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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 11/20/2007 5:45 PM (GMT 0)

Scouttoo, As I read your thread, I see many things that remind me of my own Journey. I had my first PSA that was around 4 in 1988, it was blamed on a infection, The DRE was normal. Over the years the PSA slowly rose, but the DRE was always normal, so my PCP continued to watchful wait. In June of this year my PSA was 10, and still the DRE was normal. On my own, I refered myself to my Urologist and asked for a biopsy. He also said the DRE was normal, but took 16 samples during the biopsy. All 16 had cancer in them, and so I took the path of the Robotic removal of the prostrate on 10/09/07. The results were the prostate was still normal size, but was 65% cancer by volume, my Docs personal record for amount of cancer involment that had not spread. I think your plan B is the correct path, IMHO, don't wait until it has a chance to move outside of the prostate!

Beachbum

Posted 11/20/2007 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
Scout,

You should continue being healthy, eating healthy and making positive changes...those are very good habits to have. Wish I had half the self control :>)

However, your cancer appears to be largish, which is very concerning. I'm sure you already know and I'm sure you're not looking forward to treatment. No one would be. We all have the right to choose our path and if that's what you're doing, then good for you. As long as the Physician has clearly explained the risks and benefits and one agrees yet still chooses a path of his/her own, then so be it. The reality is, a 2 point PSA drop from over 10 is nothing when one looks at the number of Gleason 7's there are on your biopsy report. Just the fact that they are all on one side is a concern in itself. I'm sure the Doc explained just how large the cancer probably is? It's also fairly agressive. I am sure he also explained that more than 80% of cancers are bilaterally, not unilateral? He's probably explained that posterior tumors are harder to get to therefore harder to diagnose, and often the site of spread. These are the risks. The benefit has been you get to handle things on your own terms. I can respect the position, honestly. It might well be a decision I'd make myself.

PS: Please keep in mind, we do not feel bone pain until it gets serious...remember that. Example: Our son played soccer on half a femur neck, complaining of pain only when tumors had eaten away half the neck and a third of the femur head. I...on the other hand, noticed subtle changes many months before he was diagnosed and began a 6 month trip through the medical community searching for a cause. Take home message...don't wait for symptoms to worsen. They surely will do so, and at a price you may find too high to pay. Take Care and God Bless.

Swim
Posted 11/21/2007 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
swimom and beachbum50,

Thanks for your concern. However, so long as my PSA score is improving, my symptoms are gone, and overall I'm feeling better than I was a year ago, executing Plan B makes no sense. If trends reverse and I get worse, or if I level off somewhere short of a clean bill of health, then Plan B would be appropriate.

You both seem to have chosen paths you thought best for you, and I wish you well on your healing journeys.
Posted 11/21/2007 4:22 AM (GMT 0)
Yep, having many paths in which to choose makes for a much bigger world to tour. Good luck on your journey :>)

swim
Posted 1/11/2015 1:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,
I am a 66 yr old in good health but my PSA has gone from 3.0 to 3.9 in 15 months. It has been 3 months and although I am traveling I will try to have another PSA done this week at a random office I can find.
My Prostate is huge (75cc) but my quality of life is good and DRE's have been normal except it is huge.
Been taking VegiCaps as well as Saw Palmetto and Pumpkin Seed Oil. Get up only once at night!!!

If my next PSA goes over 3.9 I will head back to DFW and either make an appt. with Dr. Cadeddu or Dr. Lee in Arlington. I know Dr. Cadeddu is excellent and have heard a lot about Dr. Lee.

Any suggestions?
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