So...my PSA blood test came back at 4.23.

[trof]

Prostrate Specific Antigen
Hmmmm.
:-(
3.8 last year.
3.4 the year before.
Further investigation is definitely in order.
The 'Finger Wave' and another PSA test at the very least.
Got an appointment with my doc next week.

I have too many friends who dragged their feet, messed about, have prostrate cancer, and now they're behind the 8-ball.
Statistically, there's a 75% chance it's not cancer in my case.
Google 'PSA test' and there's a wealth of info.
Keep your fingers crossed, OK?

[TK421]

1. I'll keep you in my thoughts...try not to lose sleep over it

my uncle has had high readings on this test, everything turned out fine

[trof]

4. Thanks. Story:

Miz t. and I were out of town Thursday and Friday.
The PSA results were in the mail I went through when we got home.
Miz t. is a 'worrier'.
She can obsess about unlikely possibilities.

I knew I couldn't move on this information until Monday.
So, I didn't tell her until I'd consulted a doctor friend (whose doctor husband has prostrate cancer) over the week end, done a hell of a lot of web research Saturday and Sunday, and made an appointment with my physician this morning.

Now, of course, she's worried as hell.
Much more so than I am.
What can I say?
The lady does love me.
:-)

But she had three nights of relatively worry-free sleep.
She's forgiven me for not telling her Friday.
But she says "I knew SOMETHING was going on with you."
I guess I'm too transparent.
:shrug:

[Demoiselle]

8. Fingers and toes crossed. Good vibes on the way. You're doing exactly the right thing..

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. My dear trof...

Of course, my good vibes for you, sweetie...

Do let us know, OK?

:hug:

[trof]

5. Thanks Peg. I'll give a blow-by-blow.

This could be an educational experience for male DUers.

[greenbriar]

10. hey, take care of yourself

I mean it


I didn't survive a brush with death to lose friends

[petronius]

3. Good luck! I'm glad you're getting it looked at

My uncle had some really high numbers for a while and it turned out to be nothing, but it's way too easy of a test to skip on. Same as colonoscopies, the reward far outweighs the discomfort...

[GreenPartyVoter]

6. Will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. *hugs*

[lightningandsnow]

7. Best of luck!

I'll be keeping you in my thoughts for sure.

:hug:

[XRubicon]

9. I need to get checked soon too.

My dad died in April at 65 from prostate cancer. He had it for 6 years.

Good luck to you.

[KT2000]

11. My brother just went through this

He had low testosterone as well.
Biopsy showed cancer.
Went to 2 docs that advised removal of the prostate.
Went to the 3rd and he routinely examines biopsy slide. He said his pathologist was not seeing cancer. Sent it to Johns Hopkins and they did not see cancer either. JH sent those results back to original lab and they shared the conclusion of JH. They finally did saturation biopsy - 28 sites - no cancer.

My brother had to get his newly diagnosed diabetes under control, testosterone numbers improved. Took care of other health issues and started taking vit. D.
So far so good.

A lesson - have your second and third opinion people read and confirm the slides upon which their treatment would be based.

And fasten your seatbelt - it is a process.

[trof]

17. Many thanks. I'll keep that in mind.

[triguy46]

12. PSA is a horrible test, the urologists will tell you....

I've been up and down between 3 and 4 for 5 years. Had the pleasant experience of a prostate biopsy, which made my nephrectomy seem like a walk in the park. No cancer found. In June it was 3.8 up from 3.4 and doc said "in Sept if its still up, you need another biopsy" and it scared my PSA back down to 3.4.

There is a term that is used called "watchful waiting." In your case, you are under the care of a doc, and not likely to become a mortality. Hang in there, you'll get used to the finger wave.

[trof]

16. The PSA itself is just taking blood.

If I have to undergo a biopsy...yeah, I hear that's painful.
I'm REALLY hoping that's not going to be necessary.
:eyes:

[triguy46]

20. I wasn't referring to the phlebotomy...

but rather the fact that it is not that reliable, that high levels do not mean cancer in so many cases. Yet it is all they have right now. Too many false positives. So they use it, but are waiting for a better test.

[crim son]

13. Fingers crossed.

You do the right thing by not ignoring the latest reading, and getting behind the 8ball now anticipates a better outcome than waiting until later. But you'll be fine. :hi:

[JohnnyLib2]

14. Glad you are going right in. Best wishes.

We'll all be happy if it's a false alarm.....

[Odin2005]

15. UGH!

:hug:

[MissMarple]

18. God Bless.

[mtowngman]

19. Good luck, man

Glad to hear you're following up. I have family history and had a psa every year since I was 45. Been lucky so far. Best wishes to you.