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Posted 4/24/2012 2:21 PM (GMT 0)

My husband is 45.  He went for his first dre and psa last year and it was 3.9.  Nothing prompted the doctor to call us I guess because he was within guidelines. This year he definately had the dre right before (immediately) and his psa was 4.9.  His doctor called and since his father and uncle had prostate cancer (dad is deceased but didn't die from it and uncle is still alive in his 80's) that he could see a urologist to be sure. We (I'm worse) are scard to death now.  He went in to see a urologist yesterday and he told him to do a free psa which he did.  We have to wait until Mon. for results.  He said my husbands regular blood work was perfect though and his perfect health and lifestyle made the doctor feel good about him.  So my husband unprepared for the blood work had done a couple of maybe no nos a little before the free psa, caffeine that morn. and day before nookie.  We have three small children 11 and under and I am dying inside.  He is our sole income and we have so much going on, sports etc.  Really feeling down. I think reading on the internet is really bad for me

Posted 4/24/2012 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah, not much good can come out of reading the internet at this particular point.

His elevated PSA can be a number of things not related to PCa. Wait until you get confirmation of either after a biopsy and then after speaking to numerous experts n different fields start relying on the internet.

Worst case scenario, I can tell you as another 40 year old dad and bread winner that life goes on. It's nowhere near as scary a year later as it seemed to me the day I found out. This is a very treatable disease in the vast majority of cases. A major pain in the ass and wake up call, no doubt, but we move on and realize things could be much worse.
Posted 4/24/2012 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
the dr SHOULD be doing the dre AFTER the lood draw and should know that

Posted 4/24/2012 2:36 PM (GMT 0)
The old standard, that many GP's and Urologist use is a cut-off of having a PSA of 4.0 or higher before ordering a biopsy. This is often not a good thing, especially with a rising PSA number. Based on what you stated, and the fact that he has prostate cancer in his family, I wouldn't be surprised if a prostate biopsy isn't ordered soon. It would be one way of giving you some piece of mind. It very well may not be cancer related at this time, but it would be a safe step to consider. We have men in his age range with prostate cancer. Your husband's other good health condition, unfortunately, bears little on whether he has cancer or not. I had no symptons, no enlarged prostate, no infections - the only clue was that I had a fast rising PSA number. My GP, went by the old chart of 4.0, which for me, wasn't a good thing, as there was already cancer in progress. It took another 2 years approx, and 3 biopsies within 18 months - and lo and behold, the cancer was found at age 56, and plenty of it.

Please keep us posted of what is going on. And don't worry yourself to death, wait until you get all the facts in hand. If he ends up with a biopsy, its not all that bad, and if it came out clear, you could have a big sigh of relief.

Best wishes to both of you.

David in S.C.
Posted 4/24/2012 2:43 PM (GMT 0)
First take a deep breath.

Yes, it is a bit scary to see those numbers. Wait for the new numbers. Sounds like the 4.9 might be a bad reading. PSA is a tricky thing and a high number only indicates that something in the prostate needs to be looked at. It doesn't automatically mean cancer. Could be any number of things, BPH, protists, a bad test. The only way to know it is cancer is with a biopsy.

and don't read anything on the internet about this, well except for this forum. ;) Lots of wacky stuff on the internet - you need good information. The people here can recommend lots of good sources of info.

It's easy for me to say, but don't worry too much. Get the tests and take it a step at a time.
Andrew
Posted 4/24/2012 3:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Caring Wife,

I can relate to your fears, I had many myself. It may be necessary to you to to push back the fears and be the beacon for your husband right now. Try to not think about the future any further than tomorrow. Your children need to continue with their activities as much as possible...maybe a neighbor or other parent involved in sports could help with transportation every now and then. Could give you and your husband some time for yourselves which is so important now. You may need to be his strength while he is processing the whole deal. Embrace him as if you will never let him go.
I am sending best wishes and prayers to you both. If you ever want to talk to me, just send an email.
Kathy
Posted 4/24/2012 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. I am an anxiety sufferer so it's hard.
Posted 4/24/2012 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
Caring Wife

My hugs, prayers and best thoughts to you and your hubby.

