talking about your man sausage fella Honestly tho bud, if you're ever down the Lower look for the big fella with the gray beard and we'll have a pint or two. Top man, top top man. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodgyknees Posted April 7 Share Posted April 7 Sending you all the love in the world @drat01. Thank you for sharing, I will get checked. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AVFC_Hitz Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 Glad you're still fighting and punching cancer in the balls @drat01 Hopefully the Spireites getting back into the league cheered you up. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drat01 Posted April 8 Author Share Posted April 8 8 hours ago, Dodgyknees said: Sending you all the love in the world @drat01. Thank you for sharing, I will get checked. Thx and great re the test mate. That is exactly what this is all about. People getting tested. Thx for that ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drat01 Posted April 8 Author Share Posted April 8 2 hours ago, AVFC_Hitz said: Glad you're still fighting and punching cancer in the balls @drat01 Hopefully the Spireites getting back into the league cheered you up. Thx - Yeah went to the game they got promoted in. Hopefully we can draw them in the League cup next year Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villa89 Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 At what age should you start getting the PSA test? 50? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drat01 Posted April 8 Author Share Posted April 8 Just now, villa89 said: At what age should you start getting the PSA test? 50? Recommendation is 50, but if you have a family history then down to 45 and black men should think about an earlier test also, apparently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colhint Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 I'm really sorry for your situation but I will say you've been missed.keep fighting pal. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drat01 Posted April 8 Author Share Posted April 8 Just now, colhint said: I'm really sorry for your situation but I will say you've been missed.keep fighting pal. Cheers mate - Certainly will keep fighting. Hope you and yours are good also Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NurembergVillan Posted April 8 Moderator Share Posted April 8 7 minutes ago, drat01 said: appreciate I haven't posted in here for a while. Does this mean you're back? Like, are you gonna be on VT again? It's great keeping up on Twitter but I miss you on here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drat01 Posted April 8 Author Share Posted April 8 13 minutes ago, NurembergVillan said: Does this mean you're back? Like, are you gonna be on VT again? It's great keeping up on Twitter but I miss you on here. Too many holidays, beers and doing stuff Rob ... (By the way I have a good trip to Canada soon including a few days in Vancouver and back to Calgary also - followed by a cruise to Alaska) Mrs S has been nagging me about going to Germany again soon also and has seen some pics of N'berg !! I told her if certain people lived in both not to expect too much 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blandy Posted April 8 Moderator Share Posted April 8 12 hours ago, drat01 said: haven't posted on here for a while Thanks for the update, Ian. Sounds like good news with the level coming down. I’m not on Twitter anymore, so have missed your updates, but I’ll say what I said back when you posted the news, let’s celebrate with a beer when you get the all clear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drat01 Posted April 8 Author Share Posted April 8 Just now, blandy said: Thanks for the update, Ian. Sounds like good news with the level coming down. I’m not on Twitter anymore, so have missed your updates, but I’ll say what I said back when you posted the news, let’s celebrate with a beer when you get the all clear. Certainly up for a beer any time Pete - the reality is there will probably never be an all clear moment, but as the onco team says its all about control. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blandy Posted April 8 Moderator Share Posted April 8 1 minute ago, drat01 said: the onco team says its all about control. Ah, ok, well that then. It’d be good to meet up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drat01 Posted April 8 Author Share Posted April 8 Just now, blandy said: Ah, ok, well that then. It’d be good to meet up. Still on the same phone number mate? mine is the same Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjw63 Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 Drat01? RantinRob? Never heard of them, they sound right plonkers. Glad to hear you’re doing ok Ian, but I’d be careful of liver damage. I’ve seen your pictures 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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