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Biopsy confirms prostate cancer in 12 out of 12 cores

Posted by deku @deku, Nov 7 8:20pm

Hi, all. It appears my initial post ("Journey begins - age 51, PSA 72") was not premature after all. Based on my biopsy results, I am officially diagnosed with prostate cancer (prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma). I missed a call from my urologist to discuss my test results and interpretations, but I have the full pathology report. In case anyone is interested, I'll outline below. I don't have any specific questions, I'm just sharing at this point and feeling generally numb about the whole thing.

12 out of 12 cores (systematic biopsy) show prostatic adenocarcinoma; my six grade groupings are 2 at 8 (4+4), 2 at 7 (4+3), and 2 at 7 (3+4). Percentage of pattern 4 is 71-80%, with approximately 81% of the total combined core samples (137mm out of 169mm) identified as cancer. Intraductal carcinoma could not be determined, with at least one of the samples showing an IDC component that "cannot be excluded". Additional words listed were "invasive carcinoma", "cribriform pattern favored", and "cribriform glands present".

Without having discussed with my doctor yet (aside from Dr. Google), I'm guessing this is not exactly ideal. I already have an abdominal CT scheduled for tomorrow, and an urgent order in for a full body bone scan which I hope to get scheduled ASAP. I plan to ask my doctor about other scans as well. Based on these results and other symptoms, I fully expect that it has already metastasized, so it's a matter of determining where and how much.

Ironically, I feel calmer and less anxious now than I did before seeing the pathology report. I feel more concerned about how this will affect my family than how it will affect me. But regardless, we will share the journey and figure out next steps together.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

deku | @deku | 5 days ago
In reply to @scottbeammeup "I would strongly recommend that you don't suppress your emotions. I tried to do that and..." + (show)
@scottbeammeup

I would strongly recommend that you don't suppress your emotions. I tried to do that and it made things worse. You don't have to be emotional in front of your family if that's too much right now, but maybe go on a walk someplace quiet and peaceful outdoors, or go sit in a beautiful old empty church or some other peaceful place and just let it out. You will feel better and if you keep things bottled up it may all come crashing out at once in a way that's not so great (see my initial posts on this forum if you want some examples).

On the plus side, it sounds like you are doing everything right so far and there is a wealth of information available here as well as lots of good people who can help you out and share their experiences. We're all in different places and different stages but everyone here has something to contribute that can help you out.

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@scottbeammeup, I would like to private message you, but I don't see the option to do so. Maybe my profile is too "new" to enable that ability. If you can PM me, please do so if you would like.

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1 reply
lag | @lag | 5 days ago
In reply to @topsz "near to mayo Rochester. Which Dr did you use and are you satisfied? Looking for a..." + (show)
@topsz

near to mayo Rochester. Which Dr did you use and are you satisfied? Looking for a Dr this is on the cutting edge. Thank you.

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See Dr. Eugene Kwon at Mayo Rochester. He and his team are outstanding, and have access to all of the other relevant providers in Rochester should you need them.

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scottbeammeup | @scottbeammeup | 5 days ago
In reply to @deku "@scottbeammeup, I would like to private message you, but I don't see the option to do..." + (show)
@deku

@scottbeammeup, I would like to private message you, but I don't see the option to do so. Maybe my profile is too "new" to enable that ability. If you can PM me, please do so if you would like.

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Will do

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northoftheborder | @northoftheborder | 5 days ago
In reply to @deku "Thanks to all for your advice, encouragement, and sharing personal experiences. I have support from my..." + (show)
@deku

Thanks to all for your advice, encouragement, and sharing personal experiences. I have support from my family and I am continuing to work through my various feelings in my own time. Many unknowns still, nothing new to report, but working toward a firmer diagnosis and a clearer idea of what is indicated for my case going forward. In the meantime, I'll plan to stay offline until I know something more definitive. Thanks again.

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No pressure to come online, but you're welcome here even when you don't have anything definitive to report. Most of us have new test results only every three months (at best), but we still talk and support each-other in-between those results.

(My next tests will be next month; here's hoping I have absolutely nothing interesting to report.)

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ricardo7 | @ricardo7 | 4 days ago

Publicise!
If you have PC and sons then get them to get tested early. Early testing means that more options are available. Catch it young and get rid of it, you never know PC’s lifecycle.
Also tell others of similar age, I am amazed that even though you tell them they still seem to have the “it won’t happen to me” syndrome.
Get tested! So at least you know your condition. You may not have symptoms but you may have PC.

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mariopetrozza | @mariopetrozza | 3 days ago
In reply to @kam23 "I sought local treatment but transferred my care to Mayo Clinic Rochester MN. It is a..." + (show)
@kam23

I sought local treatment but transferred my care to Mayo Clinic Rochester MN. It is a 10 hour drive which I now do quarterly. In three years, I have made the trip 17 times. They are phenomenal and my life is worth the trip. I am now clear…but was stage 4, Gleason 10. The trip also gave me precious time with my wife. Mayo was incredibly with scheduling so I could get all my testing and scans done on Thursdays and have treatments/doc visits Fridays so I could return Saturday and miss the least work.

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Hi im happy to hear your diagnosis that your in remission I'm at the same place stage 4. Had a prostatectomy 10 months later it came back had 2 Lupton shots 37 rounds of radiation. Almost two years after that it came back again,did a psma scan,and the scan showed it might be in a 1 lymph node in my pelvic area but it's to small told it's at 1mm small.they had me wait 3 months for another scan next week.im on the edge any advice would be greatfull

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jeffmarc | @jeffmarc | 3 days ago

What drugs are you on? They can control your cancer. What is your current PSA and Gleason score?

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mariopetrozza | @mariopetrozza | 3 days ago
In reply to @jeffmarc "What drugs are you on? They can control your cancer. What is your current PSA and..." + (show)
@jeffmarc

What drugs are you on? They can control your cancer. What is your current PSA and Gleason score?

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Not on any drugs,Gleason score was 8 but at surgery doc said 10.my biopsy was 10/12 before Rp

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1 reply
kam23 | @kam23 | 2 days ago
In reply to @mariopetrozza "Hi im happy to hear your diagnosis that your in remission I'm at the same place..." + (show)
@mariopetrozza

Hi im happy to hear your diagnosis that your in remission I'm at the same place stage 4. Had a prostatectomy 10 months later it came back had 2 Lupton shots 37 rounds of radiation. Almost two years after that it came back again,did a psma scan,and the scan showed it might be in a 1 lymph node in my pelvic area but it's to small told it's at 1mm small.they had me wait 3 months for another scan next week.im on the edge any advice would be greatfull

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Your results sound like what Dr. Kwon has described in his videos on YouTube. He describes the common approaches and the results of the cancer reappearing. His approach is to clear the cancer for at least 10 years. I would watch his videos and contact his office. My wife got me in much faster by writing him an email.
Praying for your positive outcome.

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