HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

All I got for Christmas was PC

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 12/26/2012 5:35 AM (GMT 0)
Well, I'm sorry to say that I had to become a member of this forum - I am sure glad I found it though. I have learned a tremendous amount about this condition in the last couple of days.

Yesterday my physician told me I had PC - firm left lateral lobe had a hard nodule 8mm in size and a raised PSA of 3.2 (up from 2.0), right lobe was spongy.  He never really told me what all that meant as far as seriousness of the PC - anybody have any ideas? He put me in the 'cancer system' to work me through the treatment process.

I had a hard time believing this could really be happening. But as 4 of my 5 uncles have had PC - 1 died from it, it sounds reasonable I would have it at the young age of 51.

I have always been an extreme worrier with high anxiety levels. Being told about this has really pushed me to the edge of sanity (fretting about it while waiting for the doctor to call was almost unbearable).  I am almost in panic attack mode.  I can't seem to find it within myself to calm down. Obviously being told by my wife does nothing either. How do you guys deal with the stress? - really, how do you do it?

When the doctor did the DRE it about killed me. I had to go on antibiotics as the DRE must have stirred up an infection. Is this normal with PC, does it hurt? I had aches and pain going clear up to my rib cage - it was the typical prostatitis pain I experienced in the past but the pain was being referred everywhere it seemed. Things are slowly getting better though.

I suppose my next step is to get the ultrasound and biopsy done to find out how bad this thing really is. Tomorrow I am going to break the news to my kids.  I could't bear to do it on Christmas.

It's amazing what you learn about yourself when confronted with PC..... I'm an over-anxious wimp who can't control his emotions. I'm sure I'll learn alot and grow from this experience.

I don't really expect anyone to comment.... this is just my way of screaming and relieving a bit of pent up anxiety so I can try and get some sleep without waking up in the middle of the night sweating.

Happy Holidays to all.

Posted 12/26/2012 6:39 AM (GMT 0)
Mr Anxious, what lousy timing - just before Christmas to have this to deal with! I am very sorry for the news.

A couple of things - first, you don't know whether you have PC or not yet, and I doubt your doc told you that. You need a biopsy to confirm, even with an elevated PSA. I would not recommend telling anyone that you have PC just yet - just a strong suspicion.

Next, although I am sure you are freaking out, and you are admitting to being predisposed in that direction, take a deep breath, and calm down. Until you get a confirmed biopsy, it is much too early to put yourself into this much stress over this. It is entirely possible this is something other than PC; there are other conditions that cause elevated PSA and/or a questionable DRE. Even if it is, your Gleason score, which is a rating of the severity of the cancer, may put you in a group that are cured with a number of choices of treatment. If the biopsy comes out positive, you can put your energy into researching which treatment you choose. It is important to stay positive and not be a victim (I know this sounds very hard right now).

Also, you have time - PC is a typically slow-growing and slow-developing condition, so you don't need to feel rushed at this point. You will be able to take time to make a well thought out course of action - IF it is PC.

We all get confronted with things in life that make us realize that we are not in control of everything that happens to us. There are different ways that folks learn how to cope with this reality - for me, my faith in God and prayer really helps. If you are so inclined, I would highly recommend prayer - I believe in a very powerful God that is able to take whatever evil or ailments we encounter and make good come from it. I'm praying for you already, that you will feel an increasing peace now and as you learn more about your condition. Being emotional is OK, it doesn't mean you are a wimp! It means things matter to you. It's great you appreciate life and have family that loves you and can help you through this. I would recommend against scaring them unnecessarily, though. Deal with facts, not conjecture.

I hope this helps. Peace and prayers coming your way, my friend. I hope you enjoy your Christmas anyway, in spite of this unsettling news.
Jeff
Posted 12/26/2012 9:27 AM (GMT 0)
I've been on both the sides of the "how to talk to your kid" about cancer. My daughter was a frosh in high school when I was diagnosed with PC. I was 13 when my mother was diagnosed with the breast cancer that ultimately took her life.

I strongly suggest you don't bring your children into the conversation until you know more of what's going on. Right now you don't even have a confirmed diagnosis. it could be anything from benign to aggressive, and the treatment could be anything from active surveillance to combinations of surgery, radiation, and hormone. Given that the DRE was painful there's a good chance you have an infection rather than PC. Most DRE's while unpleasant are not painful.

