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User
Posted 03 Aug 2023 at 10:04

Hello, folks. I am a 75 year guy, who is just beginning my journey.

At the age of 7, I was diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, involving my adrenals not producing sufficient cortisol. I the subsequent 68 years I have taken a maintenance dose of predisone/prednisolone to live a "normal" life.

I have 6 monthly check-ups, and this June, my analyses brought back a 16.8 microgram/litre PSA (Roche method).

Since then I've had an MRI scan of the prostate area, and tomorrow, I will have my first telephone consultation with an Urology Nurse Specialist.

I don't have any urinary problems that I know of, and am generally in good health. I saw your community in a search, and wanted to join. At 75, I am just thankful for each day, and am philosophical about the future. I'd welcome some chat re biopsies and the journey ahead. Thanks for reading.

User
Posted 03 Aug 2023 at 18:46
Welcome Roger although sorry you had to join if you get what I mean :)

You will find the complete range of PCa diagnosis and treatments here so you will certainly find others who have preceded you in treatment etc.

You will likely be offered a biopsy to determine the extent of the cancer and then either a radical prostatectomy (RARP) or hormone therapy (HT) and or Radiation Therapy (RT). You will probably get a bone scan as well to check for any spread, which is probably unlikely at this stage.

Keep in touch by adding to this thread and by all means as as many questions as possible - we support each other here :)

Good luck for tomorrow

Steve

User
Posted 04 Aug 2023 at 12:46
So there are two types of biopsy - up the bum or through the perineum. Not sure what they have offered you.

The rectum one involves lying on the bed and the surgeon inserts a thin sonar probe followed up by 2 pain killing injections. After a couple of minutes they fire a small gun into the prostate that removes a tiny amount of material - anything from 10 to 20 times. It's not painful, just uncomfortable and you are glad when they announce that they have just done the last one :)

You will ejaculate bright red semen for a while. I had daily masturbation sessions for about a week afterwards until it cleared up - it's not pretty and quite scary for a partner to witness LOL I didn't suffer from ED from the biopsy at all.

I can understand your angst regarding treatment and it will depend on the outcome of the biopsy I'm sure - if you are fit and healthy (even with the prednisone) then maybe if treatment is recommended then consider it.

Good luck

User
Posted 18 Aug 2023 at 14:15
The biopsy is a one off event for almost everyone - follow ups are by MRI , Scintigraphy or PET scans if needed but the 6 monthly PSA blood tests need to show an increase before they are offered.

When you get the results of the biopsy, they will discuss the most appropriate treatment options.

You will find that you will get blood in your urine and more so in your semen after the biopsy - urine should clear within a week but semen might take 2 weeks - so release this regularly to clear it.

User
Posted 19 Aug 2023 at 00:15
Hi Roger,

I'm just slightly ahead of you and recently had my results. Positive for cancer at T2 N0 M0. Awaiting consultant appointment end of September.

Urine blood cleared within days, but still getting that awful crimson Semen after 4 weeks, but thankfully now signs of that abating.

I totally was not expecting my results, really blindsided me and hit my wife very hard.

Have been living and breathing prostate cancer ever since, reading as much as possible. Almost took over my life, but work forces me to kind of switch off sometimes. I'm sure the veterans on here are totally over these early phases.

Family keeps you focused and happy.

User
Posted 03 Aug 2023 at 10:04

Hello, folks. I am a 75 year guy, who is just beginning my journey.

At the age of 7, I was diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, involving my adrenals not producing sufficient cortisol. I the subsequent 68 years I have taken a maintenance dose of predisone/prednisolone to live a "normal" life.

I have 6 monthly check-ups, and this June, my analyses brought back a 16.8 microgram/litre PSA (Roche method).

Since then I've had an MRI scan of the prostate area, and tomorrow, I will have my first telephone consultation with an Urology Nurse Specialist.

I don't have any urinary problems that I know of, and am generally in good health. I saw your community in a search, and wanted to join. At 75, I am just thankful for each day, and am philosophical about the future. I'd welcome some chat re biopsies and the journey ahead. Thanks for reading.

User
Posted 03 Aug 2023 at 17:25
Hi Roger,

Just a quick hello to welcome you to the group, from the wife of a man with stage 4 PC.(incurable, unfortunately)

User
Posted 03 Aug 2023 at 23:42

Hi,  Good luck with the nurse tomorrow.   If you're having 6 monthly tests I wonder what your last blood test came up with.   It might be benign, a raised psa often is, but be ready in case it isn't.

Did your doctor feel your prostate with his finger, that sometimes says quite a bit.

Also prostate cancer is usually slower developing than most others so saying each day is lucky isn't usually because of it although I haven't looked up your long term illness so don't know what it is.

Let's talk about the biopsy when it's prescribed.  Every year thousands of men have them, it might be 50,000.  I had a basic one but most men get template biopsies nowadays I believe which takes more samples and many men prefer to have that.   Although the MRI means they can target it better.

