Low PSA, MRI shows likely cancer

My final Gleason was 4+4. That was in 2008. I've had 2 other cancers--kidney and melanoma plus pre cancer (colon). But I am going strong. There's always hope, especially if cancer is discovered early. I credit the doctors at UCSF ....and my being meticulous about getting tested for the things they can test for--colonoscopies, psa/digital exams, annual dermatology exams, etc. (plus several more exams for females). I urge everyone get tested as recommended. Some tests are unpleasant, but not nearly as unpleasant as having cancer. And be your own advocate. As I mentioned, the Urologist who examined me after the prostate nodule was detected said I couldn't possibly have cancer with a PSA of 1 and didn't want to do a biopsy or other follow up. I really had to insist on a biopsy which probably saved my life.

Most urologist are prostate cancer surgeons. If you want to speak to somebody who is an expert with prostate cancer, you want to work with a a Genito Urinary (GU) oncologist,

When you have a Gleason nine, you want an expert Guiding your treatment. A GU oncologist is the best Doctor to get involved with. They specialize in prostate cancer and in treating it with many different techniques. Most centers of excellence have GU oncologists.

Last week I was in a meeting with someone who had a Gleason nine. He had his surgery 30 years ago. Don’t let anybody tell him how long he’s going to live. No one knows.

I had a PSA of 5.9 and the subsequent biopsy revealed a Gleason score of 8. I opted for a prostatectomy. The pathology report after surgery increased my Gleason score to 9. That was three years ago. Two years ago I had a recurrence and underwent hormone therapy and radiation. Since that time, my PSA has been undetectable. Hopefully this will be the same outcome for your husband.
The road ahead for you and your spouse will be full of anxiety and questions. Do all the research you can and pepper your medical team with your concerns. Your upcoming decisions are major and will have long-term implications.

My Gleason and my outcome differ from many on here but I'll say that you are going to be overwhelmed with information from all over the place. Whether it's from here or from your own research online or even talking with other doctors. I suggest you keep a running list of all your questions and concerns, for me I used Apple Notes to write everything down so when I met with a doctor I could run down my ever growing list of questions. This is always been how my mind works and it served me well, I got every question answered before I made my decision on treatment.