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PSA test 45.8

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User
Posted 15 Jan 2018 at 08:48
Hi all

I am am 61 year old male I went to doctors 3 years ago with weak unine flow no tests told nothing to worry about now 3 years on PSA test 45.8 DRE prostrate enlarged sending me for tests ay hospital.Also getting pins and needles feeling in hands and legs and warm glow feeling around groin and hips?

I am anxious any support appreciated

Edited by member 22 Feb 2018 at 08:38  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 15 Jan 2018 at 10:20
Good morning Mike,

I was diagnosed in early 2015 .Your situation regarding the pins and needles/warm glow in various areas of your body were the same as mine after being diagnosed. The post diagnosis was the crucial bit in my case and I put it down to a psychosomatic reaction. I was helped to come to this conclusion after working in the mental health field for over thirty years and I was able to recall this reaction being spoke of by professionals on a few occasions. Do you think this could apply to you ? Take care mate.

Paul

User
Posted 15 Jan 2018 at 20:32

Good heavens! What a foolish doctor you have! There are men on this forum who had PSA of 60, 80 or more who still tested negative for cancer. Don't be downhearted - it isn't possible to diagnose prostate cancer just by the PSA level and finger test. When you are transferred to a urologist, they may suggest urine tests for infection or tablets to reduce the size of your prostate or they may suggest that you have a scan & biopsy.

Pins & needles in your hands is not an indicator of prostate cancer so most likely these symptoms are anxiety and after an appointment with a GP like that, no wonder you feel anxious!

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 17 Jan 2018 at 17:33

Mike. It is if course a worrying g time for you but hang on in there until you have the scan and biopsy results. Treatment options will then become apparent. Once you've decided, assuming you have PCa, you'll find your focus alters. It then becomes a matter of equipping yourself to master the beast, positive attitude, fitness, balanced diet etc. You'll find plenty of advice here about this phase, but meantime, await the news from the tests with all the patience you can muster!

Good Luck

AC

User
Posted 17 Jan 2018 at 18:46

Hi Mike, if you haven't done so already, download the toolkit from this website or phone the number at the top of the webpage and order a copy. That will help you to understand the tests, the different scores and what they mean, the treatment options and implications. Hopefully you will then feel much better equipped for your next appointment.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 30 Jan 2018 at 10:08
Morning Mike,

Best wishes for tomorrow, hope all goes well. You're right it does take over people's lives to varying degrees,but there are times when we become much more settled with the situation we're in. Take care mate.

Paul

User
Posted 31 Jan 2018 at 17:28

Hello Mike,

So sorry the news wasn't better.

Once you have the full results it might be better to tell the family/friends then, because you will also be able to tell them what will be happening in terms of treatment.

Please don't despair, either of you. There is a lot can be done, even if it is the worst case scenario which hopefully it won't be.

I am sure you'll get more replies.

Best Wishes

Sandra

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails
User
Posted 31 Jan 2018 at 17:54

Mike, not unlike my own scores over ten years ago. No reason why you shouldn't surpass my survival. Treatments now are much better. Good Luck

AC

User
Posted 12 Feb 2018 at 09:28
Thanks AC and Johsan what a time in life just cannot get it all out of my head the more I read about it the more confused I am what little sleep I get when I awake it's the first thing on my mind . hopefully the experts will guide me Thanks

Edited by member 12 Feb 2018 at 09:31  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 28 Feb 2018 at 18:47

You could ask the surgeon whether you will be having nerve sparing or non nerve sparing surgery, and what the predicted chance is of you needing salvage RT - they have nomograms that they can put your data into to get that prediction. When you see the onco, you can ask whether it will only target the prostate and seminal vesicles or whether the nearby lymph nodes will also be zapped, and what they think is the percentage risk that RT doesn't get it all. Also clarify with the onco a) how long the HT would be for and b) whether you might be a suitable candidate for brachytherapy (although you almost certainly aren't)

I would be asking both specialists what they would recommend if it was their brother or best mate in your situation.