Your kids will be frightened to hear the news and you are not yet able to answer the questions they will pose. My suggestion is be strong for them; don't bring them into the situation until you can tell them what you really have and what are going to do to fight it. Give yourself some time to learn what is going on, and what your options are, and then you can talk to them from a place of confidence, competence and a positive attitude of "I'm going to beat this" which is what they want to hear.

Like you, I am prone to anxiety. There are a lot of us here. You can find a pc support group. You can ask your doc for an anti-anxiety medication. (I got Ativan for my biopsy; it helped.) You can meditate, use mindfulness techniques, use breathing techniques. You can pray. You don't need to be a helpless victim of anxiety. Anxiety is something you can manage -- and by doing so you will be in a better position to take care of yourself and prevent unnecessary pain and suffering in the people you love and who love you.
Posted 12/26/2012 11:18 AM (GMT 0)
See www.yananow.net  (asap) so as to know plenty and fast....

www.prostatepointers.org 

The Big Tips about PCa:
1) demand and get a copy of the actual pathology report, even if you don't currently comprehend it
2) realize that even with PCa, there can be indolent forms of it or lower grade risks (more commonly too)
3) more commonly the ones whom die with it directly are in the higher risk stats groups  and still can take a decade or more to succumb to it, some others not so lucky maybe 5 years, some others longer still (no overly simplistic control protocols and results vary some). Dr. Fred Lee is a PCa incureable type, alive still at 33 yrs. later....this is the best example I know of.
 
My brother has very low risk, i.e. indolent PCa and has done nothing besides monitoring for about 9 yrs. now and so far seems sane in his case, but you have to monitor the psa and other tests to be wise about it. I got the high risk version from day one in 2002, the good news is coming up on year 11 pretty soon and so far mobile and decent, although this is the time frame to get worried about.

Peace on earth brother, so advise those kids with knowledge on hand on this. You might not have PCa at this juncture.

Post Edited (zufus) : 12/26/2012 4:21:22 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/26/2012 1:18 PM (GMT 0)
Merry Christmas Mr Anxious.
Like an old Kodak camera, you got the gift that keeps on giving!
Congratulations!
You wanted to know how we cope. Well, humor, camaraderie, knowledge, and yes...this site, really helped me.
<--- See my name there? Relax for a day or two and let me do the worrying for you.
My advice to you now would be: learn what you can, eat right, get in shape, and empty that prostate as often as possible.
Good luck to you.
Jeff
Posted 12/26/2012 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
MrAnxious,

Welcome to our little corner of the world - you'll find lots of helpful guys (and gals) out here. First and foremost I would agree with what the others have already stated - at this point you still don't know if you have PCa or not. You stated "Yesterday my physician told me I had PC" - I hope that was a manifestation of your anxiety and not truly what your Dr told you, as he can't know that from a rise in PSA and a DRE - biopsy is the only way to know for sure.

I also would NOT bring this to your kids/family yet - you simply don't know if you even have PCa yet, and if you do you will need to acquire the knowledge of what stage you are at and what treatment options would be available to you - not only for yourself but to also be in a position to explain what PCa is all about. Otherwise you will be putting an undue amount of fear into your family - totally not necessary at this point.

Take a deep breath, IF you have PCa, it is typically a very slow developing cancer. First thing I would suggest is to find an Oncologist - a physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer - to guide you as to the next steps that may include a biopsy. Also starting NOW put all of those anxious energies into something positive - like learning about PCa and the various treatment options available. You can do that through internet research, believe me there is a ton out there; also by being here you will find input from guys that have "been there, done that" - and finally if and when the time comes plan on meeting with experts in the medical field with the various treatment approaches.

We're all here for you - stay calm. . . .

Peace.
Posted 12/26/2012 2:11 PM (GMT 0)
MrAnxious, Our friends have given you great advise. Like you I had a long history of PCa in my family. I watched my PSA make its steady rise. I was not supprised when my GP told me that I needed to see a Uro. I really was not shocked with the dx.

