1. Community
  2. Cancer
  3. Prostate Cancer

Rising PSA

Posted , 6 users are following.

Only_Me
Only_Me

I'm 54 years old caucasian with no family history of prostate cancer. In Jan 2012 my PSA was 1.2  and in Oct 2014 my PSA was 1.3 and in April 2015 (6 months later) it had risen to 1.75.  My Family Dr performed a DRE and said my prostate felt completley normal and was not concerned about the rise in my PSA.  Should I be seeking second opinion?

1 like, 21 replies

21 Replies

Next
  • gale10132
    gale10132 Only_Me

    Posted

    If it were me I would not be too concerned. A slightly rising PSA is not abnormal for an aging male. I would continue to monitor it to see if there is real change in the speed of rise. Your level is well within the normal range.
  • Kombi_Cruiser
    Kombi_Cruiser Only_Me

    Posted

    G'day Only Me... There can only be some personal reason for wanting a second opinion... Your figures seem excellent...
  • Dudley71081
    Dudley71081 Only_Me

    Posted

    Hi Only You,  As Kombi says ... Your figures are enviably excellent.  

    You do seem,  at this time however,   somewhat morbidly concerned  about this particular disease and presumably,   showed a degree of anxiety for your G.P. to have performed a DRE;   which so doing might seem in itself,  a little unusual.  Unless of course,  you live way out in the sticks.  

    So what is causing your unwarranted fears ?  Do you have any insight ?

    Anyway take heart,  we are here to support you,  even if you don't need it.

    Kind Regards

    Dudley

    • Only_Me
      Only_Me Dudley71081

      Posted

      Hi dudley,  My concern is that from Jan 2012 to Oct 2014 there was basically no change (1.2 to 1.3) then in 6 months I have a 0.45 rise (1.4 to 1.75).  I read on-line that this was a significant change is PSA velocity so I called an Oncologist and his nurse said I should probably have it checked.  So, I don't really think I'm "morbidly concered" or even showing anxiety I was really just following her advice.  Also, when I met with my Dr. he really wasn't very concerned, however, he did go ahead and perform the DRE.  Maybe as a precaution or maybe because I hadn't had one for quite a few years.  Anyway thanks for the advice and support.

      Only Me

    • Only_Me
      Only_Me

      Posted

      dudley,

      The 2nd opinion does seem a little over the top as I think about it.  I guess I might be having a little anxiety seeing the PSA go up.  Also, my daughter has had cancer and her decision to have a second opinion most likely saved her life.  Thanks for the advice.

       

    • Kombi_Cruiser
      Kombi_Cruiser Only_Me

      Posted

      Only Me as dudley70181 stated...'Your figures are enviably excellent!'...

      The upside from your experience is that now you are very aware of this silent killer Prostate Cancer... Don't let this exposure go without being thankful that you are at the bottom end of all markers... Talk about this with all your mates so that they too are aware that they need to be very vigilant moving forward...you may just have been selected as a messenger to others... 

    • Dudley71081
      Dudley71081 Only_Me

      Posted

      Hi there Only

      The Good Guys,  The A Team,  have zeroed in on your post with their unfailingly sound and considered advice,   which historically raises the bar above any effort of mine.  Between them and your Medico,   you are in good hands and seemingly never to be in any danger of falling through the net of awareness.

      The nasty scare that your Daughter's predicament would have given your Family is enough to have made you hypersensitive to any indicators of the dreaded C,  in anyone.   But thankfully you personally are not even close to an alarm bell going off.  Age alone is going to see your PSA rise minimally and incrementally in any event.  So try to not worry,   for a decade and a half.

      If my first post seemed uncaring/insensitive I apologise.  I do believe in getting a grip and getting on top of anxiety.  Dealing with facts and not fear.  With respect,  your moniker 'Only Me ' seems apologetic and in matters of your own health and even your status in this nasty, secular,  aggressive and  competitive world,  apologising for One's existence is a handicap.   I'm glad you bridled a bit.   Well done.  That's the spirit !

      You are going to be fine.  Just believe in that as a certainty.  Then saddle up and ride out as head of the Family.  Others are counting on you.

