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Other Half Being Tested

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User
Posted 19 Jul 2023 at 14:44

Hi, my husband has been having tests and am worried.  He was found to have PSA 5.1 at recent GP ‘MOT’, he is 60, general health good and on no medication.  DRE found prostate smooth and enlarged, referred for MRI which found two small shadows.  He had biopsy today and I think it was a grid based one as at least 20 samples taken.  What happens next?  The biopsy results should take four weeks.  Thanks.

User
Posted 03 Aug 2023 at 20:46

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

The CNS  who did the biopsy spoke to hubby about possible Gleason scores and surgery, would they know anything at this stage?

They will no doubt come up with a provisional Gleason score once the biopsy results come in, and then discuss treatments. Your husband's PSA result means that if cancer is detected (as others have said, that PSA could conceivably be normal for him) surgery might likely be one of the treatment options, whereas it isn't for more advanced cancer. But actually the different treatments have fairly similar success rates and they are likely to put the final choice on him - and you.

So.... if you are an optimist you could hope for the best and that no treatment is necessary anyway, although future monitoring will no doubt be recommended. But if you are a pessimist you might want to prepare for the worst by getting the Prostate Cancer UK Toolkit and reading up about all the treatments, and browsing this forum to get people's personal experience of them.

Good luck!

User
Posted 19 Jul 2023 at 15:48
Hi PN,

Biopsy results will be carefully assessed and reviewed by a Multi Disciplinary Team and considered along with scans and a diagnosis given. Should his result be positive he will given a grade for his cancer and a staging which says how much cancer is there, it's location and whether it is believed to be still well contained within the Prostate. The patient is then advised of treatment options. It is usual for Prostates to grow with age but some do so excessively and produce greater levels of PSA, which could be at least part of the reason why PSA is above range for age. The shadows on MRI are of concern but do not confirm PCa, hence sample cores are taken that can be examined in the lab. Even if it is shown to be cancer, it could be that it is not essential to treat it unless it or the enlarged size are thought to be affecting the passing of urine which might have been why he was given a PSA test in the first place. By your husband's age about half of men will have some cancer in their Prostate, so vast majority whether treated or untreated go on to die of something else. Of course where the cancer is significant , found early and treated, their long term survival chances are improved.

Barry
User
Posted 19 Jul 2023 at 15:54

Sorry you're going though this - it's a really anxious time going through diagnosis when you don't know what the outcome will be. There isn't a lot we can say to help until he has his diagnosis. In addition to the biopsy result you are waiting for, he might also get called for a bone scan and/or a CT scan, before the full diagnosis is known.

The enlarged prostate is nothing to do with prostate cancer - it's just that some men's prostates never stop growing, so they are noticeably enlarged by age 60. The enlarged prostate could even mean his PSA is actually normal for his age and prostate size. Enlarged prostates sometimes cause issues peeing, e.g. more often, more urgently, slowly, etc. Again, these are not usually symptoms of prostate cancer, which doesn't usually have any symptoms.

Unfortunately, you have some anxious weeks ahead while you wait to see if he has got prostate cancer or not. Do post any more questions you have though.

User
Posted 19 Jul 2023 at 19:49
I can't really add much to what has already been said but I started my journey at 61 with a PSA of 6 - it took just over 12 months until I had the RARP surgery but was also offered brachytherapy as an alternative. So the process will take some time but face it step by step. With his age and relatively low PSA he is in a very good position at this stage.

Good luck and stay positive!

User
Posted 20 Jul 2023 at 17:07

Thanks very much for your kind, thoughtful replies and info.  We are told biopsy results will be about four weeks, so need to keep the ‘elephant in the room’ at bay!  Will no doubt be back for more support.  Thanks again.

User
Posted 19 Aug 2023 at 09:40
That is fantastic news and most probably prostatitis.

Once that is cleared up then PSA should return to normal (<2) and just a case of keeping up with the routine PSA tests.

I'll bet you are very relieved.

