Prostate cancer

[Armitage.Shanks]

Waitforme said:

I’m 65 and have an annual PSA test , last one was September with a reading of 1.3. I’m wondering if I should just continue with the annual check or is there something else I should do ?

1.3 is 'low risk' for your age. 0.00 - 1.99 is low risk for age 60-69 according to the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust for Prostate Cancer Support. For those readings they recommend a PSA test every 3yrs.

There is a rider in the results letter - 'If you are taking Finasteride (Proscar or Propecia) or Dutasteride (Avodart or Combodart) it isunderstood the “true” value of your PSA could be approximately double that shown.' And '.......if you are having problems visiting the toilet very frequently, making several visits during the night, having to rush to the toilet urgently, waiting a long time to start, only having a weak stream, passing blood or experiencing incontinence you are still advised to see your GP, especially when these symptoms occur with a PSA above 1.4 ng/ml.'

I've just had my blood test with them and aged 60 I'm at 1.95, last year I was 1.82. I'll stick with annual testing given this last test was only £5 and it's a charitable cause. I'm above 1.4 but had a DRE check earlier in the year and a smooth slightly enlarged prostate was the diagnosis. My flow is somewhat slower (albeit inconsistent) and more frequent although I can just manage 8hrs unbroken sleep so I'm not on any medication for it.

In terms of the charity PSA testing I've mentioned this excellent service a few pages back and how convenient it is. I booked the appointment close to home, turned up, blood sample taken, back out of the door in less than 10 mins and results in 24hrs. Results letter sent to my GP for filing. Had I gone to my GP, I would have needed to go to then go to hospital phlebotomy dept and wait in line with hoards of other people and more than likley incur car parking costs greater than a fiver!

[Viper201]

Yes, a 1.3 is a low reading given the age but waitforme has a family history of close relatives with PC. I also appreciate that the cancer is relatively slow growing compared so some others but I would be seeking regular 6 monthly tests.

The NHS website and others say, "Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man's risk of developing this disease."

Your charity sounds like a good idea and given the parking charges at hospitals, would definitely be good value!

[Waitforme]

Thanks for the responses and the link to that testing website.
If the doc isn’t keen on 6 monthly checks then I’ll do the annual with the NHS and the in between testing with the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust.

[Gas1883]

Received results of most recent psa blood test , apparently the last test result was 13.5 , new one 13.9 , in the past they’ve said psa rising was due to infections , this time there saying it’s due to a enlarged prostrate .
They want me to stop drinking tea , coffee , pop & alcohol, only drink water for 6 months to see what effect it has on prostrate ( I’ve been drinking water 99% of the time for years at the suggestion of my original urology nurse , which I explained , but he wants only water to be drunk for 6 months , so we will do that & see what that does to psa score .
I’m a little confused as reading up later you can only reduce the size of the prostrate by surgery / medication , but I may be misunderstanding this .
Only positive was my psa tests were moved to 18 months , today he’s saying next test is 6 months .

[rovermorris999]

Gas1883 said:

Received results of most recent psa blood test , apparently the last test result was 13.5 , new one 13.9 , in the past they’ve said psa rising was due to infections , this time there saying it’s due to a enlarged prostrate .
They want me to stop drinking tea , coffee , pop & alcohol, only drink water for 6 months to see what effect it has on prostrate ( I’ve been drinking water 99% of the time for years at the suggestion of my original urology nurse , which I explained , but he wants only water to be drunk for 6 months , so we will do that & see what that does to psa score .
I’m a little confused as reading up later you can only reduce the size of the prostrate by surgery / medication , but I may be misunderstanding this .
Only positive was my psa tests were moved to 18 months , today he’s saying next test is 6 months .

That's the first time I heard of that idea. You may wish to consider taking vitamin D3, I take 12000 IU per day plus vit K2, zinc and magnesium glycinate. I am not a doctor (but I was a scientist, physics and chemistry) so don't take advice from me and do your own research but there is plenty of information out there. One thing you won't find is gold-standard double-blind clinical trials as no pharma company will spend the millions it costs as the stuff is dirt cheap and not patentable. But for example
https://drtracygapin.com/vitamin-d-and-prostate-he...
Dr Eric Berg and Dr Sunil Dhand (both on Youtube) also present information in a digestible way. No doubt some will dismiss it as quackery from doctors wanting to sell supplements but I'm just throwing it out there.

