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Why did I ask for a psa test???

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User
Posted 15 Aug 2025 at 16:51

I'll try and be short in my post. I was having some routine bloods done when as an after thought I asked if I could have a PSA test. After all the ads on the telly at the moment encouraged this.   Anyway never thought anymore about it but a couple of days later a phone call from my surgery said my (PSA 12.15} test was a bit high for my age (75)..  I really do wish I had'nt asked.  I dont feel 75 and pretty good in body and mind. Till now of course.  I can look back probably 20 years and any minor symptoms were there and much the same till now. Getting up once or twice in the night and of course not able to pee up the school toilet wall as we all used to do.. -No blood or anything like that.


So 3 weeks on and waiting on the next step.. Meanwhile my head's in a spin and cannot stop watching and researching on tinternet.. So now I know there is nothing to be done until I have some tests done. I'm in Aberdeen with an excellent hospital with most of the latest treatments.... 


Anyway my name is Dave and will post again.  Bye the way there is know immediate family history that I know of..

User
Posted 16 Aug 2025 at 02:31

Hi Dave. I was in a similar situation a little over a year ago. In April of '24 I decided to go for a physical because I hadn't had one in a couple of years. Didn't expect any issues. I'm healthy, I excercise and was feeling fine.  Wanted to just get the stupid thing out of the way and move on to summer. I mentioned to the doc that I'd been getting up 2 - 3 times a night to pee really just in hopes he might prescribe something to help with that but he said "I'll order a PSA test".


 


Didn't expect anything to come of it, but my psa came back a little higher than yours at 12.7. Mine unfortunately did turn out to be cancer but that doesn't mean yours will. At first I felt the similar to how you said you feel...like I should've just kept my mouth shut and at least I could have enjoyed my summer. But it turned out to be a very good thing that we caught it when we did because it had just broken out of the prostate but thankfully had not spread beyond that. In 4 days it will be my offical 1 year anniversary of my RARP. My last psa test was 2 weeks ago and so far is still undetectable. 


 


You did the right thing getting checked. However things turn out, you'll be ok.

User
Posted 07 Nov 2025 at 07:06

The big day has come. Got my tackle washed and ready for my Transperineal Biopsy then a long wait for Bone Scan... 9.15 biopsy. 11.30 to be radiated and then 2.30 for the scan,,,, Booked an overnight in a premier inn (Aberdeen) close to the Hospital. Anyway off shortly. Wish me luck.
Dave
User
Posted 18 Dec 2025 at 15:02

Hi Dave,


Very sorry to hear that you have to all this to face - Merry Christmas eh?


Still, you do have a curative path, that is the thing to hold on to. I found the 'radical' treatments ok mainly because they were over with in a short period. Don't get me wrong radiotherapy was no picnic but you get it out of the way. I think I've struggled the most with HT, I am on 12 weekly injections of Prostap for 3 years with just 8 months to go. I continue to live with most of the side effects that might be manifest, and I was so overwhelmed by them that I got to a point a few months ago where I just wanted to jack it in (I mean pack the treatment in) but somehow persuaded myself to carry on. 


Many people have posted about their experiences with HT on this site and it would seem that the impact does vary from person to person with some people seemingly able to sail through it whilst others really struggle. So I guess, as Dirty Harry would say - "Do you feel lucky?" 


If you have an hour to spare, get yourself a cup of tea and read my profile where I have tried to detail it all.


All the Best


Spongebob.

User
Posted 21 Dec 2025 at 20:06

Hi Dave,


Believe me it’s a waste of time being bitter and angry about it. But I do understand your range of emotions.


When I got around to reflect on my situation I concluded that actually I was extremely lucky. I could so easily have ignored my symptoms and/or delayed carrying out a decision to go to the docs. 

I still hold that view today, even through the down moments. So bring it on πŸ‘ is the attitude.


Best of luck


Spongebob

User
Posted 15 Aug 2025 at 19:00

Hi Dave,


We all get that spinning head and research bug.  Don't regret having the test.  I'm a bit older and discovered by accident a couple of months ago that I have a couple of potentially serious things that I now know about and can change my behaviour so they don't get worse.   You have an opportunity to make decisions.  In a few months or a couple of years you may not have had many choices.  


It might not be prostate cancer as at a psa of 12 it's probably about 60% likely.  12 isn't that high.


Treatment can also depend on what your health is like.   When you're over 75 they can say you're too old for surgery so radiotherapy is the main treatment for a cure.  Although 75 is the new 65 and all that.


It's often a slow mover so it could be that it's rising slowly and you could wait longer although at 12 perhaps you're better having an MRI then a biopsy if the MRI points that way and that's the offer.


Become aware of your possibilities and be decisive would be my comment.  This forum has a lot of cases to look at and ask questions.


Good luck and keep us posted, regards Peter

Edited by member 15 Aug 2025 at 19:03  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 03 Oct 2025 at 11:11
My wedding ring is gold but I wondered if my wife bought it at the local flee market so decided with a struggle to get it off. Looking at the obvious rink mark on my finger I would'nt stand a chance if I tried to pull on a lads night out. Mind you at my age probably no chance with or without the ring.
I did google this ring thing and most sites said gold is'nt magnetic. Anyway the ring is still in the wife's bag so I been a free man for nearly 24 hours.... lol
User
Posted 08 Nov 2025 at 12:49
Hi Adrian. Yes I think the biopsy was quick because he would have only taken cores from the nodule area. I just wish the nurse who phoned a few weeks ago with the MRI results gave me this simple but important staging figure. That would have stopped a whole lot of worry. Its the unkown that troubles people the most which is evident in most posts on any prostate cancer site.
As for the Premier Inn does'nt have a restaurant. We used Premier a lot when travelling to Madeira from Edinburgh. We always took the Meal Deal unless our flight was to early for Breakfast.
When the results are in then I'll decide how to procede. Mayby SABR without ADT because I think you'll agree quality of life is the most important consideration at my time of life.
Anyhoo just done Tesco shop and to be honest I would'nt know I had the procedures. Drinking water and peeing the rest of the day while watching a film or sport on the telly box...
Cheers Dave and Mrs. C. who worries more than I do and that's an ex nurse who's worked at the sharp end. She thinks my BUM is the best she's ever seen... ????!
User
Posted 12 Dec 2025 at 12:30

Hi Dave you are the same trajectory we were on a few months ago.


