I have just returned from the Docs, my second DRE. The first was about 18 months ago. My PSA has been around 5 or 6 for the last 5 years.
Last week it was retested and came back at 8.8. I have no symptoms and the doc says that my prostate is "slightly enlarged" and is smooth.
He (the doc) is writing to the urologist to see what happens next. He thinks it will be some sort of MRI/Biopsy.
I have been reading here that others get a biopsy at much lower levels, it makes me wonder if I have waited a bit to long.
I have other issues, blood pressure, T2 diabetes, elevated uric acid (gout), asthma, E.D., low testosterone ( I was on Testosterone replacement but the doc has stopped that), I also have elevated bilirubin/Alt/AST levels. So I take a total of six pills a day.
Any comments welcome, as I have said, it's all a bit new to me.
John
Gleason 6 = 3+3 PSA 8.8 P. volume 48 cc Left Cores 3/3, Volume = 20% PSA 10.8 Feb '19 PSA 1.2 Jan '20 PSA 0.3 July '20 0.1 Jan. 21 < 0.1 Dec 21 <0.01 June '22 <0.01 April '23 <0.01 |
User
Hi John,
Can't answer your questions but bumping you up the list
Arthur
User
Hi Sparrow,
Welcome to the site I think with PSA levels different specialist seem to take different routes to the diagnosis unlike me i had a low PSA of 2.19 and after a Dre i had an MRI scan and was given a biopsy and cancer was found and the whole procedure moved forward fast and I was offered a radical robotic removal and brachytherapy so after a lot of reading about it and asking question on here i choose Brachytherapy and nine months on i am very happy with the results (click onto my Avatar to see the progress).
I think asking as many questions as possible when you see the specialist and write them all down before you go as its easy to taken up with the meetings,nobody can tell you which way to proceed with you treatment but it's your choice in the end.
Good luck and keep us all in the loop if we can be of any help.
Regards John.
User
Thanks for the replies all, I am starting to understand a bit about what the raised PSA level means, as you say Andrew, it doesn't mean a lot! At least not without other diagnostic checks and tests.
My Doc has ruled out urinary tract infection (dip test) and told me my medications should not have any effect on PSA levels.
I researched a bit about T2 diabetes and PSA levels, it turns out T2 lowers the PSA level.
Glad to hear you are doing well John, I had to read up on brachytherapy etc but I am now better informed.
Well, I am getting used to having whatever I have got, just another condition on my long list :-) I am now awaiting
a visit to the specialist, if he sees me, although my Doc said the specialist would see me and decide on what to do next.
I suppose another DRE, I am getting used to them now.
I will keep you up to date, I find writing things down like this a bit therapeutic,
John Sparrow
Gleason 6 = 3+3 PSA 8.8 P. volume 48 cc Left Cores 3/3, Volume = 20% PSA 10.8 Feb '19 PSA 1.2 Jan '20 PSA 0.3 July '20 0.1 Jan. 21 < 0.1 Dec 21 <0.01 June '22 <0.01 April '23 <0.01 |
User
John, a quick five pennorth from me. 11 years ago I experienced ED, talked to my GP about it and went through experimentation with changing hypertension meds to no effect, then had a PSA test and got a shock. So take ED seriously, old son . Good Luck
AC
User
OK AC, believe me, I do take ED seriously :-) I am assuming you relate the raised PSA level with ED? I have had some sort of ED for about 7-8 years, my PSA has been up and down a bit for about 5 years. I am off to research on google now.
John
Gleason 6 = 3+3 PSA 8.8 P. volume 48 cc Left Cores 3/3, Volume = 20% PSA 10.8 Feb '19 PSA 1.2 Jan '20 PSA 0.3 July '20 0.1 Jan. 21 < 0.1 Dec 21 <0.01 June '22 <0.01 April '23 <0.01 |
User
John, I wasn't clear enough. With me ED was definitely a symptom of PCa, but my GP and I spent six months faffing about with explanations other than PCa, so that when that was diagnosed, PSA was 63 and I had a Gleason 9. I wouldn't wish that on anyone else.
AC
User
An update, I have now have an appointment with a urologist on the 25 July. I have another PSA test arranged ( I was told to leave it for weeks for it to be meaningful).
I suspect that I am a candidate for a biopsy, however, after reading up on this I am a bit worried about the chances of "liberating" any cancerous cells. I believe a scan ( MRI?) can be a good alternative? Or is a biopsy the only way to actually identify any cancerous cells?
I can now feel a dull but slight ache when sitting, but this may be psychosomatic , I am a bit so inclined.
So, can I insist on a scan rather than a biopsy? Would this be wise?
Thanks all, John
Gleason 6 = 3+3 PSA 8.8 P. volume 48 cc Left Cores 3/3, Volume = 20% PSA 10.8 Feb '19 PSA 1.2 Jan '20 PSA 0.3 July '20 0.1 Jan. 21 < 0.1 Dec 21 <0.01 June '22 <0.01 April '23 <0.01 |
User
Hi. Increasingly an MRI scan is offered prior to a biopsy to locate the precise place to look. A biopsy would follow and be more accurate. If there is any cancer there the biopsy will identify the degree of cancer creating a Gleason score which helps determine future treatment paths. The biopsy is not that invasive and is over in a few minutes, slight risk of infection but they treat you for that. I would say a PSA over 8 is worth investigating. I had a PSA of 7.5 and had cancer spread into the bones. Some have higher PSA and no spread but it helps provide a pattern over time and will guide response to any treatment.