My own experience: I'm 68 and have BPH (diagnosed by MRI) and take Tamsulosin which works well for me. Three years ago my PSA was 4.8. For the last two years it has been steady at 2.0. Over that time I have taken the supplements I mentioned and permanently changed my diet. I've ditched processed carbohydrates and all processed foods, eat lots of meat, dairy, eggs, vegetables, fermented stuff like kefir and live sauerkraut, some fruit, still drink alcohol but no beer just wine and some spirits. I do some aerobic exercise. My weight has decreased by 10%, I'm now steady at 11st 10lbs, bang in the middle of the healthy BMI range. Aches and pains have drastically decreased and I feel more alive. I haven't had a cold or flu for years and as far as I know never had Covid (never tested). Coincidence? Maybe. I'm a sample size of one and not claiming anything but something is working for me so far.

Best of luck.

[rovermorris999]

rovermorris999 said:

Gas1883 said:

Received results of most recent psa blood test , apparently the last test result was 13.5 , new one 13.9 , in the past they’ve said psa rising was due to infections , this time there saying it’s due to a enlarged prostrate .
They want me to stop drinking tea , coffee , pop & alcohol, only drink water for 6 months to see what effect it has on prostrate ( I’ve been drinking water 99% of the time for years at the suggestion of my original urology nurse , which I explained , but he wants only water to be drunk for 6 months , so we will do that & see what that does to psa score .
I’m a little confused as reading up later you can only reduce the size of the prostrate by surgery / medication , but I may be misunderstanding this .
Only positive was my psa tests were moved to 18 months , today he’s saying next test is 6 months .

That's the first time I heard of that idea. You may wish to consider taking vitamin D3, I take 12000 IU per day plus vit K2, zinc and magnesium glycinate. I am not a doctor (but I was a scientist, physics and chemistry) so don't take advice from me and do your own research but there is plenty of information out there. One thing you won't find is gold-standard double-blind clinical trials as no pharma company will spend the millions it costs as the stuff is dirt cheap and not patentable. But for example
https://drtracygapin.com/vitamin-d-and-prostate-he...
Dr Eric Berg, Dr Sunil Dhand and John Campbell (all on Youtube) also present information in a digestible way. No doubt some will dismiss it as quackery from doctors wanting to sell supplements but I'm just throwing it out there.

My own experience: I'm 68 and have BPH (diagnosed by MRI) and take Tamsulosin which works well for me. Three years ago my PSA was 4.8. For the last two years it has been steady at 2.0. Over that time I have taken the supplements I mentioned and permanently changed my diet. I've ditched processed carbohydrates and all processed foods, eat lots of meat, dairy, eggs, vegetables, fermented stuff like kefir and live sauerkraut, some fruit, still drink alcohol but no beer just wine and some spirits. I do some aerobic exercise. My weight has decreased by 10%, I'm now steady at 11st 10lbs, bang in the middle of the healthy BMI range. Aches and pains have drastically decreased and I feel more alive. I haven't had a cold or flu for years and as far as I know never had Covid (never tested). Coincidence? Maybe. I'm a sample size of one and not claiming anything but something is working for me so far.

Best of luck.

[carphotographer]

Been on PH for many many years , Elise and Caterhams for 20 plus years . Only wished I visited this page sooner........

I'm 57, fit and healthy, I've done various triathlons and sporting events including a full Ironman, don't smoke or drink and diet is ok.
I really wasn't aware of prostate cancer until 6 weeks ago. Went in for the usual mens health check, and blood test for cholesterol and blood sugar. I then ask what other tests can you do with the blood and can I have my blood tested for everything . Well thats not practical and I said can you check for prostate cancer. No idea why I asked and actually didn't know anything about the cancer.
I was asked if I thought I had it, and if I had family history, symptoms etc. No nothing.

Results came back...... PSA of 35, which I now know is vey high. Within three weeks had an MRI scan. biopsy, consultations with the various experts in the field . The MRI scan showed a small trace but they weren't sure what it was hence the biopsy. I will always remember the day to talk about the biopsy. His words were "You have an aggressive cancer" then I was in total shock and disbelief and really had no idea or interest on what he was talking about, Gleeson scores, procedures etc . I just walked out and walked through the hospital in complete shock and disbelief, not really aware of what was happening around me.

So the reality is I've got aggressive prostate cancer, Gleeson score of 8 ( 4/4 ) and my PSA level of 35. I've had a PET scan and luckily the cancer hasn't spread .

I've met some wonderful people, surgeons, consultants and nurses. They all tell me I was so lucky to have asked for a test for prostate ( I now know it's PSA levels ) 6 weeks agos as things would have been so different.

