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Could Use Some Advice on Rising PSA
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: 3 hours ago | Replies (38)Comment receiving replies
A lot of great advice, thank you all so much!
I made a slight adjustment to my next steps. I had an appointment with a popular Urologist on 9/3 but I canceled that appointment. I was able to get an appointment with a doctor (family doc & Urologist) at the University of Michigan Hospital at the end of September. I REALLY wanted to be seen by University of Michigan as they are a well recognized center of excellence, so that's my reason for the slight date change. I think that will be especially important if I need further follow-ups and/or more medical procedures.
I'm only 53 years old and I've not had a DRE at this point, just 3 PSA tests so far taken over the last 4 years with results:
8/16/2023: PSA = 1.4
(2024 was skipped)
8/11/2025: PSA = 2.004
8/16/2026: PSA = 2.838
So it essentially doubled in 4 years. No symptoms of any kind except frequent urination at night (5+ times a night) which has been the case for years since 50+. Of course, I drink a lot before bed and that doesn't help.
I'm going to try not to worry too much. I think I'm making the best decisions I can right now, and all of the great advice I get from you all is educating me more on what can be involved.
I really appreciate all of the time you all have spent with sending me your comments. I believe it has guided me into action and now onto a center of excellence for the best care.
Thank you!
Replies to "@fritzo @gem1128 A lot of great advice, thank you all so much! I made a slight..."
Well if it eases your mind a little more, the Johns Hopkins .35 normal/abnormal point of increase is just about what you have. So, their age adjusted measure has you in the normal range for PSA, and the rate of increase is also normal as your use of 4 decimals can be rounded appropriately to 1.4.
There are so many variables that can account for PSA fluctuations. Since you are on this page, I'm sure you've read them all.
Keep an eye on things. You have a plan. You can't do anything more at this time, so go out and live your life.
@mikeg73 You've got the right frame of mind. It's early and you are ahead of the game and well informed. Get the docs advice, test when the time is right for more info and just enjoy life.
Side note: DRE never showed anything for me (4 different docs never felt a thing). It all depends on the location of the tumor. Also, PSAs are just a warning light, not an indicator that the engine is going to blow. You're listening to the warning light and doing a great job.
Moving to a center of excellence is the best move. Still, make sure to be your own advocate even in these settings.
Glad we all could help in some small way. You're in a good place!
@mikeg73
Here is a good doc at University of Michigan
University of Michigan health rogel cancer center
Dr. Ulka Vaishampayan MBBS Medical Oncology top notch Doctor
This is a doctor you want to talk to if you have an advanced case but you have to see the urologist first and see what’s going on.
Your PSA is quite low, in the normal range. Yes, it has gone up, but that could be due to something you did in a couple of days before having a test. Doubling in four years is really not normally relevant at all, since age also raises your PSA.
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@mikeg73 I’m starting down this road myself and wasn’t aware UM was a COE . I actually have an appt with Karmonas GU department in Detroit next week.
Do you have any input to the difference between UM vs Karmonas?
Thanks for sharing