Ongoing PSA Fear

By Dennis E. Golden

1 min read

It happens every time the nurse calls and says, "Dennis, it's time to schedule your next PSA test."

Facing the PSA monster

With almost 8 years of PSA testing every 6 months, I look at the reality of facing The PSA Monster that can live deep within our mind and soul.

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Will Jones Moderator
I once heard someone say, "Worry is interest you pay on a debt that never comes due." That's true most of the time, but with cancer, and the possibility of a reoccurrence, one can never be certain that the PSA news will be good. But I like your "stay positive" attitude. I don't look forward to the tests, but it's a better feeling than when I first heard those dreadful words the first time: "You have cancer."
1. Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Will Jones" user-id="3272209"/> I will say you never forget those words and where and when you heard them. You become in many ways a changed person from that day on mentally emotionally and physically. The key I believe is to look for ways to shine a positive yet realistic light on your new reality as you live life to the fullest
kenneth1955 Member
Hey Dennis I read your comments all the time. I have a great Urologist. He calls me a challenge because I ask a lot of questions. First of all he does do a PSA once a year on me. There was a problem a few years ago when my PSA went higher then normal for me. I have always been 0.4 or 0.7. This one time it went up to 2.6 We did my PSA every 3 month's. It did go back down but I had a prostate infection That would not go away. It took 6 month's of antibiotic but I'm good now. PSA's are good but you should have many more test before you do anything. And in the first place the PSA test was not developed to see if we have cancer. It is made to see how it is doing. I have had a BPH problem years ago but like that I will never do any treatment that will cause me to have any problem or give up anything. That is not me. All I have to say is to all men. Do what you feel is right for you and don't let anyone talk you into anything Gppd bless....Ken
1. Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="kenneth1955" user-id="3271962"/> And so it came to pass ... Kenneth1955 became Rocky😁 Doihope things improve soon Dennis(ProstateCancer.net TEAM
2. kenneth1955 Member
 <inline-mention username="Dennis Golden" user-id="3259730"/> Thank you Dennis. I'm waiting till my doctor opens up his new office. I had to wait till the insurance kicks in. I will call next week and see if it is in yet. Take care and be safe.....Rocky
Rebecca Ironside, MSPT Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Dennis Golden" user-id="3259730"/> Dennis, your message is so incredibly important. It is typically fear that prevents men from getting tested for prostate cancer in the first place. Your ability to live within the moment is the opposite of fear. Yes, we will all face difficult things in our lives. Some will have cancer, others will find other plagues to the soul. Worry doesn't change the outcome of anything. Worry merely gives anxiety to a situation already potent with uncertainty. Your message is one of hope. And I endorse this for all of my patients with prostate cancer and without it. I live within hope, because all of the worries of the world cannot be bourne by mere mortals like us. Becca Ironside, Moderator
charles2017 Member
Hi Dennis, I echo what you say about what goes on in my head as my time for a PSA test approaches. Mine is tested every two to three months because I was recently put onto Enzalutamide. The proof of the anxiety build up is the relief felt when there has been no change in the PSA figure. Having had two recurrences I also know how desolate I feel when the figures do go up but at least the monitoring is resulting in early treatment which I am certain puts off prostate cancer symptoms and gives me a better quality of life in the meantime. PSA testing is definitely a head game. 
1. Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="charles2017" user-id="3258547"/> So agree this stuff can "set up camp" in the back of your head and really haunt you at the most inopportune times. I figure it this way cancer is only a part of my life and I get to choose how much real estate I want to give it on any given day. These days that camp has been pushed out of the way by positive thoughts. ... Dennis(ProstatCancer.net TEAM)