Yes it's tough. But not unbearable. We're getting through it. It's the accepting, this is happening lets get through as best we can .


Husband had a PET scan, it's more routine now. His PSA was 7 1  He has started Hormone Therapy preparing for radiotherapy.  I've researched every single thing I can to keep him healthy. However rough and anxiety making this seems, it's better to be treated than live in blissful ignorance. I keep telling myself that. 


They will treat you medically well, it's up to you and wife to keep your spirits up I've found. Best wishes ❀️ 

User
Posted 18 Dec 2025 at 22:18

G'day Dave,


as Spongebob says, there's quite a few of us on here who've gone through RT with HT of up to 3 years as a follow up. You could take a look at profiles for Andy, Dave, me and a few others but as Sb says, the effects vary considerably. I got through it ok but it wasn't the sort of thing I'd want to do again. 


It's promising that your consultant suggested you might be able to shorten the ADT. That's quite common and again, several people here stopped at the 2 year mark. There's plenty of data on survival rates with different lengths of ADT but the deciding factor seems to be how low your psa holds over time. 


I  thought for a moment that your consultant had a rare way with words and gave you a prognosis of "T3a with some of the more aggressive s***s trying make an escape through the wall" but alas, they were your words. Why does this always happen just before Christmas? 


Jules

User
Posted 20 Dec 2025 at 08:24

Go with it. Husband has been on 3 weeks of Bicalutamide and had his first injection of Decapeptyl 9 days ago.


We are prepared! I'm determined to support him him to stay as well as possible. We've got a trainer lined up for after Christmas,  hope to start Pilates together ( it's in the village school hall opposite so we think we've got to try it out ) and bought lots of gadgets. 


If this is the route to keeping him alive then we have to go through this dark tunnel 

User
Posted 20 Dec 2025 at 17:17

Hi Adrian.  The consultant specialized on Surgery but we immediately agreed Surgery was'nt the way forward in my case. At my age I would'nt have asked for it in any case.  So the first thing she said to me was lets make a plan too Cure. She said that 2 or 3 times. The 3 years on ADT kind of floored me because I was thinking just zap with radiation and Bob's your Uncle. 


I checked out a couple of Marc Scholtz videos this morning which talked about gleason 8 and how people might be overtreated . 4 out 5 people he quoted and that was 6 to 18 months.  In others words only 20% benefited.   A pet- scan could rule out mets that did'nt show on the MRI. I have a CT-Scan in the next 2 or 3 weeks which hopefully will make things clearer. The Scanner at Aberdeen has a Pet-Scan incorporated in the CT Scanner. Lets see!!!


Anyway I have decided to start taking the tabs. and a years worth of 3 monthly Injections. If it Bu*gers up my QOL then I will call it a day at 12 months and take my chances. My consultant actually agreed with that....


Cheers Dave


 

User
Posted 21 Dec 2025 at 08:18

Morning, Dave.


For what it's worth, I totally agree with your take on things. I'm sure that doing your own research, from reputable sites, plus your great sense of humour, are going to help you through your treatment. 


It's great to see that you've found Dr Scholz. What wonderful resources his videos are. I'd also strongly recommend 


https://prostatematters.co.uk/


I think it's an excellent site. 


Best of luck with your next scan, mate. πŸ‘

User
Posted 21 Dec 2025 at 15:32

Hi Dave


What a nightmare! - Some merry christmas for you eh? I understand totally where you are coming from, what and who to trust etc. You'll find good accounts from people on here who have faced similar scenarios and it is worth searching them out. For me, I admit to have basically blindly followed the path prescribed by the docs, I tell myself and family to put faith in the docs. I wasn't totally naive though as I did my fare bit of research to understand it all. But that was me, everyone has different views.


From my experience, I didn't worry too much about the prospect of a biopsy, apart from the potential humiliating embarrassment that comes with attending the procedure, but really that was nothing. I viewed the bio as something that was absolutely essential in order to understand exactly what needed to be dealt with. But as I said that was me.


I've got to say how impressed I am that you are still playing 5 aside at 77, incredible! I had to pack it in when in my 30s, my knee and ankles couldn't do it anymore. It was a devastating decision at the time to pack it in because we were lucky to have been able to play two dinner times per week from work. So, yes keep it going 😁.


All the best and good luck with your decisions.


Spongebob 


 

User
Posted 24 Apr 2026 at 09:57

Hi all. Well that's the first week almost over. Today will be 6 out of 20 fractions. Any personal modesty is thrown to the wind before treatment. Joggers and Boxers swiftly yanked down too the ankles by two lovely nurses one on each side of the sunbed. Brings pleasant memories from my distant PastπŸ˜†


This is where the fun begins with the bladder scan. I very quickly realised this was the most tricky part of the treatment. If your not comfortably full then its off the bed and sent to naughty waiting area with instructions to either wait 15 minutes and if they say so drink a few gulps of CO2... When I first arrived there was a steady stream of men returning to do the same thing. It was either thumbs up or thumbs down. Sometimes a HIP HIP Hurra!!. Our hospital offers free tea or coffee from the volanteers cart. Really funny when the men say better not, but any wife's or partners happily order a coffee. 


