I am 83 years old with a PSA of 6.5. Will have a prostate biopsy soon.
Would be interested to know what kind of treatment options I have available, depending of course on the biopsy results. I am in reasonable good health, with high blood pressure being treated. How limited are my options based on my age of 83?
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Good luck with your biopsy next week. You are right re my GP lax policy on this.
My Urologist was quite upset when another MD ordered a PSA that had a result of 14.6. The results found their way to his desk and he called me in saying that now he 'had' to do something about it. I was 88 at the time.
A few months later, at 89, I had an MRI, biopsy, and PSMA, the latter indicating that the cancer was contained in the prostate. My Gleason was 4 + 3, as the MRI, and follow-up biopsy confirmed the presence of cancer.
Because of my age, the Urologist recommended that I do an 18 month course of ADT which included 1 month of Casodex tablets, and my first injection of Lupron D. I am on the time release 3-month Injection cycle, and at age 90, had my 3rd one on Valentine's Day.
My PSA has dropped to .03 after 6 months of treatment, and was .05 after the first 3 months. The MD wants it to be undetectable.
Side effects were hard to take during the first 2.5 months with hot flashes, muscle weakness, weight gain, and no energy/fatigue. The only remaining one is a 6:30a hot flash, the others having dissipated.
I do my best to stay active walking 2-3 miles each morning and watching my diet.
Other that the Urologist's disdain, I am pleased with how treatment is progress thus far.
I had my MRI and biopsy at Mayo Az. I was totally out for the biopsy. 3/13 Consultation with proton beam Doc. Good Luck
Nothing like a trans biopsy for a dose of humility 😊
Your information regarding your treatment is very helpful. It gives me more information that I will need after the biopsy in April. Other than the side effects your treatment has worked well particularly for your age. Wish you nothing but the best. Art
Thanks, Art, and good thoughts for you!
Mick
I am 82 years of age. Went to a Urologist for BPH and Rezum therapy . He took a PSA test. Came back 4.3. Process shifted to PC possibility. 2+ years later my latest PSA is 6.7 with free score of 29% and density of .09.... I have resisted biopsy because of the myriad of information that seems to conflict with itself. Only symptoms are BPH related. Third MRI shows one lesion at .25CC with little growth over 2+ years. Some say consider nothing if PSA is under 10 at my age with free at >25%. Also do nothing if lesion size is below 1.5 CM. Monitoring.
I'm 83. Incidental PSA test showed 12.3 in Jan. Follow up was 8.6 in Feb. DRE normal during initial screening urologist visit. Mildly enlarged. I have a Urologist phone call in 3 months. Just before that call I'll get another PSA test. Urine test was fine. I'm not sure what the future holds. No symptoms except weak stream
At every stage there are choices, many choices. The experts say to educate yourself big time. Mayo Clinic Connect is a good place for anecdotal information. Walsh's book "Surviving Prostate Cancer" and the videos on the http://www.PCRI.org website were suggested to me and they are excellent. For the latest and greatest the PCRI 2023 symposium. I study "Surviving Prostate Cancer" for an hour a day and watch a video for about the same length of time. Not what I was expecting to be doing in retirement but how much effort is extending your life with quality worth?
Stew: Thanks for your comments. It seems our situation may be similar. Will let you know how I make out. Best to you on your future plans. Art