Rising PSA
Hello everyone,
This is my first post.
I’m 59 and have always had a PSA in the 1.3 to 1.9 range since I was about 40
My father passed from PCa at 74. He was diagnosed with PCa around 1993 when he was about 58. He had RP and his surgeon said his PCa had spread to surrounding tissue but his lymph nodes were not involved
My father had terrible incontinence issues and his cancer became an issue about 10 yrs after surgery. He ultimately succumbed to the disease and watching him die had a big impact on me
I have always dreaded my annual PSA test. Last October I had my annual test and it was 1.96 (who assay) I just repeated the test this week and now my PSA is 2.69 (who assay)
Out of an abundance of caution I’m having an MRI in a couple of weeks
I’m having a hard time dealing with this, all I can see is my father dying in front on me in pain and I see myself walking the same path.
I feel alone as I am an only child and so I decided to post here in this community
I know many of you are dealing with much worse circumstances than I am and I apologize in advance if I am overblowing everything
Hi
. Certainly no apologies necessary. After what you saw your father experience it is certainly understandable that you would have concerns. It is good, particularly given the family history, that you are taking steps at the first sign of a potential issue. I noticed that you didn't mention any other symptoms and there are multiple things that can account for a rise in PSA. You may already be aware of this information, but I want to share with you this article from our editorial team on the diagnostic process: https://prostatecancer.net/diagnosis. Hopefully this can help inform further discussions with your doctor. Should the upcoming tests indicate anything of concern, your quick action should provide the opportunity for early detection and action. Treatments have come a long way in a short period. Please feel free, if you like to keep us posted on how you are doing and to ask additional questions should they become necessary. Plenty of men here have been where you are and this community is here for you. Best, Richard (Team Member) Thank you so much for your kind words. This site is a such great resource and it is comforting knowing there are folks here who understand the physical, mental and emotional aspects of PCa.
I will most definitely keep you updated if only to provide another datapoint for others who may be in a similar situation to mine now or in the futureI received the result of my MRI today. The news was good: “No MRI evidence of clinically significant prostate cancer.”
I learned my prostate volume is 39 ml. PSA density 0.07
Dr said PSA test in 6 months and if still rising will address.
I feel blessed and am so grateful.That is great news
. Time to celebrate and enjoy yourself. Best, Richard (Team Member)
Good job Fella 65. Getting more information is always better than less. PSA, MRIs and biopsies are not fun but will continue to build a base of knowledge for you and your docs. If cancer is ultimately detected, by being proactive you will catch it early and have better and more effective treatment options. Because of a rising PSA I was followed closely for many years including several MRIs and biopsies. When PC was finally detected, it was confined to the gland. We zapped it with SBRT radiation and 8 months out I’m in remission with no side effects.
Thank you for your post. If you are comfortable sharing, I would love to know more about your journey from rising PSA to being diagnosed. What was your PSA/age at diagnosis, how many years/biopsies/MRIs did you have before you were officially diagnosed?