My first 2 days went great until overnight I somehow twisted my back. Not had this problem for over 3 years. Just Sods Law. I had to get a Porter on the 3rd day because the Radiotherapy Department is about half a mile from the reception entrance. I dug out an old Back Brace I must have bought on Amazon for the rest of the week and managed to get by. THe biggest problem is getting off the sunbed table but we managed to work out how to do it without too much stabbing pains.


So no symptoms appeared as yet and looking forward to Saturday and Sunday OFF!!.


Another 5 fractions next week will bring my just more than half way through my treatment...


Cheers Dave... Appolgies for my spelling..

User
Posted 29 Sep 2026 at 17:31

Hi, Dave.


Thanks for the update. Great PSA result and I'm very pleased that youre feeling okay. Long may it continue. Good luck, mate. πŸ‘

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User
Posted 15 Aug 2025 at 19:00

Hi Dave,


We all get that spinning head and research bug.  Don't regret having the test.  I'm a bit older and discovered by accident a couple of months ago that I have a couple of potentially serious things that I now know about and can change my behaviour so they don't get worse.   You have an opportunity to make decisions.  In a few months or a couple of years you may not have had many choices.  


It might not be prostate cancer as at a psa of 12 it's probably about 60% likely.  12 isn't that high.


Treatment can also depend on what your health is like.   When you're over 75 they can say you're too old for surgery so radiotherapy is the main treatment for a cure.  Although 75 is the new 65 and all that.


It's often a slow mover so it could be that it's rising slowly and you could wait longer although at 12 perhaps you're better having an MRI then a biopsy if the MRI points that way and that's the offer.


Become aware of your possibilities and be decisive would be my comment.  This forum has a lot of cases to look at and ask questions.


Good luck and keep us posted, regards Peter

Edited by member 15 Aug 2025 at 19:03  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 15 Aug 2025 at 19:44

Hi Dave 


I'm sorry that you've got prostate problems,  but welcome to the forum.


PSA is only an indicator. You are about double what is deemed 'normal' for someone your age. Elevated PSA can be caused by other non cancerous prostate conditions. However, it is wise to make further tests. Have you been refered to urology?


 

User
Posted 15 Aug 2025 at 19:50
Having the PSA test done was a good move.
It's way too early to jump to negative conclusions so just wait for the next step.
Must admit you made me smile when you reminded me of what was in my day a very common schoolboy urination habit!
User
Posted 16 Aug 2025 at 02:31

Hi Dave. I was in a similar situation a little over a year ago. In April of '24 I decided to go for a physical because I hadn't had one in a couple of years. Didn't expect any issues. I'm healthy, I excercise and was feeling fine.  Wanted to just get the stupid thing out of the way and move on to summer. I mentioned to the doc that I'd been getting up 2 - 3 times a night to pee really just in hopes he might prescribe something to help with that but he said "I'll order a PSA test".


 


Didn't expect anything to come of it, but my psa came back a little higher than yours at 12.7. Mine unfortunately did turn out to be cancer but that doesn't mean yours will. At first I felt the similar to how you said you feel...like I should've just kept my mouth shut and at least I could have enjoyed my summer. But it turned out to be a very good thing that we caught it when we did because it had just broken out of the prostate but thankfully had not spread beyond that. In 4 days it will be my offical 1 year anniversary of my RARP. My last psa test was 2 weeks ago and so far is still undetectable. 


 


You did the right thing getting checked. However things turn out, you'll be ok.

User
Posted 16 Aug 2025 at 08:43
Just a quick thanks to one and all for replying and interesting comments. I do believe cancer will rear its Ugly Head so prepared for this in my head... Over the last couple of years I did have a couple of scares due to Bowel screening which led to two Colonoscopies. Both were clear of Cancer. The first revealed a few Polopys one of which was to large for removal during the 2 meter tube up the bum examination with no sedation. My choice. I'm a man afterall....
Anyway I had sigoscopy 2 weeks later to have the large polyop removed.. Next day late afternoon I felt I needed to sit on the loo pretty urgently. This resulted in evacuating what look like all my 8 pints of blood in one go. lol. Anyhoo half an hour later the same thing happened. So my wife got me to A&E in Perth (Scotland). We sat in the que behing people and kids with cuts and grazes. We thought it supposed to be Accident AND Emergency. Meanwhile two more urgent visits to the hospital loo with same blood letting result.
Eventually after about 3 hours I made it too a treatment Bay... I told the Junior Doctor I really needed to see a Doctor ASP. He just smiled and with a Pat on my head they said they were very busy. Fast Forward another hour and I looked the Doc in the face (still remember that silly grin) and I said "I told you this was going to happen".. The next thing a know I wake up with an Oxygin Mask on and a nurses face, saying nice to see you back with us..
Ambulance down to Dundee PRI and well there is more to this story but I'm going to end it with the could'nt find the reason for the blood loss and could'nt get me out of their Hospital Fast enough. They did'nt deny or confirm this was caused by the removal of the large polyp. Dave
User
Posted 19 Sep 2025 at 10:35