PS edited to say I am sorry I didn't reply to your PM - I think it is really important that advice and responses are made openly so that any errors, misinformation or bias can be picked up and corrected by other members. I hope you didnt think me rude

Edited by member 01 Mar 2018 at 00:18  | Reason: Not specified

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 01 Mar 2018 at 00:29

Others take a different view but in my mind, it seems that the decision making process should be:

1. which treatment or combination of treatments gives me the best chance of remission without needing salvage treatment

2. can I live with the potential side effects of that treatment

3. for the treatment that is most acceptable to me in terms of risk of side effects, how high is the risk of needing salvage treatment

You know that surgery is going to leave you with ED which some ED treatments won't be able to help with. But if surgery is the most likely to get you to remission, that might be something you can live with on the basis that there probably wouldn't be much sex going on with HT either. Plus ED treatments for non nerve sparing men are improving.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 21 Apr 2018 at 08:07

Hi,

I wouldn't want to offer advice but my situation was pretty much the same as yours PSA 54.7, cancer broken out of prostate into pelvic lymph nodes. The approach I took was different. Proatap injections, Chemo and then radiotherapy. Just finished treatment now waiting until October to see how it all went. Have a look at my profile..it sort of tells the story! All the best with your treatment, stay positive and enjoy the holiday.

Show Most Thanked Posts
User
Posted 15 Jan 2018 at 10:20
Good morning Mike,

I was diagnosed in early 2015 .Your situation regarding the pins and needles/warm glow in various areas of your body were the same as mine after being diagnosed. The post diagnosis was the crucial bit in my case and I put it down to a psychosomatic reaction. I was helped to come to this conclusion after working in the mental health field for over thirty years and I was able to recall this reaction being spoke of by professionals on a few occasions. Do you think this could apply to you ? Take care mate.

Paul

User
Posted 15 Jan 2018 at 11:08

Hello Mikeuk (and Bestie too) and welcome to the site

Mike, were you checked 3 years ago for urine infection and have you recently been checked for this ?

Was the PSA of 4.8 a recent result and if so what was it 3 years ago?

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails
User
Posted 15 Jan 2018 at 20:04

Hi Thanks for the response

I was never checked for urine infection 3 years ago or now, the PSA result was on 08.01.2018 this Monday, the DRE was checked this Monday 08.01.2018 the Doctor told me my prostrate was quite large but soft? I asked him what he thought and he told me it was cancer with the PSA of 4.8 and an enlarged prostrate and what I had told him about a weak urine flow he told me he was referring me to the hospital for tests on 17.01.2018 this week?

User
Posted 15 Jan 2018 at 20:32

Good heavens! What a foolish doctor you have! There are men on this forum who had PSA of 60, 80 or more who still tested negative for cancer. Don't be downhearted - it isn't possible to diagnose prostate cancer just by the PSA level and finger test. When you are transferred to a urologist, they may suggest urine tests for infection or tablets to reduce the size of your prostate or they may suggest that you have a scan & biopsy.

Pins & needles in your hands is not an indicator of prostate cancer so most likely these symptoms are anxiety and after an appointment with a GP like that, no wonder you feel anxious!

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 15 Jan 2018 at 20:59

Thanks I have had little sleep since last Thursdays Doctors appointment.
On leaving surgery the Doctor said I hope I am wrong?
Did not have a PSA test 3 years ago or DRE.
I have had back problems in the past sciatica etc.

When I have looked at other men's PSA results I am confused as some 1000? and some in 4.0 and 4.8 etc

Thanks LynEyre for your reassurance.

Bestie I did have pins and needles a few weeks before the doctor told me I had cancer.

Will let you know my results this week.

Thankyou once again.

User
Posted 15 Jan 2018 at 21:37

PSA doesn't indicate whether there is any cancer or even how much there is. Simon's PSA was around 3 and it had spread all over his skeleton, John's was 3.1 and it was in his bladder, Trevor's was 13,000 and the highest our urologist has ever seen was 160,000.