Fingers crossed for tomorrow.  Regards Peter

User
Posted 04 Aug 2023 at 09:00

Good luck today Roger and stay Positive!

Derek

User
Posted 04 Aug 2023 at 11:50

Hi again, folks. OK, telephone consultation complete.

MRI showed that whilst most areas of my prostate scored a 1/2, there was one small region scoring a 4/5.

As you folks mentioned, the next step is a biopsy, at Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, where I live. The nurse advised that they only do the type of biopsy, which is the lower infection risk type.

She did however, advise about the low risk possibility of temporary blood in urine/semen, and possible erectile dysfunction, following the biopsy.

Hey ho. Glad this part of the journey is now known. I will admit that there is a part of me that is still thinking - "I've got to 75 - let it play out without immediate treatment - just monitor". I know this is not PC nor mature - but nonetheless, it is playing on my mind. I'll just suspend idle thinking, until I get the biopsy.  Anyway, thanks for reading. Will post next update news. 

Regards Roger

User
Posted 04 Aug 2023 at 12:43

This is just a note of encouragement. I was diagnosed at the age of 71 and now at 84 I am still cancer free and enjoying life in all its aspects. Good luck.

 'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.'                    Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate

 

 

User
Posted 18 Aug 2023 at 13:39

Hello again, folks. I had the perineum biopsy on Tuesday (15/08). It was uncomfortable, and some of the sampling was painful on occasions. I was in the hospital for something like 1hr 15 minutes.

Since then (3 days), I have very bloody urine, and occasional urinary incontinence, and have taken to using Tena.

I was advised it could be a week, even two weeks for it to clear up. Still awaiting results.

Could I ask folks if biopsies become a regular fact of life, presuming they find something? Or is MRI/ PSA monitoring the usual check?

Thanks for any feedback.

Cheers, and regards

User
Posted 03 Sep 2023 at 15:48

A great result. I have a friend who has had a mid teens PSA for at least a decade. We have had plenty of other posts on here from people who have high PSA and no cancer. It's just the reality for some people. Complete this round of investigation and presumably continue with annual checkups. If after a couple of years nothing seems to be changing, make a decision of whether to ignore your prostate, looking for cancer which isn't there isn't a good way to live your life.

Dave

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User
Posted 03 Aug 2023 at 17:25
Hi Roger,

Just a quick hello to welcome you to the group, from the wife of a man with stage 4 PC.(incurable, unfortunately)

User
Posted 03 Aug 2023 at 18:46
Welcome Roger although sorry you had to join if you get what I mean :)

You will find the complete range of PCa diagnosis and treatments here so you will certainly find others who have preceded you in treatment etc.

You will likely be offered a biopsy to determine the extent of the cancer and then either a radical prostatectomy (RARP) or hormone therapy (HT) and or Radiation Therapy (RT). You will probably get a bone scan as well to check for any spread, which is probably unlikely at this stage.

Keep in touch by adding to this thread and by all means as as many questions as possible - we support each other here :)

Good luck for tomorrow

Steve

User
Posted 03 Aug 2023 at 23:42

Hi,  Good luck with the nurse tomorrow.   If you're having 6 monthly tests I wonder what your last blood test came up with.   It might be benign, a raised psa often is, but be ready in case it isn't.

Did your doctor feel your prostate with his finger, that sometimes says quite a bit.

Also prostate cancer is usually slower developing than most others so saying each day is lucky isn't usually because of it although I haven't looked up your long term illness so don't know what it is.

Let's talk about the biopsy when it's prescribed.  Every year thousands of men have them, it might be 50,000.  I had a basic one but most men get template biopsies nowadays I believe which takes more samples and many men prefer to have that.   Although the MRI means they can target it better.

Fingers crossed for tomorrow.  Regards Peter

User
Posted 04 Aug 2023 at 08:34

Thanks for the replies, folks. Much appreciated.

Will reply again, after the consultation.

Roger


User
Posted 04 Aug 2023 at 09:00

Good luck today Roger and stay Positive!

Derek

User
Posted 04 Aug 2023 at 11:50

Hi again, folks. OK, telephone consultation complete.

MRI showed that whilst most areas of my prostate scored a 1/2, there was one small region scoring a 4/5.

As you folks mentioned, the next step is a biopsy, at Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, where I live. The nurse advised that they only do the type of biopsy, which is the lower infection risk type.

She did however, advise about the low risk possibility of temporary blood in urine/semen, and possible erectile dysfunction, following the biopsy.

Hey ho. Glad this part of the journey is now known. I will admit that there is a part of me that is still thinking - "I've got to 75 - let it play out without immediate treatment - just monitor". I know this is not PC nor mature - but nonetheless, it is playing on my mind. I'll just suspend idle thinking, until I get the biopsy.  Anyway, thanks for reading. Will post next update news. 

