Question:
Hi Scott,
I would opt for the biopsy, as it is really the only way to be certain that cancer is the problem. In my case, my PSA 13.5 and I had no symptoms whatsoever. I found this out due to a routine physical at age 52.
The biopsy is not fun, but it's not horrible either. The after effects of the biopsy were more of a problem than the actual biopsy. My results showed a good percentage of the left side of my prostate involved, and none of the right side.
Surgery showed that an even larger portion of the left side was involved, as was a portion of the right side. And it was determined after the surgery that mine was a grade more aggressive than the biopsy showed.
Also, when I first had my PSA results, I too asked my doctor about exercise and/or sexual action prior to the blood test, and he said that it has been shown to be inconclusive if that activity raises PSA.
The book, "Dr. Patrick Walsh's Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer" is indeed a good source as others have said. It tells you from start to finish what you will need to know, and pretty much what to expect.
I have written other entries here that discribe my experiences both before and after the surgery. If you have the time, I'd suggest you look them up. While everything went according to plan for the most part, there were some surprises than no one told me about. Maybe my experiences can help you avoid some stressful situations if you opt for surgery.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
Dan
Answer:
....... thankx
Answer:
Scott;
At your age, I don't think you will have any problem with getting a biopsy ASAP and not wait until July. Under normal circumstances, having biopsy surgery is minor and should not affect your work for more than a day or two. I do much heavier physical work than you describe and I had no problem getting back to work the next day.
In my opinion, I'd say that your concern should be more about having PSA readings in the 7 to 8 range.
I'm 58 and my PSA reading went from 2.6 to 3.8 in about 18 months and my final PSA prior to surgery was 4.3 only one month later.
Although within a reasonable range for my age, they were concerned about how fast it had elevated.
Your readings are high to begin with when you consider your age.
If I were you, I'd move as quickly as you can to get the biopsy results so if any further treatment is indicated, you'll be ready to schedule it for the summer. Not to mention that you'll have peace of mind about your direction once the biopsy results are in.
Best wishes...
Answer:
I would not consider the issue of over or under treatment without first determining whether you have cancer. In my case, my PSA was marginally high (4.1), and my doctor was not concerned. I asked for a follow-up because of the velocity and the urologist biopsied, finding a few "suspicious" cells and scheduling a second biopsy in six months. Prior to the second one, my PSA dropped to 3.7 with a Free PSA of 35%, both indicators of a positive nature that was not borne out by the biopsy. Surgery scheduled April 13 with da Vinci and friends.
If you have cancer, you have options for treatment. A PSA of 8.5 is not to be trifled with, though certainly not a certain indicator of cancer. Look up the Partin tables if you want some probabilities.