It sure does suck to hear this news just at the start of Christmas. Man that bites. Know that officially you do not have a DX till after a biopsy. You are making assumptions. (they may be righ or they may be wrong)

WorriedGuy (Jeff) Started having the gathering of the HW guys and thier wives and I have been so fortunate to have met many of our members face to face. We have shared some wonderfuly happy time and some sad times as well. Know that we would love to kick you to the curb and say get the hell out of here you dont have PCa but if is, know that everyone here will walk with you side by side.

Feel free to ask questions. Now is the time to get as much knoweldge as you can.

Peace be with you.

Take a deep breath, it will be OK.

Cajun Jeff
Posted 12/26/2012 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Mr. A:

With your PSA, sounds like you caught it early, IF indeed you have CAP . You won't know that until you have a biopsy.

I never heard of a DRE causing an infection. Maybe you had a low-level infection or prostitis BEFORE the DRE. And that could be the reason for the elevated PSA ? And maybe the nodule, too.

Maybe your Uro. should put you on cipro for a month and re-check your PSA after a month.

I wouldn't let them do a biopsy until after that. You could have an ultrasound done, to keep the Docs happy. Remember, you are the Decider, not the Docs. If this upsets your Uro. , run, don't walk out of his office and find a Uro. that will work with you. Your new Uro. will respect you for this, like mine does.

If you do have CAP, you have months, not weeks to deal with this ( according to John Hopkins Urology).   CaP is very slow growing.


How early did your uncle discover his CaP ? Was he getting a yearly DRE & PSA test ? I suspect he didn't.   If not, his CaP was way advanced compared to any you might have. CaP is easily treated these days with excellent long term results, when caught early. IF you do have CaP, it looks like you caught it early.

Take a deep breath and relax. You have time to collect your thoughts and deal with this situation in a logical, thoughtful manner. I wouldn't knee-jerk on any treatment decision. You will have to live with any decision you make - no going back, and living with any complications.

Good luck on your journey. Don't forget about the cipro thing. Asking about this might also give you some insight about your Uro.

Posted 12/26/2012 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
MrAnxious, let me reiterate what others have already said:  there is no way you or your doctor can "know" you have prostate cancer simply from the results of a digital rectal exam. 

Many, many, many men have suspicious DRE's, but only an unfortunate few turn out to have prostate cancer.

I suspect every one of us on this forum who has been treated for prostate cancer has had numerous digital rectal exams, to the point that it's just a minor nuisance part of the visit to the urologist.  It's a simple procedure, and I can't think of any way that it could cause the complications you've described.....unless he forgot to use lube and had dirty fingernails, perhaps. 

I don't mean to sound harsh, but you need to calm down, take a few deep breaths, and approach this problem as calmly as you can.  If (and it's a big "if") a biopsy determines that you do, indeed, have prostate cancer, you need to have your wits about you so that you can make the right decision regarding treatment options.

Until then, remember that you've only had a suspicious digital rectal exam.  I've known other men whose  uros have found hard spots, nodules, and so forth, and who have turned out NOT to have prostate cancer. 

And if it does turn out to be cancer?  Well, we're here to assure you that the vast majority of prostate cancer cases can be dealt with effectively.  Hang in there, and good luck.  Keep us informed.

Posted 12/26/2012 3:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Mr Anxious.
One more thing. It sounds like you got a very thorough DRE!

Hopefully you had your PSA blood drawn BEFORE or at least 3 DAYS after your exam! Think, man, think. Whick came first -the poke of the prick? Do you have a medical diary? Check it. If you don't have one, start it now.

Ejaculation and DRE will raise the PSA reading significantly. (there are many studies about this.) If your Uro does the DRE and then immediately sends you to get blood drawn, he's trolling for business. Kick him in the nuts and look elsewhere for medical help.
Good luck
Jeff
Posted 12/26/2012 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
Everyone,

Thank you so much for your kind words and advise. After reading these posts I do feel much more at ease and reassured.

I will take your advise and not inform other family members yet until I have further information regarding my condidtion. I was obviously not thinking clearly about the idea - what if one of my children reacts like I have? That would have been cruel.

Regarding the DRE: I am sure I must have had an ongoing prostate infection when the DRE was done - although I was feeling no discomfort. The pain from the DRE was the typical prostatitus pain I have experienced in the past only more intense. It also never went away after the DRE. It got worse until I started taking doxycycline for it. I am now down to a simple minor discomfort level which I can almost ignore.

