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New to this group and in total panic!
I will start out by saying I am 58 years old, in great health. I have been seeing my GP every 6 months for hypertension for the last 5 years or so. Shortly after starting meds for HBP, things down south started slowly fading away (ED) and I attributed this to the BP meds and age. My PSA 5 years ago was around 2, and last year it was 3. GP mentioned the bump up from 2-3, but wasn't concerned due to the 5 year gap in testing. This week I went in for my 6 month checkup, and they didn't do a PSA test. I mentioned that 6 months ago you noticed it went up, and wasn't concerned, but I would like to know since my father was diagnosed with PC at age 77.
Did another blood draw and PSA came back at 4.3 and free PSA came back at 16.5. Dr said she was pretty sure I am fine as the majority of higher levels are enlarged prostate, but referred me to a urologist for further testing.
Needless to say I am totally freaked out by this, and have been getting very depressed waiting a week to see the urologist. Like anybody else, I have been scouring the internet and though my numbers are just on the edge of normal, I am seeing signs like the ED pointing in the wrong direction. I needed to vent to someone today as I have nobody other than my wife to talk to, and she is getting tired of me worrying to the point of depression,
Are my numbers concerning? I feel like I have just been told my life is over
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@englishjea
Was anything else found in his biopsy? Just high Gleason score is not enough information.
He is a Gleeson 9 the 8’s don’t count medically, only the highest score.
Were any of These items found in his biopsy extra capillary extensions, intraductal, Cribriform, EPE or seminal vesicle invasion
Any of those can make the cancer much more aggressive. In many cases, surgery is preferred if these are found.
If he has large cribriform Then surgery is preferred to get it completely.
Is he going to have a PSMA Pet scan? That should be done to find out if the cancer is spread anywhere else in his body. If it has then radiation is what is used. You really need to ask the doctor when he’s going to have this test done. It really is essential.
I know people who have been treated properly, and they are still alive 20 and 30 years later, even though they are a Gleason nine.
You might want to have him have a Prostox test done. That can show if radiation is going to cause him problems.
Your life isn't over, but it might look different. We are only alone with this if we choose to be. While this site is truly a great resource, being able to sit down with male friends or a PC support group face to face has huge value. It's perfectly normal to have anxiety during this part of your process. Are you in the US? If so, where? We have guys from all over the states and international that might be able to refer you to a provider that they've had a positive experience with. And those they can't recommend. I'm in Virginia.