New to this group and in total panic!

Get it checked. My 70 year old husband’s PSA floated along at 1-2 for several years, then in May it jumped to 5.2, which is normal for his age, but primary recommended going to urologist, just to be on safe side. No signs from physical exam, either. Urologist said MRI, just in case. Prostate showed something. Biopsy recommended. Gleason score of 8s and 9s, high risk prostate cancer. We are now trying to decide between radical prostatectomy and radiation with ADT.

@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.

HBP meds like Olmesartan should have little effect on your PSA, but if you happen to be taking a statin for cholesterol it's my understanding that your PSA will drop as a result.

@englishjea 73 myself with original Gleason 3+4 on active surveillance until this year PSA escalated with Gleason 4+5 on repeat biopsy. MRI unchanged; PSMA localized disease (one equivocal regional lymph node. Current data, as explained to me, documents equivalent outcomes (disease-free interval and mortality data) with RT + ADT vs RARP. Both approaches have potential long term side effects. Neither the Surgeon nor the Radiation Oncologist will make the choice for you; if you are confident in your treatment center and providers the choice will be up to your husband and yourself as to which approach is best for him.

I chose 5-treatment SBRT protocol after a Prostox test showed risks of longterm radiation side effects were low. Will continue ADT for 12-18 months per Rad One pending clinical course.

As mentioned before "Patrick Walsh's Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer" (newest edition 2023) will review the data and help you and your husband understand your choices.
https://www.amazon.com/Patrick-Walshs-Surviving-Prostate-Cancer/dp/1538726866/ref=sr_1_1
Remember all of us here can only share are own experiences. Rely on your doctors and their advice; seek a second opinion if you are questioning your team.

First: Don’t Panic. That is the natural reaction and I panicked when I found out. But what you will learn from this group is that you don’t need to. Besides PC being slow growing, it looks like you got it early. You have several tests you need to go through, to even find out what your situation is really. MRI first, then a targeted biopsy using the MRI images. Until then you don’t know if you have anything worrying. After that a PSMA Pet scan if the above shows anything concerning. My experience was an aggressive form (Gleason 8). But localized. I went on ADT and took my wife to Portugal for 3 months. From first diagnosis to treatment, I learned everything I could. This is critical as the decision, should it be necessary, is yours to make. Don’t be rushed.
Last month, finished 5 sessions of Proton therapy and am in the middle of planning for my trip to France with the grandchildren and to Turkey with friends. Good Luck, I’d be surprised if it was much.

@jeffmarc his PSA is only .07 so it can’t be seen on a PSMAPET.

Hi Brother,

You are getting excellent advice from our colleagues. Panic accomplishes nothing positive. Do use that energy to be your best advocate for a diagnosis then a treatment regime be it for BPH or PC. Both are treatable and survivable. But you and your medical team must get on with it.

As recommended above, immediately go to a medical center known for its experts, such as Mayo. Do not accept delays in the diagnosis. Ask questions and challenge what you are told if it does not sound proper. Disease does not delay so neither should the response to it.

I will be watching for reports on your progress. Best wishes and prayers for you, you have many friends and supporters in this adventure.

@ecurb
You say the cancer went to his bones. Are you saying it wasn’t treated and he was just put on ADT and Erleada? If his PSA is .07 then at this point there doesn’t appear to be much in the way of cancer in his bones still causing a major problem, the ADT and Erleada may have shrunk it And stopped it from growing. That does happen for some people.

Not exactly a case for urgent attention, yet.

Is he under 65 or doesn’t have Medicare is that what’s causing him to Pay so much? If he’s truly paying that much every month, he could get an ACA insurance policy for a lot less and medication would be at least partially covered.

@gbrickler
Plenty of advice toooooo many variables but yes you do not need to die from PC.

I have most recently been told I will die with PC, but if I keep on fighting I won't die from PC.

Hellova thing