Your GP should know that PSA rises with age and for your age, 4.8 is a little high (it should be less than 4) but there are many things that cause raised PSA including enlarged prostate, infection, competitive cycling and orgasm. Best not to write your epitaph until you have seen a urologist and had some reliable tests / assessment.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 15 Jan 2018 at 21:41

Thankyou LynEyre I will sleep a little better tonight.

User
Posted 17 Jan 2018 at 17:20

Hi just an update from today and some advice if possible?
I have been to the hospital today and was examined by a Consultant he did DRE and also examined my tummy he said my prostrate was enlarged but soft with a little roughness at one side. He has made an appointment for an MRI scan tomorrow then a Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Biopsy on the 1.2.18
I said in my first post my PSA was 4.8 I must have misunderstood the Doctor as the consultant today said my PSA was 45 all this is quite confusing .
Thanks Mike

User
Posted 17 Jan 2018 at 17:33

Mike. It is if course a worrying g time for you but hang on in there until you have the scan and biopsy results. Treatment options will then become apparent. Once you've decided, assuming you have PCa, you'll find your focus alters. It then becomes a matter of equipping yourself to master the beast, positive attitude, fitness, balanced diet etc. You'll find plenty of advice here about this phase, but meantime, await the news from the tests with all the patience you can muster!

Good Luck

AC

User
Posted 17 Jan 2018 at 18:46

Hi Mike, if you haven't done so already, download the toolkit from this website or phone the number at the top of the webpage and order a copy. That will help you to understand the tests, the different scores and what they mean, the treatment options and implications. Hopefully you will then feel much better equipped for your next appointment.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 30 Jan 2018 at 08:59

Big day tomorrow results from biopsy, wow this has taken over my whole life never been terrified in all my 61 years.
One of the really worrying symptoms over the past few weeks has been the numbness in my fingers and toes sometimes at night in tingling in my face? also the hot feeling in the groin area and hips and thighs and tightness in my lumber back.
I am taking my wife with me tomorrow and have downloaded the toolkit from this site.
Thanks for all your support.
Regards Mike

Edited by member 25 Feb 2018 at 09:20  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 30 Jan 2018 at 10:08
Morning Mike,

Best wishes for tomorrow, hope all goes well. You're right it does take over people's lives to varying degrees,but there are times when we become much more settled with the situation we're in. Take care mate.

Paul

User
Posted 31 Jan 2018 at 17:14

Hi
Just received my biopsy results today.
My results were PSA 45.8 number of biopsy samples taken 15, number of biopsy samples affected 7. a Gleason score of 4+5=9 with a grade group of 5. the consultant stated it was quite aggressive.
The consultant stated that it is cancer but the MRI scan seems to show it hasn't spread to lymph nodes and maybe still confined to the prostate however he is requesting a bone CT scan on the 12.02.18 then we can review the course of treatments.
Only my wife and I know I don't know if there is a good time to tell my family and friends I think I will wait until I have the full picture.
Any advice and reassurance appreciated
Regards Mike

User
Posted 31 Jan 2018 at 17:28

Hello Mike,

So sorry the news wasn't better.

Once you have the full results it might be better to tell the family/friends then, because you will also be able to tell them what will be happening in terms of treatment.

Please don't despair, either of you. There is a lot can be done, even if it is the worst case scenario which hopefully it won't be.

I am sure you'll get more replies.

Best Wishes

Sandra

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails
User
Posted 31 Jan 2018 at 17:54

Mike, not unlike my own scores over ten years ago. No reason why you shouldn't surpass my survival. Treatments now are much better. Good Luck

AC

User
Posted 12 Feb 2018 at 09:28
Thanks AC and Johsan what a time in life just cannot get it all out of my head the more I read about it the more confused I am what little sleep I get when I awake it's the first thing on my mind . hopefully the experts will guide me Thanks

Edited by member 12 Feb 2018 at 09:31  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 23 Feb 2018 at 13:16