User
Posted 19 Aug 2023 at 23:27

Really great news, happy for you and your husband 👍

User
Posted 21 Aug 2023 at 12:07

I just checked this site's page on PIN.

https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/just-diagnosed/other-prostate-problems/prostate-biopsy-results-pin-and-asap

I think worrying about PIN is like worrying about dust behind the pictures. Yes you know it's there but it's only a problem if you go looking for it.

Annual testing will almost certainly pick up this problem if ever it needs treating.

Dave

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User
Posted 19 Jul 2023 at 15:48
Hi PN,

Biopsy results will be carefully assessed and reviewed by a Multi Disciplinary Team and considered along with scans and a diagnosis given. Should his result be positive he will given a grade for his cancer and a staging which says how much cancer is there, it's location and whether it is believed to be still well contained within the Prostate. The patient is then advised of treatment options. It is usual for Prostates to grow with age but some do so excessively and produce greater levels of PSA, which could be at least part of the reason why PSA is above range for age. The shadows on MRI are of concern but do not confirm PCa, hence sample cores are taken that can be examined in the lab. Even if it is shown to be cancer, it could be that it is not essential to treat it unless it or the enlarged size are thought to be affecting the passing of urine which might have been why he was given a PSA test in the first place. By your husband's age about half of men will have some cancer in their Prostate, so vast majority whether treated or untreated go on to die of something else. Of course where the cancer is significant , found early and treated, their long term survival chances are improved.

Barry
User
Posted 19 Jul 2023 at 15:54

Sorry you're going though this - it's a really anxious time going through diagnosis when you don't know what the outcome will be. There isn't a lot we can say to help until he has his diagnosis. In addition to the biopsy result you are waiting for, he might also get called for a bone scan and/or a CT scan, before the full diagnosis is known.

The enlarged prostate is nothing to do with prostate cancer - it's just that some men's prostates never stop growing, so they are noticeably enlarged by age 60. The enlarged prostate could even mean his PSA is actually normal for his age and prostate size. Enlarged prostates sometimes cause issues peeing, e.g. more often, more urgently, slowly, etc. Again, these are not usually symptoms of prostate cancer, which doesn't usually have any symptoms.

Unfortunately, you have some anxious weeks ahead while you wait to see if he has got prostate cancer or not. Do post any more questions you have though.

User
Posted 19 Jul 2023 at 19:49
I can't really add much to what has already been said but I started my journey at 61 with a PSA of 6 - it took just over 12 months until I had the RARP surgery but was also offered brachytherapy as an alternative. So the process will take some time but face it step by step. With his age and relatively low PSA he is in a very good position at this stage.

Good luck and stay positive!

User
Posted 20 Jul 2023 at 17:07

Thanks very much for your kind, thoughtful replies and info.  We are told biopsy results will be about four weeks, so need to keep the ‘elephant in the room’ at bay!  Will no doubt be back for more support.  Thanks again.

User
Posted 03 Aug 2023 at 11:54

Hi,

 

Apologies for posting again, but have a few questions. Hubby had biopsy two weeks ago, bruising gone, peeing pretty normally and  back at work.  The MRI and biopsy both done within three weeks of referral.

 

However, the hospital leaflet said results take four weeks, not to chase unless six weeks have elapsed and results may be given at an appointment, over the phone or by letter.  Is this a normal waiting time?  Six weeks is 42 days, I thought there was a 62 day target?  Do you read anything into results delivery method?

 

The CNS  who did the biopsy spoke to hubby about possible Gleason scores and surgery, would they know anything at this stage?

 

Thanks.

 

 

 

 

User
Posted 03 Aug 2023 at 14:22

Hello 

Sorry to hear about your hubby. It's such a difficult time and the waiting is so hard.

I wouldn't look at targets too much - sadly they are being missed in so many places. Each area is different, all I can tell you us our waits were

October '22 psa 11.1

Jan '23 biopsy

Feb '23 results by phone

June '23 surgery

I hope that helps, wishing you both all the best 

Vicky 

User
Posted 03 Aug 2023 at 14:27

Hi Vicky,

Thanks very much for your reply and sharing your journey timescale, I hope your other half is doing well.