After 8 weeks of waiting I finally have an MRI scan on 2nd October.. Piece of P*ss so no worries there... The only thing is it now makes this all seam so Real. Still feel great mainly due to increase in fitness levels and deliberate healthy weight loss diet,, Anyway as I said before if it wasn't for an off the cuff ask for a PSA test to be added to my normal 6 monthly Bloods MOT I would be enjoying a normal life none the wiser. I hope the wee nurse who took my normal bloods did'nt get into trouble with practice manager. I get the distinct immpression they don't encorage OLD duffers asking for the PSA Test..
Anyway I already have the diagnoses as the young doctor who stuck his finger up my bum and linked this in with a PSA of 12.1 told me that it was 100% CANCER NO IF's OR BUTS and as I left the surgery he patted me on the back and for some unknow said he was SORRY?.
Anyway got home and popped some Boz Scaggs on Spotify with a nice double expresso.
The hospital said I had to have an up to date kidney blood test (which I had aready had with my MOT a month earlier which of course was normal. When I booked the bloods the nurse must have spotted my ancient age of 75 (birthday 2 or 3 weeks past). She actually asked if I had an email address. She did'nt ask for my email .... She asked if I had one.. Ageism who knows.
Anyhoo rambled on to much for now so lets see if after 2nd October I step aboard the NHS runaway train.....
All the best to one all and which ever the stage your at............ Dave C.


 

Edited by member 19 Sep 2025 at 11:21  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 19 Sep 2025 at 11:42

I have a friend a couple of years older than me. He is unfit, drinks a lot and is well overweight.


He flatly refuses to go to the doctor because as far as he is concerned you only get officially ill once you've been. 


He prefers blissful ignorance to being able to do anything about potential problems which are clearly storing up for him. Playing golf every six months doesn't constitute exercise.


I had my psa tested at 59 years old. It resulted in a few stressful weeks of tests but ultimately good news.


My brother ignored some niggling issues and had his test at 63 years. Terminal bone mets. 


I think I'd rather know and be able to do something rather than not know and regret being too late to do anything. 


Mick 

User
Posted 19 Sep 2025 at 12:55
Yes Mick I totally understand what your saying but no one advised me to have a test. If it was'nt for the telly advert It would never have entered my head to make an off the cuff request for a test as an afterthought. Not once has my GP ever suggested I might want to think about a PSA trest. I did have a DRE very quickly done around 10 years ago by a doc when I mentioned my urination was a wee bit slower than it used to be. I was their for another problem which was something to do with my leg.
Anyway finger up the rear and he said it was a bit enlarged but probably just an age thing. Again no mention of a PSA test which would have given me a base line in 2015.. It would have been good to compare then and now.
Anyway MRI then I will see what happens after its done...
Cheers Dave
User
Posted 19 Sep 2025 at 15:52

Dave, 


I didn't ask for a psa test myself, the doctor tagged it on to other blood tests while they were at it. I'd no symptoms or any inkling of a possible issue. But I'm glad I got it checked because of what has since come to light with my brother. 


The MRI is a breeze and if it shows any areas of concern they will ask you to have a biopsy. 


All you can do is take these things one test at a time, which it seems you are doing quite well.


Best wishes, mick. 

User
Posted 19 Sep 2025 at 16:15
Thanks Mick. My only beef is I had to tag the test myself. At no point in the last 20 years has a doc. mentioned or advised the test. I think their getting pretty close to a screening program. My guess is 70 in our surgery is the cut off point unless someone actually asks for one.
If it had'nt been for the telly adds I would'nt have thought about asking for the test. To be honest I did'nt really know what or where the prostate was.
I've done a hell of a lot of research over the last couple of months and think I might do pretty well as my Specialist Subject on Mastermind.
I hope your brother gets through this and comes out the other end.
Anyway I've had a couple of Colonoscopies and two Sigy's so the MRI and probable biopsie will be no problem..
IT's the side effects of treatment that bothers me the most.... Still I should have no problem with future conversations with any treatment teams and off course my ultimate decision...
Good to talk with you and best wishes.. Dave

User
Posted 01 Oct 2025 at 16:39

Well, MRI tomorrow afternoon.. Kind of looking forward it😌...  Just found an old PSA test from over 7 years ago. I wasn't aware of it or why it was taken. Found it buried in my medical records. Anyhoo it was 3.3 and now of course my recent test was 12.15.   I'm hopeing that it might indicate slow growth?..


Anyway tommorow's the start of the mad journey.. Cheers Dave😬

User
Posted 01 Oct 2025 at 17:54

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
I already have the diagnoses as the young doctor who stuck his finger up my bum and linked this in with a PSA of 12.1 told me that it was 100% CANCER NO IF's OR BUTS and as I left the surgery he patted me on the back and for some unknow said he was SORRY?.


Hi Dave.


Perhaps he was apologising for not cutting his finger nails. 😁


I've just be watching the Sopranos. The ruthless Mafia boss, Tony Soprano, was having erectile dysfunction. Someone suggested that he should have his prostate checked.


" I don't even allow anyone to wag a finger in my face.", he retorted.


Joking apart mate, DREs are notoriously unreliable. Best of luck tomorrow with your scan.🀞

Edited by member 01 Oct 2025 at 18:12  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 01 Oct 2025 at 18:58

Thanks Adrian...  I've done all my research through trusted websites. Pretty sure I would do well on Mastermind as my Specialist Subject.. I'll make my choices once I know for sure what my Gleason Score is.. Aberdeen has all the latest treatments to choose from. Anyway can't do anything more until I have the final prognosis.


In the middle of watching Breaking Bad for 2nd time.. Also one of the gangster in the Sopranos (his name escapes me) did a great mini series called "Lilly Hammer" set in Norway I think. Excellent watch and extremely funny. 


OK and thanks again... Dave 

User
Posted 02 Oct 2025 at 09:36

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
Also one of the gangster in the Sopranos (his name escapes me) did a great mini series called "Lilly Hammer" set in Norway I think. Excellent watch and extremely funny. 


I've just googled it.


