I have prostate cancer, an aggressive form but my Urologist said it MAY be in remission.

But let's talk about PSAs. YES, get one annually. But, in my case, my PSA was always 1.something. Then it rose to 1.6 and my Urologist asked if I'd consider a prostate biopsy. He was surprised when I said yes as apparently many vets say no to the suggestion.

A month later they did it and guess what? Yep, prostate cancer.

Not long after, I had another PSA, now it was 2.6. Started 45 radiation treatments and those hormone killing shots (so now I understand what those older women who talk about hot flashes mean) and, now, almost three years since the diagnosis in December of 2017, I am still being watched like a hawk.

I think PSAs are important, but I also think that if your PSA goes up above where it has been you ought to consider the biopsy if your doc recommends it.

Bob

"Knock on wood"
I am 66, and just had a PSA result of 0.5, again "knock on wood".

quote:

Originally posted by kramden:
Even went through the procedure where they take samples from the prostrate .

You mean Vlad the Impaler ?

My doc does it yearly.

Not a bad idea to get a PSA test, but don't panic if the number is slightly above the normal range. The test has an extremely high false positive rate (about 75%) and a low false negative rate (1-1.5%). Do get the follow up scan, as some tumors can't be detected manually.

Interesting bit of history, the test was originally developed as a post-cancer treatment test to see if the cancer had come back.

I had the surgery 14 years ago and have been cancer free since. My doc says that if I make it to 15 years (March) the odds are 99.9% it will not return.

One point about these PSA tests. Your PSA fluctuates. It goes up after ejaculation. Then it settles back down. To get proper readings on your PSA, refrain from sex for at least one week before the blood is drawn. Urologists seldom seem to mention this, for some reason.

Also, PSA readings rise if you have prostatitis (a prostate infection). It can remain elevated for a couple of months after one.

quote:

Originally posted by btanchors:To get proper readings on your PSA, refrain from sex for at least one week before the blood is drawn. Urologists seldom seem to mention this, for some reason.

Well, we are talking about men over 50.

My Dad was just diagnosed with prostate cancer last week. He has a bone scan scheduled for Monday. In spite of a high PSA he refused to have a further check and now praying it’s not gone further.

quote:

Originally posted by birddog1:
My Dad was just diagnosed with prostate cancer last week. He has a bone scan scheduled for Monday. In spite of a high PSA he refused to have a further check and now praying it’s not gone further.

Bone cancer is usually the first effect of prostate cancer spreading. I had to have a bone scan prior to my prostatectomy, checking to see if it had already spread.