PSA Personal Update

dwna1a

dwna1a

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Apr 23, 2012
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James River
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88 Weekender 300 "Seahorse"
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Twins 350
BiOp was done last week and they called me today. I still don’t understand all of what’s going on but they have asked that my wife is with me for next weeks appointment.

Now I’m really concerned! What happens next? I a bit worried.
 
Well, what ever it might be you'll get some love and support here.

Praying it all OK.

Dave
 
It sounds like you're in a better position than I am. I'm still alive and kicking after a year and a month with stage IV prostate cancer that has metastasized throughout my body. My PSA was as high as 585 before they started me on a regimen of 6 chemo treatments, pills every day and night, a visit to the doc every 3 months that includes a Lupron shot.

I just met with the doc today. My PSA at my last visit 6 weeks ago was 2.9. Today it's down to 2.29.

They couldn't do a removal of the prostate because the cancer had spread through out my body. It will never be in remission and will never be cured. We just keep it under control with a treatment of drugs.

This far it's working and I'm feeling pretty good. I don't have the stamina I used to, I am a bit unsteady on my feet and if I stand up too fast I get light headed.

When I first heard that I had cancer it was 3 days before I could even bring myself to say the word I was so frightened. The chemo treatments weren't as bad as I expected and the pills I'm on now are a piece of cake.

If you have any q's feel free to PM me.

Good luck and add my prayers to those above.
 
Gofirstclass said:
It sounds like you're in a better position than I am. I'm still alive and kicking after a year and a month with stage IV prostate cancer that has metastasized throughout my body. My PSA was as high as 585 before they started me on a regimen of 6 chemo treatments, pills every day and night, a visit to the doc every 3 months that includes a Lupron shot.

I just met with the doc today. My PSA at my last visit 6 weeks ago was 2.9. Today it's down to 2.29.

They couldn't do a removal of the prostate because the cancer had spread through out my body. It will never be in remission and will never be cured. We just keep it under control with a treatment of drugs.

This far it's working and I'm feeling pretty good. I don't have the stamina I used to, I am a bit unsteady on my feet and if I stand up too fast I get light headed.

When I first heard that I had cancer it was 3 days before I could even bring myself to say the word I was so frightened. The chemo treatments weren't as bad as I expected and the pills I'm on now are a piece of cake.

If you have any q's feel free to PM me.

Good luck and add my prayers to those above.
Click to expand...
Prayers for the OP and also you GFC, thank you for the update on your situation, keep up the fight!
 
I don’t have any other info to give. The test results aren’t in yet. Only thing I know for sure is that one way or another something is wrong. The Prostrate is swollen so bad that it’s hell to pee. Meds aren’t doing it any more. GF I’m sorry for you. I always hope too hear you’re doing better.
 
dwna1a said:
I don’t have any other info to give. The test results aren’t in yet. Only thing I know for sure is that one way or another something is wrong. The Prostrate is swollen so bad that it’s hell to pee. Meds aren’t doing it any more. GF I’m sorry for you. I always hope too hear you’re doing better.
Click to expand...

Have you been tested for a urinary tract infection? Have you had a bladder ultrasound to see how well you are emptying your bladder? What meds were you using? Flomax? Once or twice a day?
 
I have been tested yes.

GFC, you know I didn’t get super worried till they called and said my wife should be at the next appointment.
 
dwna1a, I got that same call for an appt with my urologist. That's when I found out I had cancer and I was shaking like a scared little girl when we left his office.

I was afraid of everything--the cancer, the upcoming chemo, afraid I was going to die soon, etc.

For me, the best thing that helped was a sign a neighbor gave me. It said...
The devil whispered in my ear
"You are not strong enough to withstand this storm."

Today I whispered in the devil's ear
"I AM the storm."
​
That has been my mantra ever since as I've gone through this.
​
 
dwna1a said:
BiOp was done last week and they called me today. I still don’t understand all of what’s going on but they have asked that my wife is with me for next weeks appointment.

Now I’m really concerned! What happens next? I a bit worried.
Click to expand...

Obviously they tested your PSA first, do you mind sharing what that number was? And did they do any other tests prior to deciding to do a biopsy?
 