Steven Van Zandt played Silvio Dante in the Sopranos and Frank Tagliano in Lilyhammer. I watched that as well, it was brilliant! 😁

User
Posted 02 Oct 2025 at 10:31
Not only a brilliant Actor but a great singer..
User
Posted 02 Oct 2025 at 22:04

Well the start of my journey was a bundle of laughs. My state of the art MRI Scanner was located outside in what appeared to be the arse end of aTeso's delivery wagon. No room to swing a cat as we used to say. Anyhoo after settling down on the scanners bed the operator was not sure I would fit in the tube, Now i'm not a skinny fellow but nowhere near the girth of Fatty Arbuckle. So with my arms tight to my sides he managed  to get the bed to slide forward. Before this he had to put in a cannula in my arm to fill my veins with contrast dye or maybe Quink Ink. OK you've guessed it he could'nt easily find a vein so in the end I had to show him myself. Really I'm not making this up.


So the MRI begins and I was told that it would done in 30-40 minutes. The clunking and clanging wasn't so bad and I actually dozed of a few times with strange dreams. Might have had something to do with the Fluid pumping through my veins. Obviously I could'nt take my watch because of the metal casing and strap but I thought to myself this well past 40 mins. Just then the chap operating the machine popped his head in the scanner and told me my leg had moved a little and he would have repeat part of the Scan. 5 or 10 minutes he said. Was in the Tube for approx. 90 minutes in total and by this time my arms and back had almost seized up. He took the cannula out and told me to get up. With a struggle I managed to do this and glanced at my puncture wound which looked like a scene from the Texas Chain Saw massacre. 


I definately told him I was on Blood Thinning TabletsπŸ˜†.  I left my temporary Prison watching both operators mopping up the blood🀣.


His parting shot was "you should get your results within the next 3 or 4 weeks.. I've been off alcohol for around 3 years but seriously considering treating myself and my Liver to good bottle of maltπŸ™πŸ˜ƒ

User
Posted 02 Oct 2025 at 23:12

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
 Obviously I could'nt take my watch because of the metal casing and strap but I thought to myself this well past 40 mins.


On my scan I forgot to take off my wedding ring. It was frightening. It started violently vibrating. I thought I was going to lose the finger.πŸ˜„

Edited by member 02 Oct 2025 at 23:25  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 03 Oct 2025 at 11:11
My wedding ring is gold but I wondered if my wife bought it at the local flee market so decided with a struggle to get it off. Looking at the obvious rink mark on my finger I would'nt stand a chance if I tried to pull on a lads night out. Mind you at my age probably no chance with or without the ring.
I did google this ring thing and most sites said gold is'nt magnetic. Anyway the ring is still in the wife's bag so I been a free man for nearly 24 hours.... lol
User
Posted 20 Oct 2025 at 14:35

Got my MRI results via a phone call from Urology Specialist Nurse. Not to bad I think although i probably missed some of the info. Some abnormalities on the left side of the Gland which I knew about from the DRE. Not sure but i think she said the semial vesticals were clear and nothing to the Pelvis area. I dont think she mentioned the Lymph Nodes but hopefully OK as well. So the main reason for the call was to tell me I needed a biopsy. Having a bone Scan also, both procedures on the same day..  Long Day but will be glad to get this part of the journey over with. The only thing thing that bothers me is why a Bone Scan. Not usually needed with a PSA of under 20 I read on Doc. Google. Going back 50 flippin years off and on my lower back gives me Gip and takes a few days to go back to normal. If I remember I think I had some back pain not long before the MRI so i'm thinking it might have shown up on the MRI and the scan is to make sure it's not bone cancer. 


Anyhoo because of my dodgy back I agreed with the Nurse that an up bum biopsy would be best for me. Any comments on this procedure would be big help. Originally I was going to ask for Transperineal but because of my back which is feeling OK now but who knows on the day.


So the big date is Friday 7th Nov. Wish me luckπŸ€“

User
Posted 20 Oct 2025 at 14:57
Hi Dave,
Mine was transperineal, I don't think I was given the choice. I can say that it was a very interesting and surreal experience. It could, of course be the ultimate humiliation for a man, that's the worry, having nice lady nurses and doc playing the golden shot with your never regions BUT, BUT they do this all the time and they do their best to put you at ease. And, I wonder as you are up there in Scotland, whether they might let you wear your sporran to help you cover up your bits! Seriously though, I liken the experience as being almost like going to the dentist for a filling. In short, if/when I have to have it done again although not something I would relish or look forward to, it wouldn't actually be anything that I'd worry about (but I might invest in a sporran if I have to go again).
Good luck
Spongebob
User
Posted 20 Oct 2025 at 16:27

I don't think that you should read anything into the fact that they are doing a bone scan. Although spread may be less likely at low PSAs, they probably want to rule it out as far as possible in order to give the best possible advice on possible future treatments.


I can say that, in my own case, I was sent for a bone scan and my PSA was 11.


Best wishes


Kevin

User
Posted 20 Oct 2025 at 17:45

Hi Dave, sorry to hear you’re on this journey. Mine was December 24/January 25. Anyway, this included an up the bum biopsy. I really was worried, but needn’t have been. Similar position to the DRE, but a piece of kit instead of a finger, and lasts a bit longer while they get the samples. Very uncomfortable, yes, but not painful was my experience. You’ll just hear the clicks each time they take one.


All the best with the procedure and the results.


Norman

User
Posted 07 Nov 2025 at 07:06

The big day has come. Got my tackle washed and ready for my Transperineal Biopsy then a long wait for Bone Scan... 9.15 biopsy. 11.30 to be radiated and then 2.30 for the scan,,,, Booked an overnight in a premier inn (Aberdeen) close to the Hospital. Anyway off shortly. Wish me luck.
Dave
User
Posted 07 Nov 2025 at 09:16
All the best Dave! Also glad you can treat yourself to a nicer hotel for this....
User
Posted 07 Nov 2025 at 09:41

Hi, Dave.