The Blood draw did happen after the DRE - maybe 20 minutes after. The doctor is just a family practitioner and as it was just a physical he probably didn't think much about it. Unfortunately there was a student working with him at the time. So now there may be a new doctor who doesn't understand the blood draw should not immediately be taken after a DRE. I doubt the Dr is trying to drum up business as he is so busy. I had to wait over two months to get the exam in the first place. I actually missed my physicals the previous two years because the wait time was longer and I forgot to call back when they would ask to reschedule. I did get the PSA blood tests done on my own though during that time.

As far as the family history. Of my 5 uncles (all from one side of the family), 4 have had PC diagnosed in their late 50s early 60s. I did talk to one of them about it. He caught his early through PSA testing - T1c stage (I'm going to have to figure out what that is). The others I'm not sure about. 3 of the 4 had surgery, the fourth had seeds. One is doing really well, one not so well (mostly with side effects) and I don't know about the one with the seeds. The last one died almost 2 years ago. I do not know what stage his was at when it was discovered.

I might add that a couple of them have had colon cancer but are doing well. Guess what I am having done in a few days (for my birthday present) - a colonoscopy. What a way to send out the holiday season. It doesn't get better than this :)

Once again, I would like to personally thank each of you for your sound advise and willingness to be a sounding board of sorts. It is very much appreciated. I am grateful there are people such as yourselves sharing excellent advise and providing much needed support.

All the best to you and yours.
Posted 12/26/2012 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
Mr Anxious!
Don't get me started on PSA after DRE! Don't... get... me... g- Ah... er.... urp..... I can't stand it!!! Arrrrgh!!!! Too late!!!!

There are so many studies that show the effect of DRE on PSA results and it makes a huge difference. One paper discussed someone with a PSA of 1.? who had a 6.? 8 hours after a "sexual prostate massage". His PSA returned to 1.? a couple of weeks later. It went back up again after the massage and back down after abstinence.
Look how that magic number made you anxious. Abstain from sex too. 48 hours.
DO NOT LET THAT HAPPEN AGAIN!

You wrote "I doubt he is trying to drum up business.." Okay.... would it make you feel better to know he simply did not know something that basic? Which would you prefer - fraud or incompetence?
You are the customer. It is your butt those fingers are going up. It is your blood being drawn. Next time (no right now!) have him give you the next blood test request sheet before you leave the office. You will have the blood drawn 2 weeks before your next visit and he can look at the result then.

Oh, this make my blood boil!!! No wonder there is controversy about the PSA test. A sleaze bag (sorry) can stick a broom handle up your butt and collect money for that. Then he can send you for a test that will absolutely show an elevated level. You will come back in 3 months for another visit (that he can charge for) while you worry yourself sick. When the results are back down "It's a miracle!!!" He says "I'll see you in 6 months" and he has a customer for life. Get it?
Or he might even schedule a biopsy! Heck, why not? If he does not find anything, you are happy and he still gets to charge $2000.

How many men in that office had their blood drawn after getting the shaft?

Oh This make me mad!!! (Want me to tell you how I really feel?)
Spread the word brother!

I'm not saying you don't have PCa. I'm saying that particular PSA test you got from Mr Wiggles is questionable and should be ignored if you want to have a reliable, consistent reading.
Do a little research yourself and you will see I am not making this up.

Don't let it happen again! Did I say that enough?
(See? I told you, you shouldn't worry. I take care of it for you. You're welcome!)

Is it me or did it get warmer in here?
Jeff

Post Edited (Worried Guy) : 12/26/2012 11:33:27 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/26/2012 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
Mr Anxious.

OK I'm eating a piece of cheese can with a mug of green tea. I've calmed down a little.

I'm sure you have lurked here long enough to see that almost every post has at least a few different opinions. Subjects like treatment options, food, exercise, etc., all have opinions that are all over the map. Rarely does everyone agree - except for the posting where the Uro gave the poor guy ~20x the dose of Trimix sending him to the hospital with a 6 hour erection. The only disagreement on that one was what should be done with the uro.

Look around here and do some research -anywhere you like. You will not find a recommendation that says the PSA test should be preceded with a DRE. The DRE is always after or independent from the PSA test.