Bud
Posted 4/24/2012 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
I have definitely been there - the scared out of my mind.
But like everyone has said, stop using the internet except for sites like these and wait until you have the information. Having the facts really really helps; not having them is so hard but you will soon enough.
I have had a major break through this week with my husband's latest news - he starts chemo next Monday. On the way home from the doctor, I cried some tears and that was it! It's not that I am not feeling scared but I am realizing this is the next step and it isn't the end. There's lots more years to come!
So hang in there, wait until you have information.
This is not to say you aren't allowed tears or fears, but information helps.
Posted 4/24/2012 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
Caring wife. I too was diagnosed with pc at 45 but went thru a plethora of feelings. The more I read on the internet the more confused I became. My dad died from pc that went untreated. I went thru countless check ups and hundreds of dollars in medication and finally was referred to University of Chicago. Where my new URO said "you have a family history, so I will schedule a biopsy". Had the robotic assisted surgery a year ago and so far all is well. Take it one step at a time, don't let your feeling run wild. When we hear the big CANCER word or the possibility of it, we think the worst, at least I did and still do evertime I go for my psa appointments. Good luck to you and your family.
Posted 4/24/2012 6:17 PM (GMT 0)
Carlito, I'm still hoping it's not PC.  I am really not strong when it comes to this type of thing.  My mind caries me.  :(
Posted 4/24/2012 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
I want to say that I am pround of every one of you. You are survivors and you are so upbeat.  Life goes on.
Posted 4/24/2012 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
I rarely post here, since I do not have PC, yet...a family history and PSA jumping around..so it's probably coming. But it seems like this is the place to go to avoid panic, there are guys with PSAs of a thousand, guys 40 years old, guys that have had surgery, salvage radiation, hormone therapy, chemo and voodoo..well maybe not voodoo..but someone here has most certainly "been there, done that"
Posted 4/24/2012 7:02 PM (GMT 0)
Caring wife, you will surprise yourself when facing the situation. Even if it is pc, the treatments and surgery procedures have come a long way and the survival rates are great, when caught early. I think, based on what I have read, most pc are slow growing and being that your husband is young and in otherwise good health, his chances are great. When I was diagnosed, all I could see was CANCER. After my URO said it was positive, I blanked out. I had to redirect myself and realize that I had a very good chance of beating this.
Posted 4/24/2012 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
We are trying to start out with a new business. Busy time of year with landscaping starting up...ugh. If my husband "does" need surgery. I hope financial assistance is available.....we currently (unfortunately) have only financial assistance through the hospital.
Posted 4/24/2012 7:24 PM (GMT 0)
I have been self employed for 30 years in the printing industry and if worst case he needs surgery, the robotic assisted surgery has the best recovery time as I was out for only 1 week. I don't know much on financial assistance when you are self-employed.
Posted 4/24/2012 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Caring Wife, and welcome.

Your husband's "free PSA" test will bring some additional clarity and be a better "indicator," but may still be inconclusive...so be prepared for that. Prostate cancer does run in families simply because fathers & brothers tend to be exposed to the same environments, and have roughly the same dietary & lifestyle habits...and both these are significant factors for PC which is primarily a "sporadic" cancer (as are most, not all, other cancers).

You mentioned two things which caught my eye. First, you mentioned your husband's doctor did a DRE just before his PSA test. As cvc also pointed out, this is a poor practice because the stimulation of the prostate causes a short-term secretion of PSA into the blood stream. The blood should always be drawn first. Secondly, you mentioned "day before nookie," which will also result in artificially high PSA in blood for a few days. Both of these factors will likely have had some contribution.

Please know that if PC is eventually found, low-risk PC is the most common finding. The chance of dying from low-risk PC are nearly nil...in fact, some doctors have debated and proposed changing the name of low-risk prostate cancer so that the typical "cancer hysteria" doesn't provoke as much "over-treatment" as there is today. PC is one of the least leathal types of cancer, producing a large population of "survivors," including many who don't seek any aggressive treatment at all.

