My dad is 53 years old and went in for an annual physical. They did a PSA test and his level was 111, so the dr. did a digital exam and suggested a second PSA test. The second results came back at 200!!! So the dr. ordered a biopsy, but we have to wait a few weeks for the insurance authorization and then get the appt. and wait for the results. We are very concerned and confused. Has anyone had similar circumstances? Please share.
Thanks,
Melissa

It sounds like your dad has a good chance of having prostrate cancer. My friend had simular numbers and was much older. He had a seed implant of radium I believe and it has cured the canser so far. It has been about 4 years since his treatment. There is also a treatment where they take out the prostrate all together. Pat Robertson of the 700 club had this procedure by a doctor in Miami and it also appears to be sucessful. I believe these two treatment options are the best but do some reasearch on your own. Your dad will need your help in making a decision on what treatment will be best for him as well as finding a
good doctor for these procedures. Good luck

[This message has been edited by KennyH (edited 04-21-2003).]

Kenny,
Thank you for your reply. It's good to hear that someone has had similar numbers and is hanging in there. We will have to research those 2 different options.
Thanks Again,
Melissa

I suggest you do a Google search on the Internet for prostate Cancer. There is abundant info on the 3 major protocols -Surgery, Seeds and External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) Some of it is very technical and some of it is surgeons pushing surgery and radiation oncologists pushing radiation. You will get to understand the significance of Gleason scores, PSA numbers and Stage numbers and Partin tables. And you will be able to ask the right questions. The sucess rates of the three protocols are roughly the same and the choice will depend on several factors including age and other health considerations. I strongly recommend finding a doctor who specializes in prostate cancer treatment. If Surgery is elected then find someone who does a dozen prostatectomies a week rather than once a month. All the major cities have "Cancer" centers In my case I originally opted for surgery but my urologist , because of my age (74) and history of heart problems recommended the seed implants. I went to see the Seed guy a radiation oncologist. I was a good candidate except that i had an enlarged prostate and the pelvic bone was in the way of how they implant the seeds. They might have shrunk my prostate with hormone therapy (which can take a while) but I chose EBRT

I should also let you know that I belong to Kaiser-Permanente Health plan. They have the best doctors I have ever encountered. No hassle about what the Insurance Company covers. Also when you get the Biopsy report get a "second opinion" from another urologist. Good luck

Well, we've received the diagnosis and yes it's cancer :-( He has a gleason score of 8, which isn't good. My dad has a bone scan and mri scheduled on June 11th and June 13th. We will get the final results and decide on treatment once we get the results from the other tests.

Melissa

Melissa
Sorry to hear your Dad has prostrate cancer. Keep us informed of how his treatment goes. He is very young and I pray it goes well.

Sorry to hear the diagnosis for your Dad. But remember, men that get prostate cancer can live for many many years. My father died of prostate cancer.....but he lived 10 years after being diagnosed without much treatment!!! Chin up!!!! Keep us informed!! Janetto

I don't know alot about PC, just know that my dad has it and when he found out they said he was in Stage 3. He found out one month after his brother died of the same thing but my uncle didn't find out he had it until he was well into Stage 4. He decided to have the surgery and that resulted in a fast growing bone cancer and he died a few months later. So of course that scared my dad into not having any surgery. He had pills and shots for a while until his count went to just over 100 and now it is pills and the drip bag for 2 hours once of month. He gets tired out sooner than he did but he is 80 years old. He has had they cancer now for 6.5 years and I hope he can hang in for many more years. One more thing, his count was down in the 30's the last time I heard. He has another blood test in a couple of weeks. I guess my reason for writing is if any one has Stage 3 or 4 check about the bone cancer risk before deciding to have surgery. Stay healthy.
KJ

I had all the scans today - there was nothing to these - especially when or if compared to the biopsy!

Meeting with urologist Friday - Friday the 13th - ironic??

Hope for the best for your dad! I am 49 and really not handling all this well -

My option is surgery - I just want to get on with life in whatever form it takes from here - it will be different -

best wishes -

Dear Melissa,
Unfortunately my father is also diagnosed with advanced PCa last June. I was wondering the results of your dad which was held last week. You and your family should be very much informed on PCa. Cause if it is spread to the bones which also means 'Advanced PCa', there are some treatment options and be sure that this cancer is the one which you should learn a lot about. There is a group of advanced prostate cancer patients who are really very much informed and help each other with what they are experiencing with this beast. So if you are in trouble in understanding things about PCa please visit and be a member of this group. They are maybe the ones who helped my father to be with us since last June. This group is a support group of PCa patients so they do NOT aim any benefits from it.

We don't have the results of the ct-scan and bone scan yet. We will have all the results on Monday, June 23rd. I'll let you know what we find out.
Melissa