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Elevated PSA

Posted , 12 users are following.

Roger2Dodger
Roger2Dodger

I am a 75 years old. My PSA last year was 4.03 this year it has elevated to 5.83. This has me stressed and worried. My urologist has recommend I have a biopsy. I have been reading and go ogling about prostate cancer and biopsies. The more I read and learn,the more confused I get. I am 50- to get a biopsy and 50 not to get one. Taking my life span in consideration I could die of something else if I did have the cancer. This is what I have been finding out through my research. I am presently taking Flomax to help my frequent urination. I Have also learned that they are risks involved with the biopsy. I am going nuts thinking about my elevated PSA result. Any advice coming my way, would be appreciated.

2 likes, 114 replies

114 Replies

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  • jwrhn1951
    jwrhn1951 Roger2Dodger

    Posted

    Hi Roger

    IMO you need to take a deep breath and slooooooooooooow down. You are 75 years old at your age at least 75% of all men will have low to intermediate grade prostate cancer that they will die with not from.

    It's only about 3 weeks since  I answered  your first post,  you don't even know for sure whether you have low or intermediate grade PC and all ready you are looking at surgery or other treatments. Statistically whatever form of curative treatment you may choose your quality of life will never be the same. The most common statistic I've seen most men report they are about 70% of what they were  in terms of QOL before treatment.

    Even if the Gleason 7 is a (4+3) its likely that it will 10 years at least before you become symptomatic if ever, with your expected life expectancy. I've lived with a PSA  twice yours for 10 years on watchful waiting and rarely think about it because I am sympton free.

    I really think you should consider giving your self 6 months, if your MD's agree, before deciding on any treatment options. Take the time to throughly understand what you are or are not getting yourself into, you could have your PSA monitored every 3 months to get a idea of the doubling time.You could also have any other medicall conditions you have assessed to give you a idea of you chances of  10, 15, 20 year survival

    Of course this is a decision only you can make...but it seems to me you have time to consider all your options.

    • david41094
      david41094 jwrhn1951

      Posted

      Could not agree more. In your shoes I would not even consider radical, invasive treatment. As jwrhn says, at your age you would expect to have PCa but it is unlikely to affect your life. My dad had G 4+3 for 20 years and died at the age of 84 from a heart attack. Please don't do anything until you have fully researched this subject - this is a very unusual cancer in that delay of treatment does not appear to affect overall outcome.
    • Roger2Dodger
      Roger2Dodger david41094

      Posted

      Jwrhn& david,

      I am having normal reactions, when your Urologists calls you and tells you YOU HAVE CANCER! I will get more details April 13. He did ( Urologists ) say I had a Gleason of 7 & 6. I was in a restaurant with family and could not comprehend even thing he said. However, your words of encouragement does give me some hope. I will go forward and get more details. ...stage of cancer etc etc. Then get professional advice for treatment. I do not think active survlelance is in my trestment. A biopsy ever year. . Ugg. Thanks to both of you, your replies and advice I take seriously. I am most appreciative.

      Roger

  • jwrhn1951
    jwrhn1951 Roger2Dodger

    Posted

    Your reaction was perfectly normal and understandable.Only you can make the right treatment choice for you.

    Wishing you the best.

    • Roger2Dodger
      Roger2Dodger jwrhn1951

      Posted

      Jwrhn,

      No, I don't have my gleason score yet. Just what the Doc told me over a phone in a noisy restutrant. I did some research on the Gleason score 7......... 4+ 3 and 3+4 . 4 reflects a more advanced and agressive disease pattern than a  3+4. it is an important difference. So, I can speculate all I want until I get the facts. Stage and actual G-score. My family will be going with me on the 13 and I have questions ready and maybe this Urologist can answere a few. On the cancer doctor I will go and get more opinons from him. You and david has lifited my sprits with your comments. So thankful I found this Patient! This has been the most traumatic experience of my life.

      Roger

    • charles61038
      charles61038 Roger2Dodger

      Posted

      Roger, just keep in mind that all is treatable. You can research your options and discuss with your doctors. My urologist pointed me to a great website for answers. This also has a video library on many topics concerning prostate cancer - discussing the various treatment options for the diferent stages. Look at it... it will answer many questions and give you insight as to what questions you should be asking your doctors. Here is the link: http://www.pctrf.org/video-library/

      Charles

    • stewarta
      stewarta Roger2Dodger

      Posted

      Roger: As you know I took mine with me too. It is amazing what one person 'takes away' versus the other. My daughter (former radiographer) was great with the Oncologist. My wife was good with my urologist (Robot-assisted doyen).

      I am so glad to hear you have your questions ready. I am sure that the right answer for you will leap out at you. You know my story, so you know I am experienced to say you have nothing to fear but fear itself.

      My thoughts are with you.

      Stewart

    • Roger2Dodger
      Roger2Dodger stewarta

      Posted

      Thank you Stewart,

      Yes I will have real support wednesay. At the Urologist. 4 daughters. My question will be prepared. I am sure some of them will not be answered, they will be answered by the Cancer Doctor, along with more testing. I am sure they will be present for that also. It is a great feeling one has family support, it eases the anxiety and stress.

      Roger

    • Roger2Dodger
      Roger2Dodger charles61038

      Posted

      Without any discussions yet...... And doing a lot of research, I am looking at the Brachythearpy as a good choice for treatment. However, after talking to Doctors, another treatment might be the one. They say you have plenty of time, but waiting on the consolation and going to cancer doctor is stressful. One wants to know a game plan.
  • Roger2Dodger
    Roger2Dodger

    Posted

    Any one ever experienced Cryotherapy treatment for prostate cancer? Or, have any knowledge about. It. Pro or cons?
  • Roger2Dodger
    Roger2Dodger

    Posted

    Any one ever experienced Cryotherapy treatment for prostate cancer? Or, have any knowledge about. It. Pro or cons?
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