best wishes...
Posted 4/24/2012 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
Casey59 thank you so much for the encouragement.  I needed a reply like yours.  The nookie :) wasnt' before for the first psa but was 24 hrs before the free psa. The doctor did a dre just before his first psa.  I am still hoping for a positive outcome.  Thank you again.
Posted 4/25/2012 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
I had the same stress and fears you are talking about. I was diagnosed with pc 4 years ago. I went to so many web sites and they scared me. I will tell you not to put the cart before the horse. Wait for the PSA results and go from there. I know it is easier said than done. One thing for sure it sounds like you will be able to deal with anything. Be strong and keep us updated on the results.
Posted 4/25/2012 1:22 PM (GMT 0)
Such kind people on here.  My husband is so positive and I am not.  He says stop jumping the gun when you don't know the answers.  Someone else said that on here directed to me.  So true.   I just love him so much I guess.  Plus we are blessed with three beautiful active daughters ages 11,8 and 7.  Softball practice for each of them (all on different age leagues) almost every night now.  Besides this the oldest has the honor of having made a state softball team as a main fast pitch pitcher, and so we'll be traveling a lot this summer.  The 7 year old just lost one of her front teeth last night, took my mind off things for a bit.  Thanks to all.  Prayers to all.  Such upbeat members on here. 
Posted 4/25/2012 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
Caring Wife. It sounds like you have taken that step back and are taking s breath. You have gotten some great advice here and this is one of the bets places on the Internet for support and help.  All of us guys and gals here have been exactly where you and your husband are right now.

As some have posted having sex within 48 hours of a PSA test is not the way to do it correctly and the blood draws should always be before the DRE. Many GP's are not aware of this which is why we have URO's to do things proper. My GP was aware of my family history and the proper methods to do PSA testing and Dre's for which I was fortunate. I was referred to my URO by him when my PSA hit 3.5 which for my age 61 was not normal. I would think that if the PSA numbers are confirmed the next step will be a biopsy which is not that big of a deal. If the biopsy comes back positive for PC most likely you will not have to make any decisions about treatment immediately and if treatment is needed you probably can wait until later in the year when the landscaping business slows down due to weather.

I had surgery for my PC last June and I also own my own business and was back to work in 3 weeks with minimal side effects for my age.  Your world is not over by any means so please stop the needless worrying, as it is what it is. Let us in HW do all the worrying for you. Good luck and keep us posted.

Terry The Water Guy

Posted 4/25/2012 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Terry.  Even the Euro said that the first psa done by the GP should have been done before the DRE.  The GP is not a doctor fresh to the field, he should know better.  Euro said sex before the free psa (will get results on Mon.) could affect it minimally.....great.  I am still hoping, but words like yours help to remind me that's not the end of the world.  You read me well, I tend to be a "panic station", can't help it and wouldn't wish it on anyone.  Thanks for speaking of the business thing.  We have a very small busy landscape company and as we all know a lot of people don't care if you have issues, they just want you there.  That's been another thing on this worriers brain.  I appreciate what you said and I wish you all the best.  You are another wonderful person.
Posted 4/25/2012 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
Does anyone know. I couldn't find any statistics yesterday and I refuse to look any more stuff up on the internet, how much a dre right before blood work could drive up a psa number. Just wondering if it can be signifigant.....actually hoping of course.
Posted 4/25/2012 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
 Caring,

I worried about my business last year as I prepared for surgery last June. Do I tell my customers or not, do I put off treatment?  My wife who is more calm and collected than me (runs in her family) told me to get it over and done with. I found that my customers were so caring about me and my situation that they had no problems with waiting for service until I was able to recover. I sell and install purified drinking water systems for offices. One customer called me the day before surgery and informed me that they were moving locations and wanted me to move my machine the next week. When I told her that I had PC and surgery the next day she said "No problem you can move it when you are able to do it even if it takes a month or two" I moved it 4 weeks after my surgery. My best story was I told a 55 year old customer about my PC and he wanted to know how i was diagnosed. I told him about PSA tests and how simple they are. He said he hadn't been to see a doctor in 15 years. Two weeks after my surgery he called me to thank me for saving his life as I scared him enough to have a physical and a PSA test which came back at 4 and then a biopsy was positive for a small PC tumor. He said he probably would not have seen a doctor until the PC had caused him symptoms sometime in the future.

Terry

Posted 4/25/2012 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
Funny thing is that I know that my husbands customers wouldn't want to wait for lawn/yard work. Very cut throat out here. Sounds like you have some great people that you work for. It's our livlihood. Glad you are doing great now!
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