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It turns out it never was..... now what about the discussion group?
After nearly 5 months of thinking it was surely prostate cancer, albeit early and contained, it turns out that I never had it. Slightly elevated PSA, from 1.8 to 4.2 in a year. Suspicious spot noted during biopsy - radiologist reported that he assessed it as pi-rad 3 or 4. Very impressive MRI-guided biopsy results came back all 16 cores normal tissue, not a hint of cancer. Happy good results, sure. What do I say here in the group? I was SO glad to check in here a few times a day. I felt safe, supported. Now, I almost feel strange -- like a "fraud" for using up time and energy. All the same, I really want you all to know that I genuinely appreciate you and I am grateful beyond words. I wish that nobody would ever have cancer - I wish my dad did not transition from this physical world to whatever is next because of cancer. I will remain a true believer in resilience and recovery with support and excellent care. I like to think that I am YOUR supporter. Please, be safe, be strong, get outstanding care and be authentically happy. I am in your corner. Steve
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@jeffmarc For the moment, Jeff. I did deal with faulty valves and open heart surgery two years ago. Identified skin cancer (squamous cell) the same time that the prostate issue flared up in spring -- which was dealt with pretty easily. And I have to be realistic, I may end up with prostate cancer down the road a piece -- just not now. One of the best sharing here was by YOU! You taught me how to get dna testing done through Color organization. So grateful!!! Please make sure that info is shared again, regularly. So impressive. Thank you, Jeff.
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3 Reactions@peterj116 I mistyped that in my entry -- it was s suspicious spot on the MRI not the biopsy, of course. The guys here will know that mistake, I am sure, because we know the PI-RADS are from MRIs. Ooops. Anyway, I am taking the win, I will stay here, and I will try to be helpful if I can. Definitely, I care.
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3 Reactions@peterj116 Funny to mention food and drink. With my prostate issue, I researched many things including diet, exercise and nutrition. I have changed my ways of living, especially regarding foods -- became vegan -- and increased my physical activity a lot! I feel remarkably healthy. The truth is, I felt like I was preparing for one hell of a battle to beat prostate cancer. If I did have it, I truly believe I was going to WIN! I absolutely believe that everyone can get better prepared for the battle should such a battle be part of a guy's journey. Good care from excellent medical professionals, authentic support (like HERE), believing in yourself and taking steps to prepare for battle and then recovery -- all possible and strongly encouraged!!!! Stay strong! Be prepared!
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5 ReactionsThat’s a good outcome; celebrate!
If you consider what PSA testing is all about, you’d see why the term “fraud” is inappropriate.
Remember that a PSA test is not a cancer test. The PSA number itself is similar to a “check engine” light in a car; it indicates that something may be wrong, and further checks should be made “under the hood.” Might be as simple as a UTI; might be BPH; might be more serious, such as cancer. (A dozen things can cause an elevated PSA.) Just need to have further checks. No need to panic, or rush to a quick treatment decision, or get overly concerned.
Your case is also a textbook example of why 2nd opinions are needed. What your doctor saw as a PIRADS 3 or 4, another might have seen as a PIRADS 2 or 3. It’s always a good idea to get 2nd opinions on scans and biopsies (any test that requires an interpretation or opinion) — not necessarily because you don’t trust the 1st one or don’t like that opinion. But, because much of the interpretation of images and scans is often as much an art as it is a science, and is dependent on the skill and experience of the person reading the scans/slides. It’s good to have an independent set of eyes reviewing the results.
> Did you get a 2nd opinion on the biopsied tissues??
If it were me, I would maintain some extra diligence in the short-term. I would:
> get a follow-up PSA test in 6 months
> also have them do a “Free PSA” test
> calculate % Free PSA
> calculate PSA Density
If all of those were OK, then I would feel comfortable going back to annual PSA testing.
Congratulations and good luck!
Beware of something else popping up, esp. if you’re in your 70s. Keep the fingers crossed. You look good sir: eat right exercise, and stay healthy!
The best kind of post that can occur here, this is wonderful news!
Great to hear! I just got my MRI results — pi-rad 4. Next will be the biopsy. It’s encouraging for guys like me to hear that the biopsy might end up being negative. I suggest staying here too.