For my Dad

 

Hello,

First of all, I am very thankful that there is a group like this. My father is 61 years old and has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Here is a brief history of his journey:

2008: PSA score of 2.59

2010: PSA score 3.00

July 2011: PSA score 3.65

September 2011: 4.05

The doctor did a biopsy in October 2011 and said that he was surprised at how much cancer there was in my father's prostate. He indicated that he believes that it is stage 3 or possibly stage 4. My father does not know what the Gleason score is and we are left waiting until November 25th for the complete results.

My father is thin, active and eats healthy. He has no symptoms whatsoever.

My question to you....Has anyone felt completely healthy, had a low PSA score (around 4) only to find out that they were at stage 3 or 4? If so, is this a death sentence or is there still hope? We are really down about this. My father is a good man, I don't want to see him suffer. Please help me with any info. Thanks.

 

Hi,
I also am on this forum because I care very much about my dad and want the best for him. His diagnosis is only 3 months old so not knowing in the begenning is still very fresh for me. I am not the person to give advice on what things mean so I won't do any of that. There are many people here who have experienced it and can help more but these are things I wanted for my dad in the beganning.

A catscan of the pelvic area as well as a bone scan to see any progression. The gleason score, there are many articles out there on what Gleason is, I would read about it and try to understand it, A second opinion on biopsy results. Request a report of the biopsy.

I'm not sure if these things have been done for your dad but I think this is a start. If all this work up is completed, call the office and have the results sent to you. I'm not sure where you are but many hospitals/centers offer 2nd opinions for free.

There are people on this forum that will give you better information but these are the things to start with. It seems to me that the most important part of PC is understanding all your options. I think others will be better in suggesting to you how to do that. I wish you the best and I will keep you and your dad in my prayers. take care.

Hello MyDad,

My Dad felt fine when he found out he had PCa. He went in for a physical (hadn't had one in 5 years) and his PSA was 9.7. We found out after a biopsy he has Gleason 9 aggressive cancer. Unfortunaetly his has moved to his bones but he is still feeling well (physcially at least). Make sure your Dad gets a CT and Bone Scan done.

There's really no way for them to know what stage the cancer is until they get back CT or Bone Scan results (unless they remove the prostate itself). Keep your head up .... do as much reading as you can and learn from the guys on this forum. They are very helpful.

Keep us posted!

Hello Mydadhaspc. not a dead sentence. I had a PSA of 1.2, healthy and fit. Never suspected anything. During my annual physical exam, the family physician felt something and sent me to the urologist. The biopsy showed the dreaded PC. I had robotic surgery on 10/26 and recovering. Good luck to your dad. He will be fine.

My PSA started out about the same rise as your dads. This spring it hit 11 and a recheck 2 weeks later was 6.5, but did a saturation biopsy. One spot with gleason of six found. I did not have any symptoms or cancer or an enlarged prostrate, which I have. I am 64.

Each case is different, but there is plenty of hope.

Good luck to your dad.

You should have a copy of the biopsy report in your hand within a week of it being done..The Gleason score is very important when it comes to a meaningful diagnosis and the planning for treatment..November 25th?? Not good enough. Obtain a copy of the report and find a new urologist to go over it with you...Even aggressive Gleason 9 PC can be treated successfully when it's caught early and treated properly..But you need to know what you are dealing with..