Thread: Get a little prick

Originally Posted by les88

What PSA number did your brothers have? I ask this because one or two of my mates have been told by the Doctor "your OK come back for another test in [insert time].
The normal level what is that?
I do not think that there is a normal level.
Some doctors want to use the watchful waiting principle, if I was under 4 consistently I would go with this method.
Also tell your GP when the blood sample is going to be tested to have it done by the new scale. It gives the reading to 3 decimal points.
Because of my medication the reading is 0.001 This doesn't mean that the cancer is gone just under check until it can beat the medication.
les

Les, they both had operations to remove the cancer and are now on a regular testing/watching brief. Unfortunately they only found out when they had the cancer so operations were urgently needed.

Fortunately this gave me the advance scare to get regular testing for I hadn't had a full checkout in all my life. These tests found out that I had high blood pressure and a liver inflammation which all the non invasive tests can't find an answer for. So whilst I'm well that is another thing the doctor regularly tests for now in addition to my psa.

My tests are consistently around 4.8 to 5.1, which because of the accuracy of the equipment gives an average of about 4.9, high but satisfactory reading considering my age.

I strongly recommend that every body get these tests done, it's only a little prick and my doctor bulk bills so it is cheap enough and it's a big relief knowing that I am still okay.


Peter.

Here is a story that has some lessons in it, namely YOU know your body better than any doctor, so always bear that in mind.
My wife had problems and went to a doctor who told her she did not have to worry about anything. She went back to him shortly with the same problems and he was still adamant in his opinion, but gave her a referral to a specialist. He also was of the opinion nothing was wrong but at her insistance did a biopsy. Much to the surprise of the doctors she was found to have breast cancer. She did not have any lumps, had had a recent mammiogram with no indications, in other words none of the diagnostic signs were present but she knew there was a problem and stuck to her guns. She is still with us because of her insistance that something was not right. She survived the first bout of cancer only to have it reappear 5 years later just before they would have given her the all clear.

Originally Posted by Sturdee

My tests are consistently around 4.8 to 5.1, which because of the accuracy of the equipment gives an average of about 4.9, high but satisfactory reading considering my age.

Peter.

Since posting the above my next PSA test around Christmas came in at 5.3 showing a small but regular increasing trend, so my doctor gave me a physical examination. Based upon this , and considering my brothers had prostate cancer, he referred me to a specialist.

The specialist decided that a biopsy was necessary , which I had last week. Unfortunately the result was what I had dreaded to hear but not unexpected.

The biopsy showed that I have a very early stage of prostate cancer and that it needs to be removed, which is due to be in a month time. I'm told that as it is in its infancy removal will cure me.

So I again most strongly urge all males over 40 -50 years to have regular tests, for if untreated, and if the cancer escapes the prostate itself, it will surely kill you as then it becomes very aggressive.

Meanwhile I'm going on a weeks holiday which will help me to come to terms with it all.


Peter.

Sorry to hear the news Sturdee, look after yourself, and keep us informed

Peter,

It is good to hear that you have found it early - well done.

I hope all goes well with the procedure.

Chris

Hi all

Like everyone else I have a check as a matter of choice every six or so months. I have a bil who had this problem and is now a devotee of the Ginger Punch available from Mt Nebo In QLD. There are several blokes here who drink this Ginger Punch and their numbers have gone fron low thirties down to 4 or 5. Its is not cheap at 30 dollars a bottle but apparently you do not consume a great deal per day. It really does work but I am unaware if it works for every one.

There is a link http://www.drred.com.au

as well as some phone numbers 07 3289 5111 and a mobile number 0409 274 125.

Regards Mike

The diagnosis and treatment of prostatic malignancy can be even more complicated than sharpening or finishing. Those wishing to have some greater understanding of matters prostatic could do worse than visit here.

http://www.prostatehealth.org.au/phip_2.html
http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/subtopics/88.html


It is certainly not a simple matter of PSA high therefore surgery/chemotherapy or radiotherapy and all will be well. All treatments have a significant incidence of nasty side effects and many patients (especially the elderly) live asymptomatically with their cancer for many (15+) years and die of something else.

All that being said talk to your Dr./specialist and trust the advice. After all they´re doctors.
Cheers, Jeff

Thanks for the support guys and I'll keep you all informed.

Since finding out, which incidently was late friday night after I came back from dancing the night away and I returned my doctors telephone call, I have taken a crash course in finding out about these cancers and have read 2 books from the library about it.

Its true that it is not a simple matter and not just the PSA level, but this is the first test and that then needs to be followed up with a physical examination. Based on these two tests the your doctor will determine whether a biopsy is necessary.

In my case it was felt to be necessary as 2 of my brothers had the cancer and possibly my father who also died of cancer. Unfortunately we don't know which kind of cancer it was that he died from.

The biopsy involves making an ultrasound picture of the prostate and taking 6 samples from the prostate to be examined by the pathologists.

It's also true that prostate cancer is slow growing whilst it is in the prostate but once it escapes it becomes very agressive, ofton giving you only a few years to live without treatment.

Prostate cancer is the number 2 cancer killer of men in the US and over the last 25 years, the prostate cancer death rate - a figure that is independent of population size - has increased 25 % so it is not something to be ignored.

It is also true that some elderly people may comfortably live with their cancer and die of other causes but they would IMO be better of with earlier detection and treatment.

Incidently the reason for my holiday is to visit my father in law for his 90th birthday. He is still as active as me and he had his prostate removed a few years back because of cancer. If he hadn't he might not be alive to celebrate his 90th birthday.


Peter.

Welcome to the club, Peter.
As you found out, the PSA number is not important, the trend is.
The support group I occasionally go to has one fellow with a PSA of 3000. With my current treatment, mine is .025 and now rising slowly, but has to be monitored every 6 months.
The most important treatment is a positive attitude.
Cheers
Graeme

Streth Peter, fingers crossed, all the best.

Thanks for sharing such a personal issue with us Peter, here's thinking of you.

Thank goodness for the blood test because my experience of the physical test 15 years ago is NEVER AGAIN no matter bloody what. It still sends shivers up my back just thinking of it.

I have a history in my family, I have both tests.
The blood test did NOT reveal that I have a change in the right side of mine.
Doc says that it is most likely a hardening which is an age thing.
He sent me to the specialist.
I sat in his waiting room for an hour & a half while filling out 2 pages of embarassing questions & then he spent less than 5 mins with me, stuck his finger up my clacker, agreed wth my GP & charged me $125.

I still get it checked to note any changes.

Ever stopped and wondered why a young bloke or sheila fresh outa school with an astronomical whatsit number that will get them into medicine CHOOSES to be the kind of doctor that sticks their finger up there?
"Yes, I'm a rectal doctor. My parents were rectal doctors, as were my aunts and uncles. You could say that I have a genetic pre-disposition to be a rectal doctor. That and the $125 for 5 mins work helped make me mind up. Now...hug your knees"
"Moo..oon river.........."

All the best for a good outcome Sturdee.

prozac

A 'Urologist' is what the bloke I saw called himself.