The biopsy was arranged for us so quickly, will just have to keep busy,

Kind regards

User
Posted 03 Aug 2023 at 20:46

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

The CNS  who did the biopsy spoke to hubby about possible Gleason scores and surgery, would they know anything at this stage?

They will no doubt come up with a provisional Gleason score once the biopsy results come in, and then discuss treatments. Your husband's PSA result means that if cancer is detected (as others have said, that PSA could conceivably be normal for him) surgery might likely be one of the treatment options, whereas it isn't for more advanced cancer. But actually the different treatments have fairly similar success rates and they are likely to put the final choice on him - and you.

So.... if you are an optimist you could hope for the best and that no treatment is necessary anyway, although future monitoring will no doubt be recommended. But if you are a pessimist you might want to prepare for the worst by getting the Prostate Cancer UK Toolkit and reading up about all the treatments, and browsing this forum to get people's personal experience of them.

Good luck!

User
Posted 03 Aug 2023 at 20:49
Thanks very much for good wishes and taking time to reply.
User
Posted 19 Aug 2023 at 09:05

Hi,

 

After an anxious four week wait we have just had biopsy results by phone.  There are no traces of cancerous cells in any of the samples.  There seems to be inflammation of some kind and recommendation of repeat PSA in six months.  We still await written advice.

 

Thanks to every contributor on this forum for their input and the information and insight their posts contain and for being prepared to share personal experiences.

 

i wish you all well,

 

Thank you.
User
Posted 19 Aug 2023 at 09:40
That is fantastic news and most probably prostatitis.

Once that is cleared up then PSA should return to normal (<2) and just a case of keeping up with the routine PSA tests.

I'll bet you are very relieved.

User
Posted 19 Aug 2023 at 10:22

Yes we are so relieved, I only wish more contributors could have similar results.  We have now had letter from hospital.  The Likert score was 3, they took 33 core samples.  The letter gives no individual reports on the cores, just says no sign of malignancy.  Prostate volume was 38.  We have follow up appointment in early January and a form for PSA test.  Letter also mentions possible further MRI and targeted biopsy, if needed.

We at least now have a PSA baseline for future comparisons.

Thanks again and best wishes to all.

User
Posted 19 Aug 2023 at 23:27

Really great news, happy for you and your husband 👍

User
Posted 21 Aug 2023 at 11:33
Morning,

Apologies for coming back to forum. Have taken opportunity to re-read letter from hospital. It talks about Focal High Grade PIN/ASAP, we don’t have full copy of pathology report. The letter specifically says no sign of any malignancy in the 33 cores sampled. The prostate was 38cc. PSA ratio 0.13.

I understand the medical definition of ‘focal’ means in one area only, so presumably this is a better result than ‘multi focal’?

We have a follow up hospital PSA test and face to face appointment in early January.

How worried should you we be about PIN? Is it a predictor of future malignancy? Or is it just best to get on with life knowing future monitoring will pick up any further problems early?

User
Posted 21 Aug 2023 at 12:07

I just checked this site's page on PIN.

https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/just-diagnosed/other-prostate-problems/prostate-biopsy-results-pin-and-asap

I think worrying about PIN is like worrying about dust behind the pictures. Yes you know it's there but it's only a problem if you go looking for it.

Annual testing will almost certainly pick up this problem if ever it needs treating.

Dave

User
Posted 02 Jan 2024 at 14:39

Good afternoon and happy new year,

I haven’t needed to post for a while.  After biopsy and MRI six months OH given face to face appointment for 4th January 2024 and advised to have PSA test beforehand.

Hospital rang this morning to advise appointment cancelled due to doctor’s strike and have seen on the NHS new appointment in July 2024, presumably a letter to follow.

Would it be reasonable/safe to assume recent PSA hasn’t changed from the 5.1 test last year and to get on with life? Will the hospital give PSA result over the phone?

Any advice or recent similar experiences most welcome.

Thanks in advance.

