@mazeppabob Good afternoon. I am trying to recall the "discovery process" that my life partner, Jay went through at 70. How much information did the PSA test reveal? Enough to want to schedule a prostate biopsy which was done locally and revealed areas of concern. He chose to seek additional analysis and information from Mayo Clinic. That process was quite thorough and an MRI was used to determine if the cancer was contained in the prostate or had spread to other areas. At that time options were presented, one of which was chosen by Jay and that was surgery. He had to factor in the genetic reality that both his father and grandfather had prostate cancer.

Once the decision for surgery was made for much the same reasons as you outlined, he was included in a shared decision-making process as to how to proceed. He chose to reduce the testosterone with Lutron prior to surgery to hopefully ensure that the spread would be contained. After surgery and recovery, everything stayed positive for a couple of years only to reappear as his PSA climbed.

Further tests indicated that a small section of the cancerous tissue was accidentally dropped in the prostate bed. They chose photo beam therapy....30 days of it.....to remove the affected tissue. That was almost three years ago and he has had intractable PSA scores since that time. Early on, he went for a complete check-up every six months. Then it was extended to a year. And now....he doesn't have to return to Mayo for 2 years......just sends in his PSA scores every 3 months.

Hopefully, this recounting of another way to do things......will be helpful.
Do you have a genetic history of prostate cancer in your family?

May you be safe and protected from inner and outer harm.
Chris