Regards Roger

User
Posted 04 Aug 2023 at 12:43

This is just a note of encouragement. I was diagnosed at the age of 71 and now at 84 I am still cancer free and enjoying life in all its aspects. Good luck.

 'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.'                    Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate

 

 

User
Posted 04 Aug 2023 at 12:46
So there are two types of biopsy - up the bum or through the perineum. Not sure what they have offered you.

The rectum one involves lying on the bed and the surgeon inserts a thin sonar probe followed up by 2 pain killing injections. After a couple of minutes they fire a small gun into the prostate that removes a tiny amount of material - anything from 10 to 20 times. It's not painful, just uncomfortable and you are glad when they announce that they have just done the last one :)

You will ejaculate bright red semen for a while. I had daily masturbation sessions for about a week afterwards until it cleared up - it's not pretty and quite scary for a partner to witness LOL I didn't suffer from ED from the biopsy at all.

I can understand your angst regarding treatment and it will depend on the outcome of the biopsy I'm sure - if you are fit and healthy (even with the prednisone) then maybe if treatment is recommended then consider it.

Good luck

User
Posted 08 Aug 2023 at 11:46

Hi again. My biopsy is in one week, and it will be via the perineum and rectum.

For my homework, I'm reading up on Gleason scores and grades. Thanks to all in this group for their expertise and generosity in providing simple explanations of the codings.

Will respond again, when I get the biopsy results. Regards.

User
Posted 18 Aug 2023 at 13:39

Hello again, folks. I had the perineum biopsy on Tuesday (15/08). It was uncomfortable, and some of the sampling was painful on occasions. I was in the hospital for something like 1hr 15 minutes.

Since then (3 days), I have very bloody urine, and occasional urinary incontinence, and have taken to using Tena.

I was advised it could be a week, even two weeks for it to clear up. Still awaiting results.

Could I ask folks if biopsies become a regular fact of life, presuming they find something? Or is MRI/ PSA monitoring the usual check?

Thanks for any feedback.

Cheers, and regards

User
Posted 18 Aug 2023 at 14:15
The biopsy is a one off event for almost everyone - follow ups are by MRI , Scintigraphy or PET scans if needed but the 6 monthly PSA blood tests need to show an increase before they are offered.

When you get the results of the biopsy, they will discuss the most appropriate treatment options.

You will find that you will get blood in your urine and more so in your semen after the biopsy - urine should clear within a week but semen might take 2 weeks - so release this regularly to clear it.

User
Posted 19 Aug 2023 at 00:15
Hi Roger,

I'm just slightly ahead of you and recently had my results. Positive for cancer at T2 N0 M0. Awaiting consultant appointment end of September.

Urine blood cleared within days, but still getting that awful crimson Semen after 4 weeks, but thankfully now signs of that abating.

I totally was not expecting my results, really blindsided me and hit my wife very hard.

Have been living and breathing prostate cancer ever since, reading as much as possible. Almost took over my life, but work forces me to kind of switch off sometimes. I'm sure the veterans on here are totally over these early phases.

Family keeps you focused and happy.

User
Posted 21 Aug 2023 at 17:31

Hi Roger, 

I'm the same age as you and had robot assisted prostatectomy 21 months ago. My diagnosis was Gleason 3+4 and T2b. Post op pathology upgraded my tumour to T3a which means it was either pushing the prostate capsule, or had progressed through it. I wouldn't have known that had I not had the op and so I'm pleased I did. That's not a recommendation; all cases are individual and hopefully the experts will guide you well as to treatment or monitoring. 21 months post op and I am fine. It took me 6 months to achieve reasonable continence, (many get there quicker) now it's good apart from the occasional small drip. For me, that's a small price to pay for getting rid of the curse.

Good luck ongoing. You are most definitely not alone. 

Peter

 

User
Posted 03 Sep 2023 at 11:37

Hi Folks,

After my biopsy, two weeks elapsed. I then got a phone call and confirmation letter from my nurse specialist.

In summary, the results were:

          Prostate core biopsy right lobe - benign tissue

          Prostate core biopsy left posterior - benign tissue

The nurse emphasised that while these are good findings, there is still the matter of the 16.8 PSA, and the nature of the prostate shape morphology on the right hand side to consider.

She will hold a discussion with the consultant, currently on his hols, to discuss how to proceed. She didn't cover the possible options that they will consider.

So, I am pleased of course but still concerned about the next step. For now though we have had some wine and a meal out to celebrate. The future will no doubt unfold as it will.

Thanks for reading. I'll respond again, when I know what's ahead.

Regards, and thanks for being there. Roger

User
Posted 03 Sep 2023 at 15:48

A great result. I have a friend who has had a mid teens PSA for at least a decade. We have had plenty of other posts on here from people who have high PSA and no cancer. It's just the reality for some people. Complete this round of investigation and presumably continue with annual checkups. If after a couple of years nothing seems to be changing, make a decision of whether to ignore your prostate, looking for cancer which isn't there isn't a good way to live your life.

Dave

 
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