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Looking for answer about my dad

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Posted 1/2/2007 6:59 AM (GMT 0)
Yes i was hopeing to get some answers concering PSA levels My dad is 54 and fells great his blood pressure was going up so the family made him go to the Dr. to get it checked.And he did they done all the usual blood work.Well we get a call from the Dr. concerned about Prostate cancer his PSA levels where 20.65 and everything i have been reading has done nothing but scare me. Just wondering if you all could give me some information he goes to the ur.Jan 16
Thanks for your time Tray
Posted 1/2/2007 8:32 AM (GMT 0)
Tray hi!

My dad (age 61) was diagnosed with PC this November and so I know what you are going through! Your dad's PSA is indeed high so what is more likely to follow is that the urologist will perform a digital rectal examination and to see if he feels something abnormal at the prostate and he will probably ask for a biopsy because of the high PSA. In some cases a high PSA can be attributed to prostatitis so don't despair. I know the waiting is quite difficult. I hope that your dad's results are the best but in any case don't despair. The people in this forum will offer support and guidance (as they did for me) and you can learn a lot through the experiences posted here. I hope you will not have to join this club but if you do have hope! We are here for you!

Elena
Posted 1/2/2007 8:57 AM (GMT 0)

Tracy, the key to this whole journey is the doctor,get a very knowledgable urologist. Do your homework on the many treatments and pick the one that is most suitable for your dad. Do not just jump at the first one, study them, the side effects, and the recovery time etc. Again, everything could be ok. Hang in there, you found a great forum to be in. My prayers are with you and your dad.

ed from pa

Jesus Christ Big C

cancer small c

Posted 1/2/2007 2:41 PM (GMT 0)
Tracy,

PSA levels by themselves do not predict prostate cancer. There are many men with high PSA's that do not have cancer. There is no doubt that your dad's PSA is considered very high as the normal range is up to 4.0. It is important that he see a urologist very soon. A DRE needs to be performed and most likely a biopsy. If he has access to a urologic center then he should consider going there. You want to make sure you get the best urologist you can as many of the local urologist will rapidly jump to a treatment plan before you are ready. Please let us know how the results of the urologist visit.

Tamu
Posted 1/2/2007 7:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tray

First thing that is really important is not to panic.  My dad had the same situation and his psa was 23.  Your father should have a DRE (my dad's was negative).  Then some urologist might do a round on antibiotics to see if there is some type of inflammation or infection that is causing the high PSA.  Do your research and make sure you chose a highly recommended urologist!!

If his PSA tests high again after antiobiotics or some might suggest a biopsy right away.  It can be very scary hearing that high of a psa.  I remember looking online and not finding much mentioned with a 20 or so.  My father did end up having the prostate cancer, but he had surgery and recovery was quick.  His PSA is now undetectable.  Just support your dad and try and educate him about the disease.  One last tip.  Get a folder and keep copies of all paperwork, information, lab results, etc.  It is easy to get confused.

Best of luck to your dad.

Jen

Posted 1/4/2007 2:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi~ Tray & Loved Ones,                                   Sending a “Warm Welcome” …to You!                                              KNOWLEDGE IS POWER... and POWER conquers FEAR!!!!!   Stop!!! …..   Take a deep breath ….. let the fear go!!!!   You are on the right track.   Take one-day-at-a-time and process the information that you are getting.   We’ve learned to say…. Don’t worry until you have to worry….   It can consume you and you must be strong to face the words… Prostate Cancer.   Hopefully ~ you won’t have to hear this but… being prepared is a good thing.                                                KNOWLEDGE IS POWER... and POWER conquers FEAR!!!!!   Learn as much as you can before your dad’s appointment by reading a lot of these postings….. going as far back as you can because there is a lot of information that will help you.   Also ~ ask any questions that you have or concerns that you have…   There’s always someone here to lend a helping hand.   It’s really important that you take care of you!!!!     Can you give us a little more information about your dad? What is his overall health status….   You mentioned high blood pressure & high PSA Is he in shape?   It is never to late to start exercising.     Let us help you ~ Keeping you close in thoughts and prayers… In New Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy
Posted 1/4/2007 5:02 AM (GMT 0)
Thank all of you for the infomation this is all very helpful so glad i found this group. It helps alot to talk about it .It is a scarey time not yust to seeing my dad worry and of course he is trying not to show it but we can tell.He has not complained of anything hurting or not working right seems to be in good health that is what is so weard if he does have pc no signs which i know that is not uncommon. I just want to find out all the information i can on this bad or good so i can help him with this.
Thanks again Tracy
Posted 1/4/2007 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
Tracy,

Yes, your dad is worried and there is no way any man with the prospect of prostate cancer cannot be worried. Not only is the fear of cancer bearing on you but I am sure by this time he has researched some himself and knows that there are complications of incontinence and impotence. He is still very young and now has to face the possibility of impact to his quality of life. The key point at this time is to go step-by-step. He needs to see a urologist first and get the DRE. As mentioned the PSA could be due to an infection or to an enlarged prostate. Another PSA will probably be done to see if it is continuing to go up and at what rate. A biopsy will be the step after that or the urologist may suggest going right to that just to be sure. While the biopsy sounds painful and intrusive most men that have had one found it not to be as bad as it sounds.

Hope all turns out well and you no longer need us.

Tamu
Posted 2/12/2007 4:43 AM (GMT 0)
Well we got the news he has pc has went in for a bone scan waiting on the results.This is so hard all the waiting we will know on the 15th.Dad is trying to stay strong he has his good and bad days.I will let you guys know i cant even think about it now without feeling sick to my stomach.
Tray PS sorry so short just having a hard
time dealing with it.
Posted 2/12/2007 5:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Tracy,

Sorry that all your news is bad right now. That seems to be the way this disease works. But these are the darkest days and from now on, as you find out just what your dad's prognosis is, and find the treatment that is right for him, you will find hope. There are so many ways to treat PCa in its various stages that there is bound to be one that fits his situation.

Above all, right now, look for ways to brighten your days. There are so many great success stories from so many great people right here on this forum. Please stay with us and you will find hope.

Don't give up! Don't ever give up!

Jim
Posted 2/12/2007 5:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Tray,
When you get the Bone scan results, post them with the Gleason score if you feel up to it. There are others here with high scores and PSA, including myself. I can share with you my experience but I'm still awaiting surgery later this week. I am actually looking forward to the procedure and it is the first true treatment step for me. That would be aside of this forum. I get so much encouragement that the initial scare is minimal now, though it never goes away. Your father has someone who can train themselves on the experiences of others. That will be very valuable to him. Hang in there. It can all work out just fine.

Tony

Age 44, PSA 13.5, 3+4=7 in three cores, and 3+3=6 in another core on the other side.
Posted 2/12/2007 3:49 PM (GMT 0)

Tray -

This is my first post but had to let you know that I'm so sorry to hear about your dad.  As hard as this gets (and there's no doubt about it we've all been in the depths) there is always hope.  I can only tell you that myman and I have learned that although things may not turn out the way we'd planned they do work out.  Would we trade places with others here who have had better outcomes - probably 6 months ago yes...now no.  We're on this road and have had so many good things come our way that we both are thankful, grateful and looking to the future.  I'm glad your dad has you...you will be a strong and supportive force for him.  Keep coming back here...it's a very good place to be.

To all of you thanks for sound, wise counsel even though you may not realize your giving it!

Posted 3/5/2008 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hey ~ Tray,

Stay Close.... you reached out to all of us and we continue to reach back.

Touch base and let us know how things are going....

Keeping you close in thoughts and prayers.

In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy

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