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Posted 4/17/2013 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
JNF - the potential side effects. I and many others have none or minimal side effects.
Posted 4/17/2013 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
You wrote

"I presently have a somwhat enlarged prostate of 45 cc down from 72 cc after meds for a year"

What drug(s) have you been taking? Some drugs such as Avodart, not only reduce the size of the prostate, but significantly lower the PSA readings, usually be half.

Posted 4/17/2013 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks again everyone

My uro stated I should consider treatment within the next few months.The fact that they found the cancer again and in more places,on both sides now. Also I have been on avodart for a year to shrink the prostate which it has been doing,but the uro also expected a drop in the psa, which didn't really happen.would mine actually be higher if not on avodart? It seems they should be able to tell who really needs treatment!
Posted 4/17/2013 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Dear JYM,

Without Avodart your PSA would be about double, which places you PSA about 11.

This is troublesome, since the criteria for low level PCa calls for  a PSA of 10 or less.

Even though the cancer is on both lobes, it is still very low volume.

For reassurance I would get a second opinion on the slides by an expert world class pathologist who specializes in prostate cancer so that you are not under or over treated. Determining Gleason scores are subjective

I would still see an expert on Active Surveillance for a second opinion.

I would seek an MRI with a Tesla 3.0 magnet, the gold standard to see if extracapsular extension is existent, will show and rank suspicious lesions within the prostate by size. Excapsular extension is highly unlikely, but this test is necessary to see what is happening, so you can pursue a localized "active" treatment, by an expert.

Post Edited (hopeful and optimistic) : 4/17/2013 1:15:08 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/17/2013 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hopeful and optimistic: thanks for the reply, my psa has stayed fairly fairly stable it was around a 5 before the avodart, the avodart just didnt seem to have an effect on the psa. Still makes me wonder what it would be if not on it.
Posted 4/17/2013 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
I suggest that you speak with a professional about this.

Here is a study from pubmed.com

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21031091
Posted 4/18/2013 1:36 AM (GMT 0)
Had testing by the urologist who works closely with my RO. First had to urinate into a device that measured flow. Then while seated, had catheter type probes fore and aft, with some type of sensors near the rectum. They(female nurse at eye level with my nether regions), started to fill my bladder and measured the amount going in and kept asking how urgent was my need to urinate. when I reached that magic level that I absolutely couldn't hold it, I had to urinate while the probes were still inserted.

Based on this test, if I didn't have the laser trim on the obstruction, seeding would have done me in. Hoping things settle down, 3 weeks to go, flow is strong but I have mild burning and strong urge when the stream starts. Expected after radiation and laser, I'm hoping to recover in the next few weeks, and if I'm lucky, the seeding may just be the easy part

This first part was a bladder function test. The next part was a scope by the Uro to view clearance, where he could clearly see the obstruction. Even without the brachy, this would have resulted in problems over time. The bladder wall was thickened by years of having to work harder. I'm glad I did the procedure

Post Edited (Fauntleroy) : 4/18/2013 2:32:40 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/18/2013 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
A yooper: Some great info,thanks much.

Fauntleroy:Interesting test,how do you urinate with cath in, is someone still in the room with you? That would be difficult for me.
Posted 4/18/2013 8:48 AM (GMT 0)
The catheter/probe used was much smaller in diameter then a typical adult one, so I had to pee around it, not through it, they recorded data while I voided that way. the nurse was right there in front, but it was a relief because my bladder was filled to maximum capacity. It was a sobering experience.

For the insurance to cover the viewing scope part, I had to come back the next day Another 140 mile round trip. It made no sense why it couldn't be done while I was already there but that is the nature of our for profit healthcare system

Two days later, back for the procedure. FULL SIZE Catheter in overnight and removed the next morning. I had to wait around a couple of hours to make sure I was able to urinate as I didn't live nearby. I drank 3-4 bottles of water, a wasn't able to urinate, I was terrified the cath was going back in, but a quick ultra sound showed my bladder was empty. turns out, the general anesthesia the day before caused dehydration. Later I was able to pee and to my surprise, the urine was clear, no visible blood or debris.
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