[Penrhyn]

The important thing is that they have found it and are getting a plan together to help you.

Try to stay positive.

[danb79]

carphotographer said:

Been on PH for many many years , Elise and Caterhams for 20 plus years . Only wished I visited this page sooner........

I'm 57, fit and healthy, I've done various triathlons and sporting events including a full Ironman, don't smoke or drink and diet is ok.
I really wasn't aware of prostate cancer until 6 weeks ago. Went in for the usual mens health check, and blood test for cholesterol and blood sugar. I then ask what other tests can you do with the blood and can I have my blood tested for everything . Well thats not practical and I said can you check for prostate cancer. No idea why I asked and actually didn't know anything about the cancer.
I was asked if I thought I had it, and if I had family history, symptoms etc. No nothing.

Results came back...... PSA of 35, which I now know is vey high. Within three weeks had an MRI scan. biopsy, consultations with the various experts in the field . The MRI scan showed a small trace but they weren't sure what it was hence the biopsy. I will always remember the day to talk about the biopsy. His words were "You have an aggressive cancer" then I was in total shock and disbelief and really had no idea or interest on what he was talking about, Gleeson scores, procedures etc . I just walked out and walked through the hospital in complete shock and disbelief, not really aware of what was happening around me.

So the reality is I've got aggressive prostate cancer, Gleeson score of 8 ( 4/4 ) and my PSA level of 35. I've had a PET scan and luckily the cancer hasn't spread .

I've met some wonderful people, surgeons, consultants and nurses. They all tell me I was so lucky to have asked for a test for prostate ( I now know it's PSA levels ) 6 weeks agos as things would have been so different.

As above; stay positive as best you can. It's been caught and now it can be treated...

My Dad was in a similar situation in 2019 and they caught it then and got him in ASAP once tests had been done

All the best

[carphotographer]

Thanks , I'm planning my next Ironman next year LOL

[Viper201]

carphotographer said:

Thanks , I'm planning my next Ironman next year LOL

You will still be doing them in 10 years (I was PSA 38, Gleason 9, Stage 3 - spread to seminal vesicles - and that was June 2015 with much less advanced techniques and treatments than today. No choice of treatment, it was radiotherapy and hormone therapy only but still here annoying PH posters).

[Waitforme]

That was a life saving blood test @Carphotgrapher that happened by chance.
It really shouldn’t be caught by a chance blood test though. I was at the health centre yesterday for my flu and Covid jabs and there was a mobile screening trailer in the car park for breast cancer.
Why can’t all men be offered a simple blood test ?

Update on my brother’s position…. He has a Gleason score of 6 which is very positive but he has to have a “ Nuclear “ something scan , basically a bone scan from top to toe as one of the growths is very close to something so they want to be sure it hasn’t spread. If given the all clear from the scan then it’s either 20 doses of radiotherapy or / and surgery.

[AstonZagato]

Viper201 said:

carphotographer said:

Thanks , I'm planning my next Ironman next year LOL

You will still be doing them in 10 years (I was PSA 38, Gleason 9, Stage 3 - spread to seminal vesicles - and that was June 2015 with much less advanced techniques and treatments than today. No choice of treatment, it was radiotherapy and hormone therapy only but still here annoying PH posters).

Indeed. Last month I rowed 170km for Prostate Cancer Research, raising £11k. You can and will lead a normal life.
[Smashie and Nicey] I do a lot of work for charidee) [/]

I am Stage 4, PSA of 28, Gleeson of 10. Likewise was radiotherapy and hormone drugs/injection was only therapy.

[westberks]

carphotographer said:

Been on PH for many many years , Elise and Caterhams for 20 plus years . Only wished I visited this page sooner........

I'm 57, fit and healthy, I've done various triathlons and sporting events including a full Ironman, don't smoke or drink and diet is ok.
I really wasn't aware of prostate cancer until 6 weeks ago. Went in for the usual mens health check, and blood test for cholesterol and blood sugar. I then ask what other tests can you do with the blood and can I have my blood tested for everything . Well thats not practical and I said can you check for prostate cancer. No idea why I asked and actually didn't know anything about the cancer.
I was asked if I thought I had it, and if I had family history, symptoms etc. No nothing.

Results came back...... PSA of 35, which I now know is vey high. Within three weeks had an MRI scan. biopsy, consultations with the various experts in the field . The MRI scan showed a small trace but they weren't sure what it was hence the biopsy. I will always remember the day to talk about the biopsy. His words were "You have an aggressive cancer" then I was in total shock and disbelief and really had no idea or interest on what he was talking about, Gleeson scores, procedures etc . I just walked out and walked through the hospital in complete shock and disbelief, not really aware of what was happening around me.