User
Posted 02 Jan 2024 at 15:06

Hi

I think if they have booked another appointment in 6 months, it would be reasonable to assume they are not concerned, but they should give you the PSA test results if you give them a call. Otherwise you almost certainly receive a letter confirming the results and their recommendations.

Fingers crossed for you, and Happy New Year!

User
Posted 02 Jan 2024 at 15:18
Thank you
User
Posted 02 Jan 2024 at 16:12

Just a couple of observations.

I booked an uPSA test (to two decimal places) at a local private hospital named after a classic tractor. They quoted £58 all in and the result sent to me within 10 working days. The only condition was that my GP made a referral to them. A couple of emails did the job. No 6- month waiting. No horrendous NHS car parking. Pick your own appointment. Last test a month ago. If the PSA rises the rate of increase is key in diagnosis. Any test result can be plotted on the graph. They all go to the same few labs in any case.

Prostate size? I am just under 5ft 9ins and 11 stone. My prostate was 127ml on diagnosis! That mitigated my 29 PSI - but not by much.

26 months post RP. PSI <0.01. Not crowing about it - just bloody relieved. 

User
Posted 02 Jan 2024 at 16:20

You need to get yourself setup to see all results online. Your GP surgery should be able to help with this.

Dave

User
Posted 02 Jan 2024 at 16:28
Thanks very much for replies OH had biopsy results last summer, no sign of malignancy in the 34 cores taken but some PIN and ASAP. We have tried GP but receptionist said we need appointment as only GP can access results and they are very busy at present.

We have left message for Specialist Nurse at hospital and hoping for a call back. The PSA test of 5.1 last June was the first and only one OH has had so we have no historical trend to follow so knowing result of recent test would be so helpful.

User
Posted 02 Jan 2024 at 21:01
Good luck Newbie, where I am the specialist nurse is very helpful but seems to work on the basis of checking voicemail messages and calling back a day or two later.

Bemused by Phil and his Tractor Hospital. I remember fondly my grandpa's "little grey Fergie" but Google doesn't suggest a hospital with that name!

User
Posted 02 Jan 2024 at 21:17

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Bemused by Phil and his Tractor Hospital. I remember fondly my grandpa's "little grey Fergie" but Google doesn't suggest a hospital with that name!

Looks like we have some homework to do. I don't know which end to start from

https://www.classictractormagazine.co.uk/

Or

https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/nhs-provider-directory/

Still, might help in compiling some pub quiz questions.

 

Edited by member 02 Jan 2024 at 22:18  | Reason: Not specified

Dave

User
Posted 03 Jan 2024 at 12:36
Good Morning,

Specialist Nurse rang back, hospital PSA test was 3.6, so they will offer retest in July before next appointment.

Thanks for all replies.

User
Posted 03 Jan 2024 at 14:52

That's very good news. I think you should get things sorted so you can see test results on the app or internet before the next test. You're going to have to live with these tests for the rest of your life and NHS bureaucracy is not going to be getting better.

Dave

User
Posted 03 Jan 2024 at 20:17
Dave64, wasn't there a Tory MP whose excuse for porn on his phone was that he was googling classic tractors and it "just popped up"? I don't think I'm going there.

Newbie, excellent that your husband's PSA levels aren't increasing. Fingers crossed for next time.

User
Posted 03 Jan 2024 at 20:27

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
wasn't there a Tory MP whose excuse for porn on his phone was that he was googling classic tractors and it "just popped up"? 

He Googled Allis Chalmers and got Alice's Charmers. 

 

User
Posted 03 Jan 2024 at 20:48

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
wasn't there a Tory MP whose excuse for porn on his phone was that he was googling classic tractors and it "just popped up"? 

He Googled Allis Chalmers and got Alice's Charmers.

I'm sure many gentlemen on this forum will remember Mayfair Magazine in the 1970s had pictures of pretty ladies, interspersed with several page accounts of WW2 naval battles or steam trains and tractors, before the next set of pretty pictures. As a teenager I used to only look at the pictures and ignore the prose: now I read the articles and ignore the pretty pictures.

That's my excuse for having a stash of tractor mags, anyway.

Dave

 
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