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Posted 4/24/2015 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone,
I am 62, for the last 5 years my PSA went up slowly from <1 to 2 then on April 10, 2015
had a annual physical, PSA went to 6.7, Dr. suggested I see my urologist, on April 14, recheck PSA went to
8.1, DRE, showed enlarged prostate on one side, but no nodules felt.
On April 18, had KUB xray (1 1/2 years ago had stones), and also same date had renal ultra sound, along with urine culture. All where ok, found nothing abnormal,
On April 20, Dr. did prostate biopsy, now waiting for results. I think what made me nervous is how quickly my PSA went up, and how fast all the testing is going, has anyone had this happen where things move this fast?
Reason for concern?
Thanks
geolam
Posted 4/24/2015 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
geolam, biopsy at this point is exploratory and diagnostic. There are any number of things that can cause the PSA to go up, and cancer is actually low on the list. The DRE and the PSA are only indicative of "something" going on. One writer has called the PSA test your "check engine light". The biopsy is the little reader they plug in to your car.

Let us know what it shows, and here are a few questions to ask IF you have a positive biopsy:

What is my Gleason score? Be sure to ask what "both numbers are".
How many positive cores, and what is the % involvement?
What do you suggest 'next'?

Oh, don't let them rush you to treatment. One nice thing about PC is that it generally does give us time to evaluate all the possible options.
Posted 4/24/2015 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
PSA spikes are more likely due to BPH and infections, rather than cancer. I've seen my PSA spike from 2 to over 7 and back within weeks. And, that was years before any cancer was found. Even after a biopsy, my PSA can double or even triple from the trauma and possible infection. This can last for several months.

Remember that prostate cancer is slow-growing, while non-cancerous prostate issues can spike your PSA dramatically.
Posted 4/24/2015 1:05 PM (GMT 0)
I'm no expert on this subject but have experienced a rapid rise in PSA. Like the other guys said, it could be many other things aside from Pca but it sounds like you are doing the right thing by being vigilant. Best wishes to you.
Posted 4/24/2015 2:20 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HW, sorry you need to be talking to us.

It's very scary we they start throwing out tests really fast. Lots of things cause PSA to rise fast, infection is most common. BPH (enlarged prostate) also can do that. In general PC doesn't move fast.

It's very possible that you simply have an enlarged prostate. The biopsy will help figure that out.

There are simple meds that can help with that. While there are reasons for concerns, I'd have PC low on the list. Even if the worst is found, you have a ton of options and every reason to hope that this is just a minor bump in the road.

Hang in there. Don't let the docs rush you into any treatments - you've got time to do your research and make an informed decision.

Keep us updated,
Andrew
Posted 4/26/2015 3:32 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your responses, they have actually put me at ease, mainly because there seems
to be a common comment," pc is at the bottom of the list " and I really related to the analogy
by "halbert" about the check engine light.
I should have results by mid week, I will let you know how things go. keeping fingers crossed.
thanks again.
Posted 4/27/2015 12:50 AM (GMT 0)
I'm right there with you. It's been several years since my biopsy and my PSA has been up and down but we just check it every 6 months or so and so far it has been fairly stable with no further activity. As others have said, the overwhelming majority of guys with an elevated PSA don't have PC and it has taken me a while to come to grips with that fact. You can have an elevated PSA and be just fine in most cases!
Posted 4/28/2015 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone, I could not be more elated tonight, my urologist called me about 8:15pm
and told me my biopsy showed no cancer!!!!!! out of 12 samples 11 where negative and 1 showed
something (I did not quite catch the term) but he said it was nothing to worry about, and he would go over everything at my next appt. I'm still concerned about the rapid rise and high number in my psa, but
allot more at ease about the no pc report. Thank you all and after my Dr. visit, I hope I can help put
someone else mind at ease as you all did for me. Thank You again.
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geolam
Posted 4/28/2015 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
Congratulations. Good news.

You'll still want to follow up and see if there is a reason for the rise.
Let us know what the doctor says.
Andrew
Posted 4/28/2015 3:11 AM (GMT 0)
Congrats caps, great news.

What he probably found that he said meant nothing is PIN, hi or lo grade, which is something that when found in one core of twelve doesn't mean much. But you'll need to talk to him about keeping a close eye on things,

For now though, enjoy the great news, you're home free and denied admission to the club. ;-). Feel free to hang out with us though.
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