PSA 7.77

User

Posted 26 Dec 2024 at 15:56

Hello everyone!👋 Concerned spouse here! So happy to have found this community, it's been educational and encouraging reading through the comments.

A few days ago my husband received his bloodwork results and his PSA number stood out to us. Of course, since it's the holidays, we've had two days of worrying and stress. These are his last three PSA numbers and dates:

4/8/22: 1.8

4/24/23: 3.15

12/20/24: 7.77

51 years old, no other health issues.

We received a msg this morning from his doctor to test his PSA again in 2 weeks. What's concerning to me is the jump between each year seems significant and I wonder why he didn't also want to schedule a DRE along with the PSA re-test?

We made the appointment for the PSA re-test on Jan 6th, our 30th wedding anniversary.♥️ I know the PSA number isn't a cancer diagnosis, but from what I've read on "Dr. Google" it is a possibility. I know I'm a little biased, but I'm married to the most amazing man EVER and I'm so scared.

Thank you for this community and for allowing me to share. 😊

Cheryl

Alabama, USA

User

Posted 26 Dec 2024 at 22:21

I'm sorry about this but the US date format confused me and the 2nd figure is 20 months not 8 months.

So the rate of change hasn't increased that much, if at all. It needs a calculation on the doubling rate, it's a bit late in the day here. It could still be inflammation but it doesn't seem as great an increase over 20 months.

User

Posted 26 Dec 2024 at 23:21

Hi Cheryl,

Mick and Sandra here from the UK.

I have just undergone the initial stages of prostate diagnosis.

It began with psa tests of 3.9 and 4.8 six weeks apart.

That triggered an mri scan that identified two areas of concern in my prostate.

That triggered a biopsy targeting those areas.

The result came back, no trace of any cancerous cells.

My wife and I spent the weeks of waiting trying not to worry too much about things that might well never happen and eventually did not come to pass.

It is so easy to get immersed in all the negative information that surrounds prostate cancer. We in the UK have a world famous cyclist who has just announced that he has terminal cancer that came from his prostate. And that just made everyone super sensitive to PCa.

I can honestly say that it is not worth worrying about things until there is something concrete to worry about. You will waste emotional energy that you may well need later if things do go pear shaped.

Please try to avoid the horror show that is Google, and only look at the diagnosis threads on this site. If you read too far forward you will scare yourselves silly.

I can't promise you things will be fine, but no one can. I can only say that if you stay disciplined and try to ignore the hype you will be in much better shape to handle what comes next, which for me is planning how to live my new life better than before the non diagnosis.

Please keep in touch and private message us if you'd like to chat about anything we could help you with.

Beat regards, mick and sandra

User

Posted 27 Dec 2024 at 17:43

Cheryl and Eze,

Prostate is so hard, because of the variables and the way it has to be diagnosed. That's why our NHS is shying away from routine testing as they do for breast cancer or bowel cancer.

The big problem is how scared this particular type of cancer can make men; its attacking right at the heart of what it means to be male. The fear of losing my sexual drive or feeling was probably the worst of my concerns. Clearly Sandra had a big say in how this might affect our future relationship and a lot of what we talked about was around that subject. You supporting Eze will be a huge benefit to him as I've seen some partners on here who can't face the reality of what PCa treatment could mean.

But again, we are leaping ahead, there's a long way to go before that bridge needs crossing.

Have a peaceful new years and get the next PSA test done. Then you will have a little more idea of where things may be headed.

Mick xxx

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User

Posted 26 Dec 2024 at 18:42

Hi, The doubling rate is often used as indicative. Also with only a few readings one suspect number can give the wrong impression. I'm more used to looking at numbers after people have had an operation.

The second reading was less than twice the first after 12 months. Whereas the 3rd reading is over twice the previous reading in 8 months (see correction post below it's 20 months). This thought might be wrong, but it seems fairly fast and might be some kind of inflammation. If it was common to rise so fast it would be very difficult to catch people before it got serious. Although some people have symptoms such as can't pass urine or need to go urgently.

You're right about doing a DRE. I guess you know not to do any exercise for 48hrs before the psa test.

