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PSA Level 3.6

User
Posted 21 Jan 2025 at 11:30

Hi. I'm 47, nearly 48 and have recently had a psa test as a result of my father having had prostate cancer. It has come back elevated at 3.6 so have been referred to a specialist. As a result I've gone into total panic mode. Has any else had similar experiences?

User
Posted 21 Jan 2025 at 12:24

Hello, welcome to the forum no one wants to belong to. First of all I'm sure everyone will tell you not to panic. I'm also fairly new on the journey and the overriding feeling I get is DONT PANIC although we all know how hard that is to do. Your PSA isn't that high, look through some conversations and you'll see PSA's in the 20's, 30's, 50's and even hundreds and there are many reasons for this not all to do with cancer. 1 in 8 men will get it and the vast majority live complete lives and generally die from something else. I've my own biopsy results tomorrow at 9am so I'm writing this knowing I'm in for a sleepless night but the forum tells me its the waiting that's the worst the results set one on a pathway to deal with it. Keep calm and carry on!

Edited by member 21 Jan 2025 at 14:26  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 21 Jan 2025 at 12:32

We get lots of posts like yours. Yes loads of people go in to panic mode. STOP PANICKING. From where you are now you probably have about a 10% chance of getting a positive diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer. we have had PSAs in the 30s even the 80s which have come back clear.

The only way you can know for certain is have all the tests. Even if you do get a positive diagnosis it is very treatable.

Please keep us informed, particularly if you get the all clear. I want to keep a track of all these negative diagnosis to reassure the next person who comes along in a panic.

Dave

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User
Posted 21 Jan 2025 at 12:24

Hello, welcome to the forum no one wants to belong to. First of all I'm sure everyone will tell you not to panic. I'm also fairly new on the journey and the overriding feeling I get is DONT PANIC although we all know how hard that is to do. Your PSA isn't that high, look through some conversations and you'll see PSA's in the 20's, 30's, 50's and even hundreds and there are many reasons for this not all to do with cancer. 1 in 8 men will get it and the vast majority live complete lives and generally die from something else. I've my own biopsy results tomorrow at 9am so I'm writing this knowing I'm in for a sleepless night but the forum tells me its the waiting that's the worst the results set one on a pathway to deal with it. Keep calm and carry on!

Edited by member 21 Jan 2025 at 14:26  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 21 Jan 2025 at 12:32

We get lots of posts like yours. Yes loads of people go in to panic mode. STOP PANICKING. From where you are now you probably have about a 10% chance of getting a positive diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer. we have had PSAs in the 30s even the 80s which have come back clear.

The only way you can know for certain is have all the tests. Even if you do get a positive diagnosis it is very treatable.

Please keep us informed, particularly if you get the all clear. I want to keep a track of all these negative diagnosis to reassure the next person who comes along in a panic.

Dave

User
Posted 21 Jan 2025 at 12:52

As has been said (and I know it's hard) but DON'T PANIC!!!!!!!

If it does turn out to be cancer then you have a number of tests and staging hurdles to cross, try and only focus on what the last test results confirm and what the next confirmed test involves. It is so easy to jump the gun and research things that may not end up being relevant to you. Way too much possible data to digest all at once, concentrate on the known rather than the possibles. 

Keep us updated in how you get on

Dave

User
Posted 22 Jan 2025 at 07:19

Hi,  yes the fact your dad had PCa is a factor in your risk assessment,  but like everyone else has said there is quite a way to go before you need to start worrying. 

The hitch hikers guide to the galaxy had a cover with the words "Don't panic" in large friendly letters printed on the front. I think this forum should have the same cover. 

You will waste a lot of emotional energy and lose sleep over something that may turn out to be nothing. Please try to take things easy, treat each stage as a hurdle to be cleared before the ultimate biopsy which will tell you one way or another. 

That's why a routine testing program is a no go at the moment, as soon as you mention cancer pathway etc men set their hair on fire and there is no support available to calm their fears, other than here. Some clinicians advocate changing the name of the early condition to stop the panic, but that seems like calling rocket explosion an unscheduled disassembly just to make a better headline, the rocket is still in bits.

I went through the same feelings and fears as you just last year, and when I got the all clear after my biopsy I was drained. Try to stay calm and just wait it out.

Best regards Mick 

 
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