I am 83 years old with a PSA of 6.5. Will have a prostate biopsy soon.

Posted by artb @artb, Feb 27 9:31am

Would be interested to know what kind of treatment options I have available, depending of course on the biopsy results. I am in reasonable good health, with high blood pressure being treated. How limited are my options based on my age of 83?

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I, too, am 83 years old and in good active health. Despite not being recommended (due to my age) I was able to get a screening in January 2024 and my PSA was 12.3 which was troubling. A follow up test 2 weeks later it was 9.6 and then 3 weeks later, 8.6. No symptoms other than a weak stream. I'm not sure what the PSA numbers decline is saying. My GP did feel a bump on my prostate gland during a DRE. I have a Urologist appt this week for assessment. I have no idea what the recommendation will be at that time.
Of course I absorbed a lot of treatment information as we all do after learning the news. I had no idea about the prostate cancer world until now. My head hurts. I'm interested to hear what others think about us old guys and treatments. On the longevity question that will no doubt be asked, I'm aiming for 15 more years.

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I am 82 and health and enjoy good health. Next week will have an MRI biopsy for my prostrate at Mayo Az. A week later an appointment to discuss results. I am doing everything in my power, i.e. nutrition and exercise, to maximize my longevity and mental/physical fitness while I am above ground. However, DNA roulette is DNA roulette so do not consider the future, only enjoying every day.

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Good attitude. I'm 82, soon 83 in April, and consider every day a gift. Been through the biopsy 3 times and nothing to worry about unless you're modest. Good luck and God bless.

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I was 76 when diagnosed an had radiation and Brachytherapy over the next few months. That treatment held my PC till I was 82 and now am receiving Lupron shots. My doctor thinks this will hold the PC for at least another 4, or 5 years.
There are many treatment option and trust your doctor to come up with a plan that fits your profile. G'luck!

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artb: You might want to do a prostate MRI first and then if something shows, a MRI fusion biopsy. Then the Decipher test from your biopsy material to judge aggressiveness. I was 69 when I completed 5 hypo fractional treatments with a 2 mm narrow margin MRI linac radiation machine (3-5 mm are more usual for other types of radiation). The machine and the margins matter. The less healthy tissue exposed, the fewer side effects. Work with your doctor at a center of excellence but doctors are dedicated but not infallible. Get second and more opinions. The opinions do help. Lots of help on this web site using the search function. You will find different strokes for different folks with many common experiences.

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Thanks for your comments and will consider various options after the biopsy.

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@artb

Thanks for your comments and will consider various options after the biopsy.

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artb: I am 88 years old and in good health. My PSA was 9.6 last october. DRE found a nodule. MRI showed a lesion with PIRADS score of 5.My Urologist said to wait couple of months. PSA went up to 13.0 in January 2024. Now my transperenial biopsy is scheduled for next week, March 5th at UCI.
I am very surprised your GP didn't refer you to a urologist earlier! but, no worries. Waiting will have not reduce out longevity or quality of life from what I read.
Good luck to you.

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@ronc320403

Good attitude. I'm 82, soon 83 in April, and consider every day a gift. Been through the biopsy 3 times and nothing to worry about unless you're modest. Good luck and God bless.

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After several DREs, what is there to be modest about?

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@rick137

After several DREs, what is there to be modest about?

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Additional comment:

One good, no great, aspect of being in your 80s is that "The Tyranny of the Testicles" has abated.

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Nothing anymore. Dont think there is a medical doctor or nurse thst hasnt seen me naked in Travis or Williamson Counties over the last 13 years.

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