PAE and other available options
Posted , 3 users are following.
This forum is nothing short of amazing! I have read almost every post. Thank you all for sharing your experiences! I have a lot of the symptoms of enlarged prostate but not too bad at night. Usually only get up twice/night. But during the day need to pee often and sometimes a greater urgency. I had a PSA done (twice) and both times came back at 18.5. That really scared me. Urologist did DRE and said large prostate but didn't think cancerous because no hard spots and the high score could be from prostate just being so large. He did a cystoscopy and said I have a giant median lobe. His recommendation was PVP Green Light laser but I read the side effects and only want that as an absolute last resort if at all.
I went to get 2nd opinion because, in the back of my mind, the high PSA score still weighs heavy on my mind. 2nd urologist agreed that there are no suspicious areas found from DRE but wants to do 12 core (or more) biopsy. He is willing to do an MRI first to see if that shows any suspicious areas and will use that to determine where to biopsy in addition to the random selection. (I'm not agreeing to the biopsy part yet.). He said he would not recommend the laser because the median is pushing in the bladder and using the laser could accidentally damage the bladder. He wants to do a robotic suprapubic prostatectomy.
I am very interested in the PAE based on what I've read but wonder (because of my high PSA score) if I should do the biopsy or...if the MRI comes back clean just move forward with the PAE. I was also thinking (based on info I found here) of having the pca3 test done (if I can find a lab around here that does it.
Any thoughts regarding if I should do the biopsy because of my high PSA score?
If I don't have cancer, I think the PAE is a reasonable option for me (even with a giant median lobe) but would be interested in some feedback. (The side lobes are also enlarged).
Thanks
0 likes, 27 replies
kenneth1955 ES28567
Posted
you into anything. Get all the information you can Ken
ES28567 kenneth1955
Posted
kenneth1955 ES28567
Posted
ES28567 kenneth1955
Posted
Thanks for your thoughts.
kenneth1955 ES28567
Posted
bill69723 ES28567
Posted
kenneth1955 bill69723
Posted
ES28567 kenneth1955
Posted
kenneth1955 ES28567
Posted
ES28567 kenneth1955
Posted
I'm doing ok mentally for now because I was already anticipating him to confirm my suspicions of having cancer.
Even though he was not encouraging regarding possible treatments, I will continue to investigate and will seek other opinions for the best treatment.
You are the only one I'm am telling this to until I have a chance to talk to Cindi. She does not get into Boise until Saturday around 9:00pm.
kenneth1955 ES28567
Posted
bill69723 ES28567
Posted
ES28567 bill69723
Posted
I am taking the "trust but verify" approach with my urologist. He has given me a Valium to help me relax, a pain pill for any discomfort to take before the procedure, and said he will numb the area. He also did a rectal culture last week to make sure I didn't have any unusual bacteria before he prescribed an anabiotic for me to take the day before, during and after the procedure.
I will post When I have the results. This is such an invaluable forum. To be able to hear from others who have researched and traveled the path I am now on.
After I know what I'm dealing with, I would greatly welcome everyone's thoughts and will also research and seek several professional cancer centers on the best treatment for my condition.
FYI, if it comes down to it, I don't think I'm afraid to die. I do feel deep sorrow for the the pain this will cause my loved ones and not being able to be there to support, guide, and encourage my family. That is what I will regret the most. Please don't interpret this last paragraph as I'm giving up. I don't think my condition is Who nearly that bad. But if it is...death itself doesn't seem to be that scary.
Happy Easter everyone.
kenneth1955 ES28567
Posted
ES28567 kenneth1955
Posted
kenneth1955 ES28567
Posted
kenneth1955
Posted
ES28567 kenneth1955
Posted
I did do the biopsy today. 22 cores. The procedure went pretty easy for the most part. On a scale of 1 to 10, about half were 1 or a 2 and half were a 3 or 4. I did get dizzy after I got dressed and they brought me a Sprite and gram crackers. After I left, and on the way home, the pain went up to about a 6 and started feeling really bad. Fortunately my wife was driving. I started to mildly shake and feel horrible. Then it settled down again but the pain was still there. We turned around and went back to the urologist and they gave me a prescription for the pain. I laid on the couch the rest of the day and now feel somewhat better but not back to normal. I still get a little lighthead if I stand for more than a few minutes. I have no fever and only took one pain pill about 5 hours ago and right now the pain level is around a 1 so doing much better. Also have been able to pee a little with only a very small trace of blood (almost no blood at all). I hope the worst is over because it was a pretty rough day.
Thanks for checking on me. Hope all is going well for you.
kenneth1955 ES28567
Posted