Good luck, mate. You're lucky to be having the biopsy and scan done on the same day. I know it makes it a long day, but it's better than having to make two hospital visits. πŸ‘

Edited by member 07 Nov 2025 at 09:43  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 08 Nov 2025 at 09:42
Well both biopsy and bone scan done. As you said Adrian it was a long day. It stated at 9.15 with the biopsy. Pleasant chap taking the pre-biopsy chat and information on the procedure. He said you'll be having a TRUSS biopsy done by yours truly and his little female assistant. Now I was expecting a TP as confirmed in an email but somehow (not unusual with NHS) wires were crossed. He said if I really wanted a TP I would have return a couple of weeks later. I said lets just get on with it. Apparently it's called a "LIzz" in his department, LIZZ TRUSS. Well he thought it was funny. I suppose I did too, although I did say please don't balls it up like she did.
One interesting piece of info I gleaned from the chat was I he noted down T2b from my MRI results which I hadn't be aware of before.
AS most of us know T2b is generally described as located in just one lobe. I think the B means more than half. My prostate was around normal size so the nodule area would likely take up more than half. Also usually CONTAINED which is great news if correct.

So into the side cubicle. Little nurse (who thought I was Mr. Gifford) said drop your pants and joggers, not necessary in that order? Keep your top and socks on if you like!!.


Lay on the left side, legs up to chest and as she said BUM to the edge of the bed. She said that bit more the once.
So out of nowhere the secretary come Consultant appeared with a prod and staple gun brandised in the air like John Wayne.. I'll be taking around 12 cores from the suspicious area and should done in a few minutes, He was right 8 minutes I counted. Virtually painless. Just a couple of pricks. Mentally thinking of ANT and DEC at that point. Got dressed (pants 1st then joggers) and the consultant had resumed is position behind his desk and proudly showed me 2 pots which contained small parts of body which had been with me for 75 years. Forgot to say I had one tablet before the procedure and another to be taken at 9pm.

Now a 5 hour plus wait for the Bone scan with a radio active injection at 11.30. I got the fright of my life in the gents toilet as the lighting was like Ultra Violet. I thought it was ME... I had to check the disabled toilet which thankfully was normal white light.

Anyway it was around 2pm and I had consumed around 2 and a half ltrs. of water and had no urge to pee. But to me relief just before my Scan I started I started to produce urine and very quickly a couple more toilet visit before the Scan. The scan was dead easy although I had an annoying itch inside my hooter and obviously could'nt move to scratch it. I was also needing to wee again. However 30 mins later I was saying Bye Bye to what looked like the command centre of NASA. Computer screens everywhere and nurses wandering around looking at the info on the screens. Bit like my local GP who seems to be more interested in the PC screen rather than me the patient. Strange Days Indeed as John Lennon sang on Double Fantasty..

By this time the Sun was setting through the Scotch Mist and we decided to head home to the comfort of our own home and bed. 49 quid down the drained but hey hoo its only money. Just to finish I was up around 8 times during the night with the urge to pee so I suppose it was a small price to pay for a lovely day out at Aberdeen Royal,

Many thanks for the two replies.. Love and Peace Dave...
User
Posted 08 Nov 2025 at 10:45

Hi, Dave.


Great post, mate. πŸ˜„


My first biopsy was a TRUS. As I lay on the bed, on my side, with my knees up to my chest, I felt like a trussed chicken. That's why I thought they called it TRUS, especially after I'd been 'stuffed' 


I'm glad you got everything done and that you're back home, even if you missed a Premier Inn breakfast. I love 'em.


Good luck with the results.


Your take on T2b is spot on. Now, the newish Cambridge Prognostic Group risk stratification  doesn't differentiate between T2a, T2b and T2 c, they just group them as T2. All the subcategories of T2 disease should be prostate contained. The staging goes to T3a if the prostate capsule has been breached.

Edited by member 08 Nov 2025 at 10:57  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 08 Nov 2025 at 12:49
Hi Adrian. Yes I think the biopsy was quick because he would have only taken cores from the nodule area. I just wish the nurse who phoned a few weeks ago with the MRI results gave me this simple but important staging figure. That would have stopped a whole lot of worry. Its the unkown that troubles people the most which is evident in most posts on any prostate cancer site.
As for the Premier Inn does'nt have a restaurant. We used Premier a lot when travelling to Madeira from Edinburgh. We always took the Meal Deal unless our flight was to early for Breakfast.
When the results are in then I'll decide how to procede. Mayby SABR without ADT because I think you'll agree quality of life is the most important consideration at my time of life.
Anyhoo just done Tesco shop and to be honest I would'nt know I had the procedures. Drinking water and peeing the rest of the day while watching a film or sport on the telly box...
Cheers Dave and Mrs. C. who worries more than I do and that's an ex nurse who's worked at the sharp end. She thinks my BUM is the best she's ever seen... ????!
User
Posted 08 Nov 2025 at 16:31

Haha. Good tale about the UV lights. Good job they didn't go out as well, you would have been worried.


On quality of life. Is there an age when it matters more or is it a state of mind. I'm going for whatever lasts longest. You can always change your mind, unless it's been cut off.

User
Posted 08 Nov 2025 at 18:03
UV light in the gents public toilet is absolutely true. I can't think why this is. I've never seen this before. The singer Roy Orbison had to wear dark glasses due to light sensitivity. Maybe thats the reason.
Cheers Dave









User
Posted 08 Nov 2025 at 18:56

UV in toilets is used to sanitize/disinfect   surfaces it shines on- apparently it does work .


