Prostate Diagnosis

By dmv1990

1 min read

Physically I feel fine. Mentally I feel anxious and fearful. I know I should be thankful for the diagnosis being no worse than it was but still I do not. The thought of something growing inside of me is stressful.

Rising PSA

I went for a yearly physical and the blood work showed a PSA of 7.5. Last year it was 3.0. My doctor referred me to a urologist. The urologist said the prostate was enlarged but he said he could not feel anything abnormal. The blood test showed PSA of 9.57. I was scheduled for a biopsy.

Now for the bad news

What a nightmare. Every test seems to be getting worse. Biopsy showed right side of prostate ok no cancer. Yeah. Now for the bad news. Left side 6 samples have cancer 60% involvement. Gleason showing 4+3. I am thinking they mixed up my samples with someone else's. I don’t feel sick how could this be happening. I am 65 and thinking how could my warranty run out two or three after my birthday.

Practice what you preach?

I have told others with a diagnosis that for a male, if you have to have cancer, slow growing and people don’t usually die from it. I am so much better at preaching than at practicing. Anyway I am scheduled for surgery January 18, 2018 and I am not looking forward to being cut on.

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Will Jones Moderator
Not sure when you're diagnosis happened, but it appears as if you've moved swiftly from getting your scores to scheduling surgery. Just wondering if you had a bone scan or an abdominal scan to find out if the cancer has spread outside of your prostate. Also, did you consider radiation as an alternative to surgery? I can really feel your anxiety and bewilderment in this concentrated post. Thank you for sharing your experience thus far.
1. ninaw Community Admin
 I'm glad you're feeling good about your surgeon, <inline-mention user-id="3260947" username="dmv1990"/> . That's huge. Good to hear there was no spread. Anxiety is a very real symptom, and I'd say everyone deals with it as part of the cancer diagnosis and treatment process. Hoping for few side effects for you. Sounds like whatever happens you've got people to help get through it, and a good head on your shoulders. - Nina, <a href='https://prostatecancer.net' target='_blank'>ProstateCancer.net</a> Team
2. dmv1990 Member
 Thank you ninaw for your kind words. I have been reading bible verses on anxiety and fear and this is helping. I think having the surgery will make me feel like less of a guy. At my age I do not want anymore children but it is concerning to be incontinent and impotent. I am hopeful that this will not be long lasting. Thank you again for your response. I look forward to the responses from others and I know they are very helpful.
ninaw Community Admin
<a></a><a></a><a><inline-mention user-id="3260947" username="dmv1990"/></a> so glad you reached out and shared your story. I think we all preach things we later realize weren't quite right in practice. It sounds like you're doing everything you can right now. For the anxiety and stress, I wonder if you've spoken to loved ones or counselors? Interested to hear, if you have a moment, the answers to <a></a><a></a><a><inline-mention user-id="3272209" username="Will Jones"/></a> questions re: diagnosis and treatment. And thank you, <a></a><a></a><a><inline-mention user-id="3265970" username="Len Smith"/></a>, for sharing your own journey. You're not alone, dmv, reach out anytime! - Nina, <a href='https://prostatecancer.net' target='_blank'>ProstateCancer.net</a> Team
kennymaudlin Member
I had my prostate removed Nov 30th first surgery ever for me I'm 59 I was pretty worried and nervous come to find out it wasn't that bad worst thing for me was going home with a catheter your going to be fine there gonna take all the cancer out and you'll be just fine hang in there buddy
1. Christine.Fitzpatrick Moderator
 Thank you for sharing your experience, <inline-mention user-id="3265154" username="kennymaudlin"/> ! It is so helpful to hear from other people who have had similar experiences. Hope you are doing well! Best, Christine, <a href='https://prostatecancer.net' target='_blank'>ProstateCancer.net</a> Team Member
dmv1990 Member
I am not looking forward to having the catheter either. I have a friend that had prostate surgery and he had a little trouble with the catheter but they said they got all the cancer and he had very little I am not looking forward to having the catheter either. I have a friend that had prostate surgery and he had a little trouble with the catheter but they said they got all the cancer and he had very little incontinence. He has said he is doing well with other guy functions. I am 7 years his senior so I am thinking my recovery might be longer. I do thank you for your encouragement which is very welcome. I am looking forward to biking again. I do pretty well as long when I wake up I get up right away instead of laying there and thinking about issues. Thanks again. I am trying not to get too anxious about all of this.
Will Jones Moderator
<a></a><a></a><a><inline-mention user-id="3260947" username="dmv1990"/></a> Thanks for your response to my question about the abdominal scan and the bone scan. It sounds like you've done everything necessary to prepare for your surgery. It's so important to have confidence in your surgeon. The catheter, which I've experienced following surgery for other issues, is uncomfortable but a relief when you're recovering. As part of the big picture, it's acceptable if you're cancer free after the surgery. I'll be thinking about you as your big day approaches!