I was stunned when I was told I had colon cancer after having a colonoscopy. I went through similar reactions as GFC and dwna1a, decided that if kept internalizing it that would kill me before the cancer, so I went "public" and told family and friends. That was the best thing that I did... I had friends I hadn't seen in years stepping up to help me and the group on the dock was outstanding in taking care of me.

I then went thru radiation therapy coupled with oral chemo, surgery and then 6 months of additional chemo. Almost three years down and clean and green...

But it is scary to face your mortality head on...

Did my life change? Yes and No. For the most part, my life is what it was before I wa diagnosed. Neuropathy in my hands and feet, and affecting my balance are the worst issues. I was able to adapt and overcome. GFC has adapted to his circumstances and dwna1a I am sure you will be the "Storm" and get past this challenge also.

Prayers for both of you guys.
 
It doubled from 4 to an 8 in the last year. GFC said his was much higher. Before the biopsy doc said it was a one in three chance.

all I can do nw is wait, that’s the one thing I’m not very good at

my wife knows and my friends here. My three dock neighbors knew something was wrong but don’t know much more. I always figured it would be my heart issues that would kill me.
 
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dwna1a said:
It doubled from 4 to an 8 in the last year. GFC said his was much higher. Before the biopsy doc said it was a one in three chance.

all I can do nw is wait, that’s the one thing I’m not very good at
Click to expand...
I see, reason I asked was that my PSA was last checked 4 years ago and was 0.57, just had it tested on Monday and came back 4.2. I now have an appointment with a urologist tomorrow. Just not sure what to expect. Prayers with all of you!
 
Keep in mind they requested your wife come along prior to them even having the results. It is SOP do ask the spouse to be there no matter what they will be telling you so I wouldn't read anything into it. Re: your difficulty peeing ask about the "Urolift" procedure.
 
Richey rich said:
I see, reason I asked was that my PSA was last checked 4 years ago and was 0.57, just had it tested on Monday and came back 4.2. I now have an appointment with a urologist tomorrow. Just not sure what to expect. Prayers with all of you!
Click to expand...
That is what they look for. A significant jump in the number. The way my doctor described it is that even if the number is in the normal range but, doubles from say 2 to 4, that warrants further investigation. I wish all of you guys the best with your outcomes.
 
So I think I have told my story on here...here is short version.. I got diagnosed with prostrate cancer and I too lost my shit like you are @dwna1a ... it was hell...I couldn’t drive home...it was like the world ended. I dug in researched everything and found best robotic surgeon on the planet...found him in Florida...rented a condo for the couple of weeks that we needed to be there...have the surgery... a few days later after you recover you go back in to see the surgeon to review... so he says procedure went perfect you are prostrate cancer free.... problem is when we were in there we saw another cancer... CLL... are you frickn kidding me?... cure me of one and find another?... unbelievable. All of a sudden this prostrate burden was a non event.... CLL is not curable but they can put it in remission... the doc was a character he said don’t worry about it you will die of something else first.... he had a way of saying it to put your anxiety at rest... Dr Patel in Orlando best prostrate surgeon on the planet...if you choose robotic surgery you would be doing yourself a disservice not meeting him.
Getting cancer sucks...100%... but it also changes your perspective on life...or it did for me...I stopped working stupid hours...I have way more fun...I got rid of friends that are a ton of work.. you have to know what I mean there... and in the end you don’t make any less money... if that’s your motivator...but your quality of life goes thru the roof... Cancer can actually be a good thing...you got it why not make it a good thing
 
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Not cancer but still opened my eyes. On March 23 I had a heart attack, had been in bad shape for 3-4 days. Was thinking heart burn. Got so bad I had wife take me to ER.
Wasn't there 15-20minutes and gone to cath lab. 100% blocked widow maker, Doc said I was one lucky guy. Still have another blockage at 80% but they are worried about plak coming loose and causing me to have a massive stroke etc. Working on plan of attack, we'll see. Gave up the smokes but still drink the beer. Watch what I eat somewhat. Eventually something will me get though.
Also on the 23rd while I was having all this chest pain my 390MY had a sea trail with the buyers surveyor, I was at the helm. Went straight from boating to ER pretty much. Surveyor and buyer was more worried about me falling over than the boat.
So my thinking was and more so now that everyday is a blessing. Now I won't waste much time on anything I don't like. None of us have any idea when when we'll pass.

Life Is Good, to short to worry much.
Carry on,
Headed to the 44DB to install LEDs today.:cool:
 
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