As x rays kill cancer cells , the light wavelength of UV can kill bacteria, fungi etc

User
Posted 10 Nov 2025 at 12:22
Hell's Teeth that was super quick. Bone Scan Friday 7th and phone call with resuts this morning. Scan CLEAR.. Also the head nurse confirmed the MRI showed clear Pelvic Area, and Seminal Vessels also clear. Did ask about the MRI T staging which she said was recorded as 3 not 2 as first thought. She remarked this was probably because it was suspicious nodules and said not to worry and just wait for the Biopsy results. She agreed that it's almost certainly contained. Fingers crossed the Bio results will come in at the end of the week. !!! Good news so far as the missus keeps telling me.
Cheers Dave
User
Posted 05 Dec 2025 at 17:44
Around 125 days since urgent referal and counting. Still do'nt 100% know if I have PC. Just saying!!. Anyhoo I found out my Biopsy results came back on Monday just past. Waited all week in vane for a phone call from my designated Nurse. Emailed the department sec, this morning asking for at least some basic information. No she said, you will have to wait until the results are studied with a load of others most likely next TUESDAY... What happens after that is anybody's guess!!
I'm thinking they have my results which would give me information to possibly help choose a Treatment Plan.. Anyway another waiting period!!
User
Posted 05 Dec 2025 at 19:18

Hi, Dave.


Good luck for Tuesday, mate. Please keep us updated.πŸ‘

User
Posted 05 Dec 2025 at 22:02
Thanks Adrian.. I'm guessing the oncologist and minions will flip through a pile of biopsy results making treatment recommendations which I will take note of but largely make my own decisions. Lets face it, at 75 I will be near the bottom of the pile. 63 days passed the 62 day referal to treatment so far. I think a few more weeks will be added on. Anyhoo will listen and decide then post again..
Cheers Dave
User
Posted 12 Dec 2025 at 09:34
Consultant appointment wed next week. 140 days and counting from referal to this point. I tried to get the consultants secretary to give me a clue (I.E. Gleason Score) but NO it's a secret until Wed. We don't have the APP here in Scotland. Do'nt get me started on this Muppet riddled SNP so called Government....
The thing is I do'nt for definate know if my (2) leasons are cancerous. I'm not daft I know it's 99.9% certain.
So 62 days guidance from Urgent referal to first treatment. Just last week Ninny John Swinney our disasterous muppet leader tried to claim waiting times were coming down!!
Anyhoo lets see what Wednesday brings. Probably two feet of Snow.
Happy Christmas Dave
User
Posted 12 Dec 2025 at 12:30

Hi Dave you are the same trajectory we were on a few months ago.


Yes it's tough. But not unbearable. We're getting through it. It's the accepting, this is happening lets get through as best we can .


Husband had a PET scan, it's more routine now. His PSA was 7 1  He has started Hormone Therapy preparing for radiotherapy.  I've researched every single thing I can to keep him healthy. However rough and anxiety making this seems, it's better to be treated than live in blissful ignorance. I keep telling myself that. 


They will treat you medically well, it's up to you and wife to keep your spirits up I've found. Best wishes ❀️ 

User
Posted 14 Dec 2025 at 17:31

Hey everyone, brand new on here. Like others, I thought, at 77, I should probably get a PSA test since my last check up was about 20 years ago. Bear in mind, fit, active, sporty physique, non smoker, non drinker, vegetarian for 15 years. Then I get a phone call from doctor saying PSA was 306. Got phone call from urology dept of local hospital next day and have appointment next week. Anyone ever had that a high a reading. I've taken another test because apparently 70% are false-positive so hoping they meant 3.6. I'll find out next week the result of the second PSA.

Edited by member 14 Dec 2025 at 17:32  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 14 Dec 2025 at 19:54

I do hope the results are out by a few decimal places. Like many of the chaps here, my husband’s PSA level approached yours. Several of the gentlemen here have had PSA levels above one hundred, and at least one above a thousand. There can be many years of effective treatment, and I very much hope that will be the case for you.

User
Posted 18 Dec 2025 at 10:03

So biopsy results and Plan to Cure🀨 Ha Ha!.. Anyway very nice Lady Consultant who does private as well as NHS. My consult would have been £240 private with the same person. πŸ˜€


So to cut a long story short, as with everything in the NHS a Plan was prepared. 


Gleason Score started OK with the first figure of 3 BUT it was followed with a 5. (3+5 = 8). This was due to the T3a with the more aggresive little Sh*ts trying to make an escape through the wall.  Her words not mine "lets kick it's butt).. Now this is what I did'nt want to hear. 3 years of ADT with 20 fractions IMRT. Anyway she said if things go well then I could decide to reduce the ADT time frame.  I dont have any problem with the RAD. Just did'nt banked on the ADT and certainly not for 3 flipping years..


Any personal stories regarding ADT side effects would be most welcome. 


Starting Tablets with for 3 weeks and then a jab 3 monthly. Think it's Lupron.. 


Will put this off to just after Christmas..   Merry Christmas (again) to one and all.

User
Posted 18 Dec 2025 at 15:02

Hi Dave,


Very sorry to hear that you have to all this to face - Merry Christmas eh?


Still, you do have a curative path, that is the thing to hold on to. I found the 'radical' treatments ok mainly because they were over with in a short period. Don't get me wrong radiotherapy was no picnic but you get it out of the way. I think I've struggled the most with HT, I am on 12 weekly injections of Prostap for 3 years with just 8 months to go. I continue to live with most of the side effects that might be manifest, and I was so overwhelmed by them that I got to a point a few months ago where I just wanted to jack it in (I mean pack the treatment in) but somehow persuaded myself to carry on. 


