I am more than a little nervous after
visiting my urologist. He used the term
"greatly concerned" over my latest PSA
numbers. Here in Canada we use a different
scale, but believe me that 9.14 is not a
good number when the reference number for
my age group is 3.5. My free PSA was 0.33
giving me a ratio of 0.44 (not that I
understand free or ratio) apparently not
good either? Anyway I am scheduled for a
biopsy on the 31st of July. I am not
worried about the physical biopsy, just
the results. If there any words of wisdom
that will prevent me from being a total
ball of stress until I find out the
results, bring 'em on! My wife is a true
pillar of strength and compassion, but I
need to hear from guys who have been
through this. She is the only one who
knows, and I don't plan on telling anyone
else at this time. I fear the "dead man
walking" treatment as much as cancer.
|
Llewellyn
Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 21 Jan 2007 Posts: 1743 Location: NY
Posted: 06-24-07 22:01pm
Wow, that's a long time to have to wait
and wonder! Let us know how your biopsy
goes.
Don't worry yet. There are a few
different reasons that a psa level may
rise, and prostate cancer is not the only
one! It could also be an infection,
inflammation, or benign enlargement.
|
beach bum
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 20 Jun 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Canada eh?
Waiting Posted: 06-25-07 05:59am
Ya Llewellyn, but that is the downside of
free healthcare.
I do understand why false positives can
occur, however, I have a small prostate,
which was not found to be swollen or
unusual during several DRE's. A extremely
low Free PSA reading in conjuction with a
high PSA and a small unswollen prostate
lead to an almost certainty oc either
cancer or a pre cancerous condition. I am
not looking forward to the results. THey
have ruled out UTI's, BPH and prostatitis.
|
Llewellyn
Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 21 Jan 2007 Posts: 1743 Location: NY
Posted: 06-27-07 10:04am
Ah, I see. You're right, that does not
sound very promising, but you really never
know. I am sorry that I do not have more
comforting words of wisdom for you.
I suppose I do have one "never panic no
matter what the doctor says because you
just never know" story. My father's
friend was diagnosed with pancreatic
cancer and told that he had six weeks to
live. His hair turned white. He sold all
of his stuff so that it would be easier
for his wife. Then he went in for his
follow up visit. The doctor said,
"Whoops. My mistake. You're fine. You
don't have pancreatic cancer at all..."
That was years ago, and he is doing fine,
although his hair is still white....
That's great that you have someone to hold
your hand through it all. It must be
scary for those who have to go at it
alone.
Good luck. Don't forget to let us know
how it goes.
|
beach bum
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 20 Jun 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Canada eh?
the Plot Thickens Posted: 06-27-07 11:59am
Well, yesterday I was told to provide a
urine sample as after meeting with my GP,
he felt that a Lower UTI in conjunction
with Prostatitis could not be totaly ruled
out. I do appreciate your kind words and
support. I am a perpetual optimist despite
the odds. I am really hoping this much ado
about nothing. I am actually looking
forward to the biopsy to put this to bed
one way or another. What I don't want
happening, is a perpetual round of
biopsy's. A Swiss cheese prostate is not a
good thing me thinks.
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