I am 60 and in good general health. I'm active, I watch my weight and I don't smoke.
My PSA went from 2's to 5.3 about 2 years ago. I was re-tested after a month and it was 6.1 so we did a biopsy that found 2 of 12 positive with 5% density. The Gleason was 3+3.
I had real misgivings about all the treatment options due to the potential for life-changing side effects. I was interested in brachytherapy, but I knew there were new treatments coming down the line (cyber-knife, proton therapy) that do not yet have 10-year survival data but seem to offer the promise of effective treatment with fewer side effects.
I was interested in active surveillance. The urologist had mixed feelings because I am relatively young and healthy, but due to the Gleason 6 and my preferences, we agreed on active surveillance. I had quarterly PSA's and the first two were in the low 3's!! That was a real surprise: 2 PSA's said I don't have prostate cancer, yet I knew for sure I did (I did not ever think it had gone away, just that PSA's are not all that reliable.) The next one was a 4.8 and then a 5.2 so we did another biopsy that produced 3 of 12 positive but still Gleason 3+3 and still low density.
I had promised myself, my wife and my kids that I would not wait too long, and with an indication that the cancer was progressing, I scheduled the procedure.
I have noticed the summaries that people post as to their facts and figures and I will gather them up.
Thanks very much for your good wishes and same to you!