Many people have posted about their experiences with HT on this site and it would seem that the impact does vary from person to person with some people seemingly able to sail through it whilst others really struggle. So I guess, as Dirty Harry would say - "Do you feel lucky?" 


If you have an hour to spare, get yourself a cup of tea and read my profile where I have tried to detail it all.


All the Best


Spongebob.

User
Posted 18 Dec 2025 at 22:18

G'day Dave,


as Spongebob says, there's quite a few of us on here who've gone through RT with HT of up to 3 years as a follow up. You could take a look at profiles for Andy, Dave, me and a few others but as Sb says, the effects vary considerably. I got through it ok but it wasn't the sort of thing I'd want to do again. 


It's promising that your consultant suggested you might be able to shorten the ADT. That's quite common and again, several people here stopped at the 2 year mark. There's plenty of data on survival rates with different lengths of ADT but the deciding factor seems to be how low your psa holds over time. 


I  thought for a moment that your consultant had a rare way with words and gave you a prognosis of "T3a with some of the more aggressive s***s trying make an escape through the wall" but alas, they were your words. Why does this always happen just before Christmas? 


Jules

User
Posted 19 Dec 2025 at 12:35

My PSA was 252

User
Posted 19 Dec 2025 at 13:01

Hi again, Dave.


I'm sorry that your biopsy results weren't as good as we'd hoped for.


I was younger than you, 66 years old, when I was given a revised diagnosis, the same as yours, Gleason 8 (3+5), T3a staging. I was given the choice of surgery or RT/HT. I had RARP which confirmed the staging and upgraded the Gleason score to 9 (4+5).


Fortunately, almost three years later, my PSA has been 'undetectable'


We're you give the option of surgery, mate? Or did your age (75 years) or other health issues preclude that option?

Edited by member 19 Dec 2025 at 13:14  | Reason: Additional text

User
Posted 20 Dec 2025 at 08:24

Go with it. Husband has been on 3 weeks of Bicalutamide and had his first injection of Decapeptyl 9 days ago.


We are prepared! I'm determined to support him him to stay as well as possible. We've got a trainer lined up for after Christmas,  hope to start Pilates together ( it's in the village school hall opposite so we think we've got to try it out ) and bought lots of gadgets. 


If this is the route to keeping him alive then we have to go through this dark tunnel 

User
Posted 20 Dec 2025 at 17:17

Hi Adrian.  The consultant specialized on Surgery but we immediately agreed Surgery was'nt the way forward in my case. At my age I would'nt have asked for it in any case.  So the first thing she said to me was lets make a plan too Cure. She said that 2 or 3 times. The 3 years on ADT kind of floored me because I was thinking just zap with radiation and Bob's your Uncle. 


I checked out a couple of Marc Scholtz videos this morning which talked about gleason 8 and how people might be overtreated . 4 out 5 people he quoted and that was 6 to 18 months.  In others words only 20% benefited.   A pet- scan could rule out mets that did'nt show on the MRI. I have a CT-Scan in the next 2 or 3 weeks which hopefully will make things clearer. The Scanner at Aberdeen has a Pet-Scan incorporated in the CT Scanner. Lets see!!!


Anyway I have decided to start taking the tabs. and a years worth of 3 monthly Injections. If it Bu*gers up my QOL then I will call it a day at 12 months and take my chances. My consultant actually agreed with that....


Cheers Dave


 

User
Posted 21 Dec 2025 at 08:18

Morning, Dave.


For what it's worth, I totally agree with your take on things. I'm sure that doing your own research, from reputable sites, plus your great sense of humour, are going to help you through your treatment. 


It's great to see that you've found Dr Scholz. What wonderful resources his videos are. I'd also strongly recommend 


https://prostatematters.co.uk/


I think it's an excellent site. 


Best of luck with your next scan, mate. πŸ‘

User
Posted 21 Dec 2025 at 14:46

I am at the beginning of my prostate journey - recent PSA result was 306 which I now know is off the scale so why do I feel so healthy? I'm 77, slim, fit, active (still play 5 a side footie), non smoker, non drinker, vegetarian  diet. Of course, this sparked MRI, bone scan, more blood tests and possible biopsy (not something I would 100% trust tbh, too invasive and potentially harmful later with side effects and possible spreading of cancer cells that may have been safely sealed inside my prostate). Hoping the MRI and bone scan are enough for treatment to be given. Also hoping doctors listen to my reservations and respect my view, as I get the feeling that they tend to press ahead with the usual tests just because that's what they've always done. Am I wrong to be cautious and question the biopsy and to take things slowly if need be? Cheers

Edited by member 21 Dec 2025 at 14:50  | Reason: Typo errors

User
Posted 21 Dec 2025 at 15:32

Hi Dave


What a nightmare! - Some merry christmas for you eh? I understand totally where you are coming from, what and who to trust etc. You'll find good accounts from people on here who have faced similar scenarios and it is worth searching them out. For me, I admit to have basically blindly followed the path prescribed by the docs, I tell myself and family to put faith in the docs. I wasn't totally naive though as I did my fare bit of research to understand it all. But that was me, everyone has different views.


From my experience, I didn't worry too much about the prospect of a biopsy, apart from the potential humiliating embarrassment that comes with attending the procedure, but really that was nothing. I viewed the bio as something that was absolutely essential in order to understand exactly what needed to be dealt with. But as I said that was me.


I've got to say how impressed I am that you are still playing 5 aside at 77, incredible! I had to pack it in when in my 30s, my knee and ankles couldn't do it anymore. It was a devastating decision at the time to pack it in because we were lucky to have been able to play two dinner times per week from work. So, yes keep it going 😁.


All the best and good luck with your decisions.


Spongebob 


 

 
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