Cheese cake and tea is finished. I'm out of here.

Good luck
Jeff
Posted 12/26/2012 6:58 PM (GMT 0)
MrAnxious - I'll trim down what our WorriedGuy stated so well - NEVER do a DRE immediately before a blood draw / PSA test. Go find a competent Urologist and work with him/her to schedule another blood draw / PSA test. You may be fondly attached to your GP, but after the DRE then blood draw and also him telling you that you have PCa - drop him now, those two actions are full blown incompetence, period.
In a word, go back to square one and chalk this up as a miserable experience you should not have had to endure. While you should not ignore the family history of PCa, take the right steps here - and ALWAYS be your own health care advocate.

Best wishes - stay with us and we'll stay with you. . . .
Posted 12/26/2012 7:58 PM (GMT 0)
I would be extremely unhappy with any doctor who sent me home at Christmas-time (or any time for that matter, but especially over the holidays) believing I have prostate cancer simply on the basis of a digital rectal exam.

I don't know exactly how he phrased that opinion when he delivered it to you, but at most he should have said something like, "I think I felt a small nodule on your prostate...I'm going to send you to a urologist who specializes in this stuff. And I want you to have blood drawn for a PSA reading a couple of weeks before you see that urologist. Please try not to worry about this. I'm just referring you to the urologist so you can have this thoroughly checked out." For a family doctor to speculate regarding cancer based on his in-office DRE just seems very wrong to me.
Posted 12/26/2012 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
Agreed, no doctor can diagnose or tell with certainty that you or anyone else has prostate cancer based on a DRE. And if he did tell you that, without the confirmation of a prostate biopsy, that almost borders on malpractice in my eyes, and it wasn't responsible for the doctor to tell you so without hard medical evidence. I don't like to see other's doctors bashed, but I would be finding a new doctor, and starting this process all over again.

It's a real shame that you told that, and had the scare put into you, and you were about to tell your family members, based on that unsound and unprofessional remark by the doctor.

Hope you don't need to be here, but if you need to return based on sound biopsy report, we are certainly here to help you through it. Good luck

david in sc
Posted 12/26/2012 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
MrAnxious,
All you got for Christmas was worked up for probably nothing.

Fire your doctor and go see a urologist. He should not have gotten you worked up this week or any other week. He should have said he was suspicious and suggest you see a urologist for further testing.
I have had PSA's for 12 years in the range of 4-9 before being dx'd this year with PC.
As others said, infections, having sex the night before could raise PSA numbers. Cipro then another test 30 days later should have been prescribed. Your doctor is not helping you. Find someone who can.

Hopefully you are just visiting us. If you have PC, you have brothers and sisters here who will be here for you, listen to you vent, cry and laugh.
Good luck, ring in the New Year then find a good urologist.

Bill
Posted 12/27/2012 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
MrAnxious -

As you've no doubt noticed, the folks here are very protective of their brethren. It's all from the heart and (for the most part) it's good stuff. Listen well and be your own best advocate.

Best of luck.
UG
Posted 12/28/2012 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Mr Anxious,

I'm not sure if you noticed but once you mentioned that the PSA blood draw was 20 minutes after your aggressive DRE, the replies were pretty consistent. Ok... I was the only one who said kick him in the nuts but I'm sure the other guys were thinking it. Most everyone else said fire him, go to a uro, have a new PSA test done, and don't worry about this.

What is it you like about the guy - his competency, his sterling bedside manner, his fast service, or his psychic abilities?
(You realize I am doing this to make you think and hopefully spur you to action.)

Relax and let us do the worrying for you.
Happy New Year!

Jeff
Posted 12/28/2012 4:50 AM (GMT 0)
Mr Anxious,

If you like your doctor then by all means keep him, but he hasn't exactly covered himself with glory by giving you the impression that he has diagnosed you with prostate cancer. Making a definite diagnosis of prostate cancer requires tools that a general practitioner doesn't have and procedures that he doesn't do. A GP can no more tell you for certain that you have prostate cancer than a cow can have kittens.

You need to see a urologist and get things checked out. Your symptoms sound more like prostatitis than prostate cancer so you shouldn't be surprised if the urologist wants to put you on antibiotics to see what your PSA does before he talks about a biopsy.

Good luck. Keep us posted.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply