now what? - Cancer: Prostate Message Board

drb46 · 10-23-2008, 09:27 AM

If you read my previous posts, you know that I was very reluctant to have a prostate biopsy. I'm 63, and my PSA history is:

2/18/05 1.7
2/17/06 2.3
2/23/07 2.0
3/05/08 3.4
9/09/08 3.9

So, I finally went and had a biopsy on 10/10/08. The results were no cancer, no infection, prostate not enlarged. So now what do I do? Because, if I do nothing then probably my PSA numbers will stay the same or increase and then they will want to do another biopsy. I know that it's the only way to know for sure, but I also think that it certainly is not a good thing to do to yourself. By the way, I went to a local urologist and he took 10 samples, about half of those felt like he used no anesthetic. I guess that he just didn't spread the lidocaine around or use enough of it. It did hurt.

Should I get another opinion on the biopsy reports from a different lab? Could I request a PCA3plus test before i agree to another biopsy, it's a urine test as I understand it and therefore not as invasive. Would changing my diet and exercising more help anything?

I feel as though I've gone through all of this and still I know nothing.

Thanks for letting me rant a little.

mark16 · 10-23-2008, 09:55 AM

First of all discuss this with your MD.

You could consider saturation biopsy, which are usually at least 16 biospies.

Also there is a urine test- the urologist first masages the prostate and looks for something in the post massage urine sample that is associated with prostate cancer. Sorry I cannot recall exactly the substance they look for.

daff · 10-23-2008, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drb46

...So, I finally went and had a biopsy on 10/10/08. The results were no cancer, no infection, prostate not enlarged. So now what do I do? ....
I feel as though I've gone through all of this and still I know nothing....

Sounds to me like you know a lot-- no obvious signs of cancer is great news.
It obviously makes sense to talk with your doctor about any concerns you may have, but to keep checking PSAs every 6 months should let you know if you'll need another biopsy down the road. Maybe you'll stablize at your current level.

Have you read a good general text, like the latest edition by Patrick Walsh?
There's quite a bit of good information so this all isn't so mysterious.

drb46 · 10-23-2008, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daff

Sounds to me like you know a lot-- no obvious signs of cancer is great news.
It obviously makes sense to talk with your doctor about any concerns you may have, but to keep checking PSAs every 6 months should let you know if you'll need another biopsy down the road. Maybe you'll stablize at your current level.

Have you read a good general text, like the latest edition by Patrick Walsh?
There's quite a bit of good information so this all isn't so mysterious.

Thanks for the replies.

I hate trying to discuss things with any doctor.....I don't even like doctors, but that's just me.

I did order 4 books on prostate cancer from Amazon this morning, so maybe I can educate myself.....

daff · 10-23-2008, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drb46

....
I did order 4 books on prostate cancer from Amazon this morning, so maybe I can educate myself.....

While the doctors certainly have their point of view (urologists most often recommend surgery and radiation docs, radiation or brachytherapy), there's obviously a lot more knowledge than we on this board are trained to have. So while you might get advice here, it's usually based on personal experience and second-hand discussions, vs an in-depth medical education and years of experience.

All that being said, prostate cancer has many treatment alternatives-- and with your starting by reading books, that's good. Knowing the questions to ask can be very important. I made lists of questions as I was reviewing the books- and these did become very useful as I wanted to challenge opinions and learn about more than one alternative.