You are missing my point

First of all, I wish to thank all of you for taking the time to respond to my Bad News post. I appreciate it very much. You all correctly read the panic in my post. Frankly, I have been in a somewhat stressful state since the original PSA result from my August physical. I'm sure this is normal.

However, almost all of you responded to my fear of the biopsy. While true to a degree, I had actually agreed to have it done the usual way (ie: no sedation). At first I wanted the sedation, but the urologist indicated that the shot of lidocaine should be enough, coupled with the fact that it is a 5-10 minute procedure. However, when they connected me to scheduling, they had appointments for 12/18 or could overbook on 12/11 OR, IF I wanted to go the sedation route, the OR was available on 11/30. So, I chose sedation because it was the earliest available time slot. Period.

What has now made me panic was the extreme score of the PCA-3. The cutoff point is 35 and I hit 75.9. In the back of my mind, given my PSA numbers, I'm thinking that even if it is PC it is probably somewhat indolent or at least amenable to surgical treatment. In other words, the PSA numbers certainly didn't indicate an aggressive cancer. I realize that nothing is set in stone, but that was my thinking. But now that recent figure has really upset that apple cart! This has me greatly distressed. Of course logic tells me there is nothing I can do until the biopsy results come in.

Actually, and this is for Sonny, I did talk to Arleta and we are all set for me to convey the biopsy results to her if it does show PC. So, some things are in motion, as much as I could reasonably do. (For you other folks, Arleta works with Dr. Menon, who would probably be my choice if I had PC and surgery was an option).

Mel

The doctor said very little. She called and said my PCA-3 was on the high side and I need a biopsy as we had discussed previously. I had to ask what my PCA-3 score was and it took her awhile to find it. I also asked what that meant regarding the prob. of finding PC on biopsy and she said "it isn't reported that way."

In short, she wasn't very forthcoming. OTOH, let's face it, all this is pissing in the wind (a good metaphor for this group). But I was not pleased with her reticense. It just confirms in my mind that this is very bad news.

But, still, my PSA results are not (THAT) bad at all!

Mel

Tony:

It appears that the PCA-3 does indicate aggressive vs. non-aggressive cancers (ie: higher scores seem to indicate more aggressive cancers -- kind of like the PSA)

Mel

Tony:

Thanks, but the link doesn't work.

Mel

You're trying to figure out if it is going to rain today based solely on the fact that the temperature is 70 degrees.

But OK, if you want to squeeze information out of these numbers that they are not designed or refined enough to give, why don't you focus on the 24% free PSA result (which is on the very good end of the gray area and certainly much, much better than mine was) rather than your PCA-3 number, which is from an experimental test that still needs much work and confirmation?

Also, you have a history of BPH/prostatitis! Factor that in. Cipro does not always knock out prostatitis. And what does prostatitis do to a PCA-3 reading? Etc., etc.

Very soon you will have the biopsy results. Hang in there!

Zen9

Post Edited (Zen9) : 11/21/2009 8:33:17 AM (GMT-7)

Still feel bad for you Mel, your brain and worries are still way out ahead of the facts that you have at hand. A biopsy is justified with what you have going on so far, not a doubt in my mind. But remember, a single biopsy doesn't always show cancer. It took 3 for me over 18 months to hit pay dirt. Someone here, thinking Brother JohnT, had a dozen or more.

Worry is bad in our world (and yes, I am as guilty as the next brother). Knowledge is power. Preached here all the time. The best knowledge is based on fact: not speculations, what ifs, or conspiracy theories.

Soon, you will have some more facts to work with. If you end up with a bonifide PC dx, and I pray you don't, then you will still have plenty of time to study and seek treatments, if any are needed. Perhaps you will be able to do the Acitive Watching thing safely.

Until you get that first biopsy done and have results and numbers, go back to doing what ever it is that turns you on and the things in life you love.

Wishing and hoping the best for you

David in SC

Mel,

I can certainly relate to your panic, you're body has gone and mutinied on you and it is a scary deal.

But you are on a good and timely course to get the additional info you need to determine the next step. Take a deep breath. You are taking the actions and doing what you can do at the moment. It's tough to relax, I know. Talking it out, like you are doing here, and with others can help tame the panic beast inside.

Stay strong. We are here with you.