Good luck with your test, Peter

Edited by member 26 Dec 2024 at 22:28 | Reason: Amended date to 20 months in another post below

User

Posted 26 Dec 2024 at 19:23

Thank you so much for your response and advice! We really appreciate it!

User

Posted 26 Dec 2024 at 22:21

I'm sorry about this but the US date format confused me and the 2nd figure is 20 months not 8 months.

User

Posted 26 Dec 2024 at 23:21

Hi Cheryl,

Mick and Sandra here from the UK.

I have just undergone the initial stages of prostate diagnosis.

It began with psa tests of 3.9 and 4.8 six weeks apart.

That triggered an mri scan that identified two areas of concern in my prostate.

That triggered a biopsy targeting those areas.

The result came back, no trace of any cancerous cells.

My wife and I spent the weeks of waiting trying not to worry too much about things that might well never happen and eventually did not come to pass.

Please try to avoid the horror show that is Google, and only look at the diagnosis threads on this site. If you read too far forward you will scare yourselves silly.

Please keep in touch and private message us if you'd like to chat about anything we could help you with.

Beat regards, mick and sandra

User

Posted 27 Dec 2024 at 02:33

Thank you Mick and Sandra! So glad to hear of your positive outcome! We’re trying to stay positive but at times it’s difficult when it’s a possibility that our lives could change drastically in a matter of a month or two. Thank you again for reaching out and I will keep you posted when we find out more information!

Cheryl

User

Posted 27 Dec 2024 at 08:02

Hi Cheryl,

During my investigations I didn't worry, I had a pretty clear view that I had got cancer. The evidence was all pointing that way, numbers, scores, feelings, all were spot on for having something wrong.

So I pretty much prepared myself for getting the bad news.

Sandra was worried though, like you said, the thought of losing me was a very upsetting and scary for her.

Although I wasn't worried, in the sense of being scared of the outcome (remember I was pretty sure that I had got cancer), I could not stop thinking about what would happen to us both when my condition was confirmed. Bucket lists, holidays, would we need to move house, all kinds of things I never thought I'd have to consider. I guess you can call that worrying, whatever it was, it was unstoppable and completely normal.

When I finally got the all clear I was stunned, because I had prepared myself for a whole new reality, which has not come to fruition. Oh I was over the moon, but also quite exhausted and very frustrated that I had wasted so much time on something I didn't need to.

But looking back, it wasn't a waste, it changed us for the better. Sure it hurt and was scary, but it made us that little bit stronger, even after thirty odd years of marriage.

We are very lucky that I have dodged a bullet, so far, and that we don't have to change anything radical. But it's definitely made us appreciate things a little more, it's not scrooge or it's a wonderful life territory, but its a positive that has come from something incredibly negative.

I hope and pray that your story has a happy ending, even though I know the ride is pretty bumpy right now. But if things do go south, this period will have given you some strength to deal with what comes next.

Sending you our love and positive energy,

Mick and Sandra xxx

User

Posted 27 Dec 2024 at 16:38

Good morning Mick and Sandra!

Your message means so much to us, especially this morning since we both woke up feeling high anxiety…we both can’t shake thinking about how high and fast the PSA jumped since last year.

We’re trying to focus on staying busy, lots of prayer and being there for each other…the hugs are more frequent now. :)

There’s always something positive we can draw from difficult times, whether it be strengthening our relationship, as you said, or being more empathetic of what others are going through.

Thank you both for your encouragement, we will keep you posted!

Cheryl & Eze

User

Posted 27 Dec 2024 at 17:43

Cheryl and Eze,

Prostate is so hard, because of the variables and the way it has to be diagnosed. That's why our NHS is shying away from routine testing as they do for breast cancer or bowel cancer.

But again, we are leaping ahead, there's a long way to go before that bridge needs crossing.

Have a peaceful new years and get the next PSA test done. Then you will have a little more idea of where things may be headed.

Mick xxx

User

Posted 27 Dec 2024 at 18:06

Hi Cheryl,

although it may not feel like it, it's good news that your husband is going to be followed up quickly to see if there is genuine cause for concern.

Fingers crossed for you both.

Cheers, Craig

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