Well good news today got a call from the hospital and my bone scan is clear wow just waiting appointment next Wednesday to discuss treatment what a lift that call was looking forward to a weekend with the grandchildren ☺

Edited by member 25 Feb 2018 at 09:17  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 28 Feb 2018 at 16:59
Hi all

Given two options today robotic surgery to remove prostrate and surrounding lymph nodes or radio therapy and HT I am awaiting a meeting from oncologist before I make a decision. They have started me on bicalutamide for 4 weeks any advice appreciated thanks

User
Posted 28 Feb 2018 at 18:47

You could ask the surgeon whether you will be having nerve sparing or non nerve sparing surgery, and what the predicted chance is of you needing salvage RT - they have nomograms that they can put your data into to get that prediction. When you see the onco, you can ask whether it will only target the prostate and seminal vesicles or whether the nearby lymph nodes will also be zapped, and what they think is the percentage risk that RT doesn't get it all. Also clarify with the onco a) how long the HT would be for and b) whether you might be a suitable candidate for brachytherapy (although you almost certainly aren't)

I would be asking both specialists what they would recommend if it was their brother or best mate in your situation.


PS edited to say I am sorry I didn't reply to your PM - I think it is really important that advice and responses are made openly so that any errors, misinformation or bias can be picked up and corrected by other members. I hope you didnt think me rude

Edited by member 01 Mar 2018 at 00:18  | Reason: Not specified

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 28 Feb 2018 at 23:48
Thanks Lyn

I did ask about nerve sparing surgery and he said there would be none. I have made a note of the issues you have suggested and will put these to the oncologist next meeting.I am grateful for all your help.

User
Posted 01 Mar 2018 at 00:29

Others take a different view but in my mind, it seems that the decision making process should be:

1. which treatment or combination of treatments gives me the best chance of remission without needing salvage treatment

2. can I live with the potential side effects of that treatment

3. for the treatment that is most acceptable to me in terms of risk of side effects, how high is the risk of needing salvage treatment

You know that surgery is going to leave you with ED which some ED treatments won't be able to help with. But if surgery is the most likely to get you to remission, that might be something you can live with on the basis that there probably wouldn't be much sex going on with HT either. Plus ED treatments for non nerve sparing men are improving.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 08 Apr 2018 at 15:15

Hi Looking for any advice or anyone who has had brachytherapy combined with radiotherapy?

My Update

The meeting with Oncologist went well and was really reassuring I was offered External beam radiotherapy this will be applied to the prostate and to surrounding pelvis area. They will also keep me on Bicalutamide for 3 months then carry on for 3 years after radio.

Also told it may be possible to have permanent seed brachytherapy at another hospital depending on meeting and flow test combined with radiotherapy as my prostate is quite small.

I was also told I may be eligible for the Stampede trial as they are now having a different approach for treatment for Gleason 9  even with my PSA of 45.8. cut off was 40 but now 50. not sure about that yet.

Blood test result PSA down to 4.9 from 45.8 after 27 Bicalutamide tablets PHEW.

Awaiting another meeting .    

Any feedback appreciated

Thanks

Edited by member 10 Apr 2018 at 10:23  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 20 Apr 2018 at 14:29

18.04.2018
Had a meeting today with the Oncologist and was told flow test was not good enough to have brachytherapy also I was not emptying my bladder fully but not a problem he said.

Plan in place told to go on planned holiday to Greece at the end of May then on my return to have radiotherapy to the prostate and pelvic lymph nodes also to stay on Bicalutamide for 2 and a half to 3 years, Stampede trial still there if I decide to go on it.

Any advice appreciated thankyou .

User
Posted 21 Apr 2018 at 08:07

Hi,

I wouldn't want to offer advice but my situation was pretty much the same as yours PSA 54.7, cancer broken out of prostate into pelvic lymph nodes. The approach I took was different. Proatap injections, Chemo and then radiotherapy. Just finished treatment now waiting until October to see how it all went. Have a look at my profile..it sort of tells the story! All the best with your treatment, stay positive and enjoy the holiday.

 
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