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Posted 9/22/2008 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
 

I know next to nothing about prostate cancer.  My short and quick story:

very low but rising PSA--  0, .5, .8, .6  over the last 3 years, the .6 was a month later re-do when it began rising, so the last one fell.

my doc felt something subtle on digital exam.   he's conservative and sent me to a urologist.

went to urologist today, same result on digital exam.

He wants me to get a biopsy. 

QUESTION:   does this make sense?  from my 1 hour reading on the internet, it looks like even if the biopsy comes back bad, there is a ton of countervailing advice.  Am I simply going to enter the twighlight zone if I do this, or does it make sense to know whats up.  

Any insights would be greatly welcomed.   Thanks a lot.

Posted 9/22/2008 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jeff,
You don't mention your age. Those numbers are quite low, but the DRE is also another way of finding the disease... Do you have family history?

Tony
Posted 9/22/2008 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
Maybe those PSA number have a misplaced decimal point and are really 0, 5.0, 8,0 and 6.0?

I think it makes a lot of sense to have a biopsy, especially as your uro is recommending it. It doesn't commit you to any future action, but you will find out what's really going on.
Posted 9/22/2008 11:09 PM (GMT 0)

Jeff -

Not to alarm you, yet it is possible to have cancer with a very low psa.  One of the best things you can do is learn as much as you can about PCa.  There is a lot to learn and it is worth the effort.  With 2 different docs feeling something on your prostate, getting a biopsy should be on your to do list.  Prostate cancer is a very serious disease and should not be ignored. 

Take care and stay in touch.

- John

Posted 9/22/2008 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
My advice get the biopsy done, they earlier you catch it the better off you are. Good luck and LIVESTRONG!!
Posted 9/22/2008 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
I could not agree more, please get the biopsy, the only thing you have to lose is a few minutes of discomfort, but what you have to gain is life.
Please keep asking us questions, we all really do care.

peace and love
Dale
Posted 9/23/2008 12:08 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Jeff,

I had a palpable tumor on my prostate that was found during a DRE. Unlike you my PSA was also high but the urologists said that the DRE alone would indicate a biopsy. Even if the PSA was low. I would err on the side of the angels and get the test done. It is not extreme and takes less than 15 minutes. Better to find out that there is nothing than to wonder if there is something!

Don

Posted 9/23/2008 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
You've found a good forum to ask questions about prostate cancer. I agree with other posters:  Get a biopsy based on the positive DRE and your urologist's recommendation. Hopefully, it's not cancer, but if it is you have most likely caught it early when it can be best treated...Tim
Posted 9/23/2008 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
thanks everyone.

I'm 51 years old, and my psa is indeed really low. There is cancer in my family but not prostate as far as I know.

I'll get the biopsy, pretty clear message from you all.

Thanks again
Posted 9/23/2008 4:44 AM (GMT 0)
I'm 43. Who woulda thunk? Glad I did the biopsy. Good decision. Ask them to put you out and you won't even remember it. That's what I did.
Posted 9/23/2008 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
A great decision, only way to know for sure, and this is definitely something you don't want to be unsure about.
Randy
Posted 9/23/2008 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
 hi jeff do the biopsy only way to no for sure. i to had a low psa of only 1 and was found to have gleason 6, 3+3 had robotic surgery 7 -08 still using 4 - 5 pads a day they tell me it will get better with time . so i guess it beets the alternitive.by luck my doctor did the rectal exam yearly , if not for him finding the bumb he would have said see you next year . because of low psa . they really should change the age from 50 yrs old to 40 yrs old to begin rectal examine . im 48 yrs old . good luck jeff let us know .   lemon lime. smurf
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