GP acted right to refer to urologist. Take someone with you so you hear everything said and keep asking questions here someone will have an answer. Be wary of google may send you down the wrong routes. Suggest PCUK Pack ideal for getting head around the basics.
User
Whatever you do, my friend, DON”T PANIC. And that’s NOT a ‘humorous’ quote from Dad’s Army or whatever. You’re in good hands, safe hands.
And, Yorkhull’s advice about taking someone with you is excellent.
Best of on 25th.
User
All read and noted, as regards panic, I have my moments! I will find it difficult to take anyone with me, my wife has her own problems and I will not lumber her with mine, I will keep her informed, of course. So I will have to go alone I think, I couldn't have any of my male friends along, and certainly no female friends.
I do have a friend who has gone through this and I will contact him when I know for sure what is going on. He had the radical prostatectomy and chemo, it worked for him.
As always, thanks for the replies.
John
Gleason 6 = 3+3 PSA 8.8 P. volume 48 cc Left Cores 3/3, Volume = 20% PSA 10.8 Feb '19 PSA 1.2 Jan '20 PSA 0.3 July '20 0.1 Jan. 21 < 0.1 Dec 21 <0.01 June '22 <0.01 April '23 <0.01 |
User
I will post here for continuity, I saw the consultant today and yet another DRE, he said it felt "normal" but he couldn't feel it all, just a small part. He has put me in for an MRI scan and needle biopsy, all this should happen in a couple of weeks. There is however, a FOUR WEEK wait for the biopsy results. Is this normal? How long did you have to wait?
John
Gleason 6 = 3+3 PSA 8.8 P. volume 48 cc Left Cores 3/3, Volume = 20% PSA 10.8 Feb '19 PSA 1.2 Jan '20 PSA 0.3 July '20 0.1 Jan. 21 < 0.1 Dec 21 <0.01 June '22 <0.01 April '23 <0.01 |
User
Hi John,
I had to wait about 10 days.
Good Luck.
Steve
User
Part of the wait for biopsy results is because at some hospitals if cancer is found, the whole set of results is looked at during a multi-disciplinary meeting to agree treatment options / recommendations.
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
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User
Four weeks is a very long time, Mr S. Could just be, given the time of the year that the lead guy (or guy-ess) is on holiday. Team meetings of this sort are, in my experience, usually weekly, although they may be cancelled/delayed if significant members are on Annual Leave.
Which can happen. We’re also in the change-over period, when junior doctors, which includes senior people like Registrars, move on.
User
Well, I had the MRI and now I await the needle biopsy (on the 9th Oct). I complained about the length of time things are taking only to find out I have to wait 40 DAYS for the biopsy results. I should say the delay in doing the actual biopsy is due to me going on holiday, I made that choice. I was in France for 6 weeks.
Now a question, I am assuming that a biopsy is being done because "something" was found on the MRI, or is it routine regardless of what is or not found?
John
Gleason 6 = 3+3 PSA 8.8 P. volume 48 cc Left Cores 3/3, Volume = 20% PSA 10.8 Feb '19 PSA 1.2 Jan '20 PSA 0.3 July '20 0.1 Jan. 21 < 0.1 Dec 21 <0.01 June '22 <0.01 April '23 <0.01 |
User
Sparrow, the latter, I think. The MRI scan could show nothing but PCa may still be in the prostate. Wise to proceed with that, which you won't enjoy, by the way, but you do need to know what if anything is found. Good Luck.
AC
User
I just hope it isn't too painful, I will ask for lots of pain killing gel, I am not used to hospitals, I have never had any procedures done in hospital so this is a first. I will be nervous but I will put a brave face on :-)
John
Gleason 6 = 3+3 PSA 8.8 P. volume 48 cc Left Cores 3/3, Volume = 20% PSA 10.8 Feb '19 PSA 1.2 Jan '20 PSA 0.3 July '20 0.1 Jan. 21 < 0.1 Dec 21 <0.01 June '22 <0.01 April '23 <0.01 |
User
Most men find biopsy not seriously painful - just like being flicked on your tail with a rubber band. It's rather undignified though. Make sure you get antibiotics to stop an infection which can be more of a problem if you develop one.
Barry |
User
Well, biopsy done and got results of MRI, nothing found :-) had antibiotics as intravenus and orally and 8 more pills to take over two days.
The actual biopsy was not to bad, it's a bit achy now two hours later, I suppose it will pass. My urine is clear, no blood, a bit of blood from the rear end but again not much.
Now the wait for the results.
John
Gleason 6 = 3+3 PSA 8.8 P. volume 48 cc Left Cores 3/3, Volume = 20% PSA 10.8 Feb '19 PSA 1.2 Jan '20 PSA 0.3 July '20 0.1 Jan. 21 < 0.1 Dec 21 <0.01 June '22 <0.01 April '23 <0.01 |
User
I will move my posts to another more relevant place, now diagnosed Gleason 6 3+3
John
Gleason 6 = 3+3 PSA 8.8 P. volume 48 cc Left Cores 3/3, Volume = 20% PSA 10.8 Feb '19 PSA 1.2 Jan '20 PSA 0.3 July '20 0.1 Jan. 21 < 0.1 Dec 21 <0.01 June '22 <0.01 April '23 <0.01 |