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georgeGG
georgeGG

A few weeks ago my GP phoned and said my PSA was slightly up and asked my agreement to attent the local prostate clinic. A agreed was was alarmed that she sounded upset. When I got to the clinic in less than a week I found my PSA was 18 and had been 10 two years earlier. rectal examination showed some slight irregularity and a and MRI scan was followed by a biopsy.

I am now very anxious and awaiting a review at the clinc next week. From my gathering of information so far I feel I have to steel myself for very bad news. Am I being foolish?

0 likes, 34 replies

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  • miketytus
    miketytus georgeGG

    Posted

    George

    The important thing to remember is prostate cancer is slow growing and very common with a wide variety of treatments right down to watch and wait. There is no need to rush into anything. Get all the facts then you can make your decision.  It is a well worn path you are on so please do your best to take it one step at a time.

    I am 56 and had a radical protectomy some 4 months ago. I had various options and choose this one. 

    all the best

    mike

    • georgeGG
      georgeGG miketytus

      Posted

      Thank you Miketytus. That is sensible. Indeed I have read of that and if there is cancer and if it is the slow type I might well not live long enough (I am 73) for any prostate cancer to be a problem. I am having a blue day as I wait to learn what the biopsy will reveal. As in all things, it is not sensible to cross bridges before you reach them. But tell that to my emotions – they are not as sensible as my head. I shall play some Mozart on my piano. That will sooth me. Again, thank you.
  • Beachy
    Beachy georgeGG

    Posted

    Hi George, I know it's hard not to worry but the fact is many things can cause those symptoms. In the event of it being infected the treatment is very good and you have a number of options. I have just come out of hospital following my prostectomy, for me it was the best option. I also had a count of 18 but it was contained, my decision was easy, remove it and carry on with my life. Hope your results go well for you.

    Beachy

    • georgeGG
      georgeGG Beachy

      Posted

      Thank you Beachy. Showing me that a parallel score can have a very different outcome to my fears is very helpful. I shall probably get to sleep tonight more easily with my anxiety dampened down. George
  • fana
    fana georgeGG

    Posted

    I am not an expert on prostate cancer, so won't reply with any specific information. But, as per the other comments from Mike and Beachy, I would encourage you to not worry, even though that's obviously easier said than done. Prostate cancer can have a high success rate. Somebody in my family was diagnosed with it many many years ago and, although we worried a lot for him, he has been fine over those years.

    Good luck George. I'm routing for you. If you like, please keep us updated on how it goes.

    • georgeGG
      georgeGG fana

      Posted

      Thank you Beachy. Showing me that a parallel score can have a very different outcome to my fears is very helpful. I shall probably get to sleep tonight more easily with my anxiety dampened down. George
    • georgeGG
      georgeGG fana

      Posted

      Sorry Fanna for putting my reply to Beachy in your kind comment. Here is my reply to you.

      Thank you for that account. Yes, I know in theory that very many cases of prostate can take many years to develop and for the elderly, as I am, taking no treatment can be a wise option extending over a decade very often. I expect once I have more information I shall be able to settle with fewer spells of anxiety, Thank you again, George

    • fana
      fana georgeGG

      Posted

      No need to apologise at all George.

      I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, and will keep a close eye on this thread to see how things go.

      You mentioned in another post in this thread I've just read that you had a lack of faith in how your doctor may be handling it, understandably due to a previous experience, and, as I'm sure you know, you are entitled to see a second doctor on the NHS - or, if you have some money, see one privately.

      Good luck with it all George.

    • georgeGG
      georgeGG fana

      Posted

      Thank you Fana. I had not thought of consulting a second doctor. Comparison of both details and emphases can be a great help in understanding what information is actually being imparted. ( This applies in all situations.) It does seem that prostate cancer is not really understood and decisions have to be made on informed best guesses.

      Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We are essentially spiritual beings bound for a time to a mortal body. What is happing in the spiritual realm is of great importance but hidden from us meantime. Yes, I value your prayers.  With my best wishes, George

  • fana
    fana georgeGG

    Posted

    From what I know, a PSA of 18 is low (compared to people I know).

    Maybe this article might be of help on trying to lower one's PSA count: http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/men/health-tips/5-ways-to-lower-your-psa-count.htm

    • georgeGG
      georgeGG fana

      Posted

      Thank you fana. I have visited the site and taken note of various foods and explanations of why they are helpful. Indeed that is a very interesting site with a wide range of interesting and relevant topics. So, thank you very much for that ULR. George
  • Dudley71081
    Dudley71081 georgeGG

    Posted

    Hello George,

    No,  you are not being foolish.  It is bad news.  And  there would seem to be no point in pussy-footing about with your emotions.  Frankly I am very surprised if,  with a PSA reading of 10 two years ago you were not at that stage advised,  as you should have been,  that you were already in the PC high risk category.

    Now,  with PSA @ 18 and a palpable irregularity in the gland. ( which would most likely be the tumour ),  I would suggest you do not have to wonder whether or not you have PC.  Which biopsy will no doubt confirm.

     Hopefully,  it will be a ) contained within the capsule and  b ) not too aggressive.

    i wish you all the best both now as you come to terms with it all and in the future,  as you undergo treatment.

    With kind regards 

    Dudley

    • georgeGG
      georgeGG Dudley71081

      Posted

      Thank you, Dudley. That is my reading of my situation. I had never thought about prostate cancer until I was referred to the clinic. I have since done quite a lot of self education on the web. Generally I suspected the Consultant was easing me in over gently. That creates a lack of trust in me. 

      At first I persuaded myself that I was just starting and had a likely ten years before things might become bad, and I might not live that long anyway. Yesterday, I was facing up to the possibility/probibility that I was already well down to path towards cancer spreading if it has not already done so and getting symptoms from that. That lead me to look for a forum and here I am. 

      After a fair night's sleep I am a bit more steady and fealing the real issue is to make wise, sensible and informed decisions as to the way forward. Sadly, a prolonged bad experience with a chest consultant has taught me to be very cautious with doctors and their apparent wisdom and knowledge. George

  • Dudley71081
    Dudley71081 georgeGG

    Posted

    Just one more observation if I may George :   You say by your heading that you are  ' New To This ' ?

    Yes O.K. my friend,  accepted.  However you already have  2 Patient U.K. stars and  115 points and wouldn't that predicate,  that you have been active on these sites for a while now ?

    I'm not being pedantic George,  please don't think that.  I am merely trying to get a better overall picture of how you have travelled in matters prostatic.

    • georgeGG
      georgeGG Dudley71081

      Posted

      Hi Dudley, I take your point. It is reasonable eough. I have been educating myself for about three weeks now. I found this forum yesterday evening. It was the first, the only one I have tried. I did start with a flurry of activity over about two hours and then for a while before bed.

      A relevant factor is the a friend is dying of cancer and I have been watching and considering what I can learn as I the next few years I might well be in a similar position although with prostate cancer in my case. Much will depend on how agressive my cancer is. I just hope the Consultant will be straightforward, open and honest. However, my poor hearing has taught me to be very aware of body language - body language almost never lies. Thanks Dudley, George

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