      With Empathy,  Respect and Warm Regards

      Dudley

    • carl05115
      carl05115 Dudley71081

      Posted

      You make me smile, Dudley.  I must admit to being one of those types who apologizes for my existance.  Odd.  Stephen Strum, M.D., the person who spearheaded the idea of intermittent androgen deprivation, in a consult with me asked if I'd help him examine whether or not people with a passive personality type are more prone to prostate cancer.  I shared that I believe that is the case, although it would be interesting to do the research.  I never took him up on the proposal.

      Anyway, I wanted to let you know that you provoked a smile in this crazy American!  My Best,  Carl

    • Kombi_Cruiser
      Kombi_Cruiser carl05115

      Posted

      G'day carl05115 old mate...any chance you can expand a little on the traits of a 'Passive Personality Type'...  
    • Dudley71081
      Dudley71081 carl05115

      Posted

      Glad to be of service Carl. I'll take all the forebearing and indulgent smiles I can get !

      I Googled: Characteristics of a Passive PersonalityType. It said somewhere ' a lofty existence. ' O K , I get it ( I think ). For sure, it couldn't help the body / psyche 's natural functioning to bottle things up. I guess they might be of the type that needs a hammer and plaster gnomes at the bottom of the garden ?

      Anyway, an ad that's just come up on my I pad is urging me to ' Find A Bikie Girlfriend '. So now, I'm off to ... Waco !

      Warm Regards

      Dudley

    • carl05115
      carl05115 Kombi_Cruiser

      Posted

      G'day back Kombi,

      I could probably write a book on the topic, but here goes.  Typology in psychology has fallen from favor and instead passive personality is a person who feels themselves to be generally unentitled without agency to effect change in their closest relationships.  It contrasts with people who are aggressive, entitled to whatever they want even at the expense of others.  Within a relationship people generally fall into being either more entitled or less entitled.

      Less entitled males are overly domesticated/over-civilized and neglect to advocate for their needs.  In the sexual part of a relationship they enjoy the pair bonding stage of an early relationship where there is a lot of sex and their female partner is proceptive (seeking sexual contact).  When the pair-bonding stage withers and the woman typically becomes less proceptive, but remains receptive, their passive male partner does not effectively assert his needs and therefore sex within the relationship withers.  

      It was the belief of Dr. Strum, MD, the advocate of cutting androgen deprivation therapy to "intermittent" androgen deprivation therapy (because androgen deprivation is causally linked to significant decline in cognitive functioning (a rather nasty side effect) that the passive personality male tends to be prone to prostate cancer.  That is my general observation as well, although as far as I know the hypothesis has never been tested.

      Hope that helps,  Carl

    • Dudley71081
      Dudley71081 carl05115

      Posted

      So it was just as well then Carl,  that I had so much testosterone that I had to live in a tree.
    • Kombi_Cruiser
      Kombi_Cruiser carl05115

      Posted

      Thanks carl 05115...yet again it seem that I am an exception to the norm...:-) 
    • carl05115
      carl05115 Dudley71081

      Posted

      You're making me smile again Dudley.  And for what it is worth to you, I'm not real sure any of us ever made it out of the tree.....I know I haven't.  Carl
    • carl05115
      carl05115 Kombi_Cruiser

      Posted

      Hi Kombi,

      At least in some ways it is best we are all unique.......as well as so much the same.  Carl

    • Dudley71081
      Dudley71081 carl05115

      Posted

      Dear Carl,

      I'm forming an distinct impression that you are one Cool Dude,  urbanely as at ease with the hoy-paloy,  as you are in Med Prof circles.  I remember the incentive you have to,   so far as possible,   avoid any intervention and It is good to back up your stance with as much research as possible,  thereby defeating any arguments for proactivity.  And meanwhile,  La Dolce Vita.  I get it.  Very Smooth.

      Please do not construe any disrespect into my observations and demi- derriere'd jokes.  Quite the opposite,  is the case.

      I think Dr Strum and you would have made,  under more forgiving circumstances,  a valuable contribution to our understanding of the aetiology of this disease.

      With respect,

      DudleyDudley

       

    • Dudley71081
      Dudley71081

      Posted

      Oops!  No room,  no draft review facility.   Bloody ipad.
Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.