@kmat The MRI is a good first move. If something is there, you will have people here who will share their experiences, which helped me and others make their treatment/doctor choices.
Some information that might be helpful would be your age and what was the PSA last tested at (if at all) prior to the "4" in April? The 4 isn't all that high for older age groups.
The jump, in and of itself isn't huge, it could be caused by recent sexual activity and certain exercises among other things. (uti, benign prostatitis comes to mind).
Trend is the biggest indicator but two tests don't necessarily identify a trend. I think you're making a good choice to have the MRI, get "in front of it" so to speak, have a look while waiting for subsequent blood (or other) test(s), but, I would try to relax for now.
I'm deeply grateful for these replies that are caring and well informed. I will be 77 in two months and I think my PSA readings have been in the '3s' for a long time. April was the first time it hit 4. Tuesday I have the MRI and, as some have said, that will be an important marker. I saw a urologist for the first time (!) about two weeks ago. He noted that my prostate was normal size, had no 'bumps' and that my testicles were normal as was my urine sample.
Thanks again!
I'm deeply grateful for these replies that are caring and well informed. I will be 77 in two months and I think my PSA readings have been in the '3s' for a long time. April was the first time it hit 4. Tuesday I have the MRI and, as some have said, that will be an important marker. I saw a urologist for the first time (!) about two weeks ago. He noted that my prostate was normal size, had no 'bumps' and that my testicles were normal as was my urine sample.
Thanks again!
I agree with everything web265 said in his reply. Try to relax as our PSA numbers can fluctuate and yours isn't all that high for a 77 yo. Good luck and enjoy the 4th.
Personally I wouldn't be worried about your PSA of 5 at your age unless you are having symptoms - I wouldn't be surprised if that is about the average PSA for all men in that age group - they say 90% of men nearing 80 have prostate cancer to some degree .
I'm 67 and my PSA was 11 when it was last checked in February . Unfortunately my insurance group under a company called Kaiser just told me that they would schedule a transrectal " blind " biopsy - but that would be all they would approve of . After much research I noticed that basically all other medical establishments recommended a 3T MRI first as now most doctors are opting to avoid a blind biopsy for many reasons .
Since I'm stuck with only one health plan I'm choosing to just wait until there is a time that I have actual symptoms before taking action - 10 years ago one could pay cash and get an MRI or an out of plan second opinion .... now there are no facilities or doctors in the country that will see you if you don't have the correct coverage . My only other option may be to go to another country somewhere , if you have any suggestions let me know .
Personally I wouldn't be worried about your PSA of 5 at your age unless you are having symptoms - I wouldn't be surprised if that is about the average PSA for all men in that age group - they say 90% of men nearing 80 have prostate cancer to some degree .
I'm 67 and my PSA was 11 when it was last checked in February . Unfortunately my insurance group under a company called Kaiser just told me that they would schedule a transrectal " blind " biopsy - but that would be all they would approve of . After much research I noticed that basically all other medical establishments recommended a 3T MRI first as now most doctors are opting to avoid a blind biopsy for many reasons .
Since I'm stuck with only one health plan I'm choosing to just wait until there is a time that I have actual symptoms before taking action - 10 years ago one could pay cash and get an MRI or an out of plan second opinion .... now there are no facilities or doctors in the country that will see you if you don't have the correct coverage . My only other option may be to go to another country somewhere , if you have any suggestions let me know .
Dear ovstampco...I have no symptoms of pancreatic cancer but the MRI t-3 is set for Tuesday. I think my oncologist may be on vacation as I don't see him till July 15, nearly two weeks later! I have heard of insurance getting its back up in connection with the Proton therapy. I haven't crossed that bridge yet so I don't know what to suggest to you. It's hard to avoid the feeling that cost rather than care is driving the conversation with insurance.
Why do you have two PSA readings two months apart, but no prior PSA results? I agree that an mpMRI will give further guidance, but I'm surprised it's scheduled with just the information you've shared.
Dear Spino,
'.
To my memory, all my PSA readings over recent years have been in the '3s, A reading April 12 was 4 and a second reading, from the same lab, two months later (mid June) was 5.4. That's pretty much the history of my PSA readings. Thanks too for the reference to prenuvo and the difference in MRI scans. I think my urologist is using the T3 for the prostate alone.
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If both PSA test were at the same lab then you have grounds to be concerned but not panic Time to chat with you urologist Good luck
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1 Reaction@kmat The MRI is a good first move. If something is there, you will have people here who will share their experiences, which helped me and others make their treatment/doctor choices.
Some information that might be helpful would be your age and what was the PSA last tested at (if at all) prior to the "4" in April? The 4 isn't all that high for older age groups.
The jump, in and of itself isn't huge, it could be caused by recent sexual activity and certain exercises among other things. (uti, benign prostatitis comes to mind).
Trend is the biggest indicator but two tests don't necessarily identify a trend. I think you're making a good choice to have the MRI, get "in front of it" so to speak, have a look while waiting for subsequent blood (or other) test(s), but, I would try to relax for now.
Best of luck to you!
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Hug
2 ReactionsI'm deeply grateful for these replies that are caring and well informed. I will be 77 in two months and I think my PSA readings have been in the '3s' for a long time. April was the first time it hit 4. Tuesday I have the MRI and, as some have said, that will be an important marker. I saw a urologist for the first time (!) about two weeks ago. He noted that my prostate was normal size, had no 'bumps' and that my testicles were normal as was my urine sample.
Thanks again!
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Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI agree with everything web265 said in his reply. Try to relax as our PSA numbers can fluctuate and yours isn't all that high for a 77 yo. Good luck and enjoy the 4th.
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionPersonally I wouldn't be worried about your PSA of 5 at your age unless you are having symptoms - I wouldn't be surprised if that is about the average PSA for all men in that age group - they say 90% of men nearing 80 have prostate cancer to some degree .
I'm 67 and my PSA was 11 when it was last checked in February . Unfortunately my insurance group under a company called Kaiser just told me that they would schedule a transrectal " blind " biopsy - but that would be all they would approve of . After much research I noticed that basically all other medical establishments recommended a 3T MRI first as now most doctors are opting to avoid a blind biopsy for many reasons .
Since I'm stuck with only one health plan I'm choosing to just wait until there is a time that I have actual symptoms before taking action - 10 years ago one could pay cash and get an MRI or an out of plan second opinion .... now there are no facilities or doctors in the country that will see you if you don't have the correct coverage . My only other option may be to go to another country somewhere , if you have any suggestions let me know .
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsDear ovstampco...I have no symptoms of pancreatic cancer but the MRI t-3 is set for Tuesday. I think my oncologist may be on vacation as I don't see him till July 15, nearly two weeks later! I have heard of insurance getting its back up in connection with the Proton therapy. I haven't crossed that bridge yet so I don't know what to suggest to you. It's hard to avoid the feeling that cost rather than care is driving the conversation with insurance.
Why do you have two PSA readings two months apart, but no prior PSA results? I agree that an mpMRI will give further guidance, but I'm surprised it's scheduled with just the information you've shared.
https://www.prenuvo.com/blog/difference-between-1-5t-and-3t-mri-
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1 ReactionDear Spino,
'.
To my memory, all my PSA readings over recent years have been in the '3s, A reading April 12 was 4 and a second reading, from the same lab, two months later (mid June) was 5.4. That's pretty much the history of my PSA readings. Thanks too for the reference to prenuvo and the difference in MRI scans. I think my urologist is using the T3 for the prostate alone.
oops...I see I used the word pancreatic cancer above. I meant prostate cancer. Sorry