PSA SPIKE TO 3.9
I am 59 and had a routine PSA 11 months after a previous physical, Overall healthy and no family history, The result came back 3.9 and my levels were sub 1 for 10 years. I am being sent to a urologist but the closest apt is weeks away. Anyone have experience with this as everything i am reading is that this is probably an aggressive form if I am diagnosed. Should i go straight for MRI, take another test etc. Anxiety is getting best of me,
Hi
. Just a little bit ago I posted you a response under a different Forum that I hope is helpful. I want to add here that usually PSA doesn't trigger next steps in testing until it hits 4.0. I'm sure yours did because of the amount of increase, which is called velocity, from the low level you had. The PSA in and of itself does not necessarily indicate the aggressiveness of the cancer (see: https://www.mskcc.org/news/myths-about-psa-tests-and-prostate-cancer-screening). There is also, given a 3.9 level, the possibility that there is some other cause of the increase. It is understandable that the wait is creating anxiety and you may want to ask the urologist's office if you can get on a cancellation list to potentially get an earlier appointment. Hoping you get some answers soon. Best, Richard (Team Member) Thank you Richard as this helped calm my anxiety as the outcome still needs to be investigated and I had drawn conclusions that I had a terminal illness from 1 PSA test. Never thought of myself as an anxious person but when pushed i guess fear and uncertainty can be a powerful force.
Update, retest of PSA dropped to 1.24 from 3.99, Frequency of urination has increased substantially so Urologist exploring BPH now, Thank all for the support, More to follow in a few weeks after some additional testing
Have a family history. PSA went to 3.0 in January this year and up to 3.7 by May. Biopsy came back 4+3 =7 in the area that should up in MRI. No other symptoms. Bone scan showed no spread. Surgery scheduled for November. Wasn't a surprise as dad & uncle both got it at the same age.
Hi
. Sounds like you caught it early and a Gleason 7 is considered slow growing. Has anyone mentioned the benefit of pelvic floor exercises or Kegels prior to surgery? Our contributor Erin, who is a pelvic floor therapist, discusses it here: https://prostatecancer.net/living/start-kegels. Hope this information is helpful and please feel free to ask questions as you prepare for the surgery. Best, Richard (Team Member)