So the reality is I've got aggressive prostate cancer, Gleeson score of 8 ( 4/4 ) and my PSA level of 35. I've had a PET scan and luckily the cancer hasn't spread .

I've met some wonderful people, surgeons, consultants and nurses. They all tell me I was so lucky to have asked for a test for prostate ( I now know it's PSA levels ) 6 weeks agos as things would have been so different.

wow, that must have been a huge shock. Well done on asking for the blood test; most people get there due to symptoms and google.

they can get you fast tracked for treatment now and as it's not spread that should be you on the road to recovery; that's a slightly glass half full view, but hopefully that simple question will be a potential life saver for you.

good luck with the treatment and next ironman!

[kevinon]

AstonZagato said:

Viper201 said:

carphotographer said:

Thanks , I'm planning my next Ironman next year LOL

You will still be doing them in 10 years (I was PSA 38, Gleason 9, Stage 3 - spread to seminal vesicles - and that was June 2015 with much less advanced techniques and treatments than today. No choice of treatment, it was radiotherapy and hormone therapy only but still here annoying PH posters).

Indeed. Last month I rowed 170km for Prostate Cancer Research, raising £11k. You can and will lead a normal life.
[Smashie and Nicey] I do a lot of work for charidee) [/]

I am Stage 4, PSA of 28, Gleeson of 10. Likewise was radiotherapy and hormone drugs/injection was only therapy.

Lurker here - Mr Aston Zagato; that's a great achievement to raise the money. Also, it shows what the future might look like.

Similarly, I have a friend who has come through. In his case including prostatectomy (again it was spotted on a routine blood test, no symptoms) He too is now able to throw himself into the fray of life.

Much respect to all men who post on here.

[Gas1883]

Got a phone call from urology nurse this morning , due to psa test result a few weeks ago being slightly higher , 13.9 to the previous 13.5 I believe , they now want another psa test doing in the next 2 weeks , blood test form in post .
I know another trust said rising psa can mean in 33 % of cases the cancer is becoming more aggressive ( biopsy showed it wasn’t ) , but it would be nice to get the answer as to why it’s rising , I’ve had years of infections causing it , now enlarged prostrate , not sure drink water only is really the answer , but at least they are looking at it .

[Gas1883]

Has anyone a list of food not to eat if you’ve possibly a enlarged prostrate , I’m obviously drinks wise on water only , but I’m wondering if there’s a food I’m eating that’s possibly irritating the prostrate , causing the rise in psa .
Clutching at straws really .

[Penrhyn]

Gas1883

If your symptom's are affecting your day to day life then maybe push for them to reduce the Prostates size. In the meanwhile the link below might help you not least on medications irritating the Prostate.

https://www.mintstl.com/blog/how-to-live-with-an-e...

[Gas1883]

Penrhyn said:

Gas1883

If your symptom's are affecting your day to day life then maybe push for them to reduce the Prostates size. In the meanwhile the link below might help you not least on medications irritating the Prostate.

https://www.mintstl.com/blog/how-to-live-with-an-e...

Thankyou , penrhyn , I’ve read it and I’d say the only one I suffer from at times is stress from sorting the multiple health issues out I have ( wife / daughter are brilliant though ) .
I never get a quiet week , this week we’ve got diabetis nurse wanting to see me , kidney specialists, heart & now this
I could do with a quiet few months , but it’s life I guess , though you would think in 5 yrs someone would of got to the bottom of a steady rise in psa
Not really moaning as there’s plenty worse off than me , it’s just a bit frustrating , urology nurse who called for psa test apparently said to my wife it’s probably just a infection , had 5 yrs of blaming it on
Infections , though I’ve no symptoms or ever had any medication
Oh well deep breaths
Thankyou again , much appreciated.

[Gas1883]

Reading the link it says no caffeine, this came up with my original urology nurse 5 years who said just drink water , you’ll find it really hard at 1 st but it will make such a difference , so I’ve done that for 5 years for 99 % of the time and it’s made a marked difference , rarely need a pee at night , ok in day .
Most recent consultation over psa they said 100% water , no tea / coffee / pop or alcohol, so by the time I have psa test it will be 1 month of water only , so if psa is still rising you can rule that out , though I’ll stick to 99 % water as I’m used to it now , and as above it does seem to me personally to make a huge difference , peeing wise .