Confused re symptoms

[EETOFF]

I have had PSA checked at 9.5. My DRE test found irregular feel to Prostate.

I am now waiting for results of Biopsy

I have no other symptoms and feel very fit and well.

I am confused as I would expect other symptoms

[Scruffybut1]

I had no symptoms until Nov 2014. First PSA 167. In 4 weeks at 200. Was told I had most likely had PCa for at least 2 years prior and showed Gleason 9, all sectors of prostate cancerous and metastases of 20 bone sites, seminal vesicles gone, all lower lymph nodes and more. Incurable. Am not alone as PCa like so many other cancers including breast cancers need not give warning symptoms. Remember, we are all different and our bodies respond differently. We don't all like the same foods or drinks. On a positive note most of my bone metastases gone. My PSA Tuesday this week 0.18. Good luck.Good health and don't worry. Be positive.

[kungfumum]

Hi There

My husband was diagnosed by chance, turned out to be an aggressive cancer, with a PSA of 230, grossly enlarged prostate, gleason score of 9, with no option of surgery as had spread to lymph nodes, seminal vesicles. He had absolutely no symptoms, just happened to be having a family discussion about members of the family with prostate cancer and thought he ought to have a check up!! Diagnosis March 2015, started on Zoladex hormone therapy injections (for 36 months) with addition of Bicalutadmide as not responding too well to hormone therapy, in August this year completed nearly 8 weeks of daily radiotherapy and pleased to say PSA down to 0.14. The Professor said it was an excellent outcome. So go along and get your necessary treatment, even if you don't have any symptoms, the outcome is promising. Good luck

[Uncletone in reply to kungfumum]

I had a urinary tract infection leading to sepsis which put me in hospital for a week, during which a PSA of (apparently modest in the present company) 32. They put it down as a side effect of the sepsis, but monitored it fo a year or so, whilst it slowly came down to 5. At this point I had a rectal exam, which revealed nothing, bu the doc sent me for an MRI "just to make sure, because the PSA took a long time to come down".

The MRI showed a slight abnormality, and a biopsy showed a slight, microscopic cancer present. Again the doc wasn't convinced, so I had the full template biopsy (God bless anaesthesia!). That revealed an aggressive stage 3 cancer, Gleeson score 9.

At no time before this had I any symptoms whatsoever! Nothing! I never had to get up in the night...

Since then (nearly three months), tablets, four weeks radiotherapy, and continuing quarterly injections. Current PSA 0.2, and told this is "remission".

I have just managed to get through two nights without any nocturnal peeing. I'm feeling hopeful.

[Hidden in reply to kungfumum]

That is an amazing response and lowering of PSA! My dad had a PSA of less than 10 but as far as I know his treatment never brought his PSA down into the 0's-from a PSA of 230 down to 0.14 is incredible. I can't help thinking why this didn't happen for my dad but glad you are having a good outcome and hope it continues.

[HughG]

Hi There. Prostate cancer symptoms vary from person to person. This is one of the reasons it is so difficult to diagnose and often overlooked until too late. Nobody can comment on what is wrong with you until the result of the biopsy. It might not be as bad as you are thinking.

However, if it is the worst result and it has metastasised, although it is not curable, there are many treatments now to keep you well and healthy for a very long time.

I was diagnosed in late 2005 with a PSA of 760, gleason 9 and a spread over most of my skeleton. Here I am nearly 11 years on, fit, healthy and taking an active roll in society.

Please report back when you have the results of the biopsy.

Good luck and best wishes

Hugh

[EETOFF in reply to HughG]

Hi Hugh got my results today. Caught in early stages. Gleason 7. Waiting for a meeting with all parties Oncologist Radiographer and others. The Hospital has been brilliant and lots of good words from people on this Forum.

[HughVG in reply to EETOFF]

Very pleased to hear this. You are fortunate that you have a curable condition.

Best wishes

Hugh

[Dr_WHO]

Sorry that you are here but hopefully you will get some good advice. Please know that there are about 27 different forms of prostate cancer. Many have different symptoms. I have Ductal cancer that did not raise my PSA or gave a positive digital exam until it was very advanced. Please note that there are a lot of men here with advanced cancer that are still living life to the fullest.

Hopefully the biopsy will be negative or show "mild" cancer with a Gleason score of 6 or less. Quite often active survalence is the best choice for these mild cancers. Even if your biopsy comes back with a higher Gleason score there is still reason for optimism. If it is high, you should get a CT/bone scan to determine if it has spread.

Let's hope that your time in this group is limited and that your biopsy is negative.

[Desanthony]

You say your Gleason score is 7 is that 3+4 or 4+3? This does make a difference. I have 3+4 at stage T3a. How old are you? Have you had any scans? Keep in touch so that we know how you are getting on. I wish I had had a scan and biopsy when my PSA was only 9 but the urologist procrastinated, the GP refused another PSA test within a year on cost grounds and then it had gone up again. Most Docs and consultants have told me that my chosen treatment of hormone therapy and radiotherapy is a probable cure. So you should have a similar prognosis I hope. Take good care and research all your options thoroughly. This is a good place to start asking questions as we are all going through a similar experience and you will be able to find some good information and tips on how to go through your journey.

Take good care of yourself.

[EETOFF in reply to Desanthony]

Hi thanks for your reply. My PSA was 9.5 and DRE was irregular but no other symptoms. I have had MRI and now biopsy. Gleason score is 7 but did not realise about combinations .

I have to meet again with Nurse in 1 week after experts meeting.

[Desanthony]

So glad you got your scan and biopsy done in the right order and this was all started at a pretty low PSA reading too. You should ask to get all your consultant and oncologists letters sent to you as well as your GP that way you get all the information. I have done this for many years and it is amazing how many things the GP did not see or read. One letter was put on file but not actioned at all. I only found this out 5 years later it had asked my GP to change the dose of my medication - I had done this anyway but it had never been changed on my prescription. I know the NHS is overworked and this is all the more reason to get all the information you can and be proactive. Good Luck. Keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on after your next meeting with the nurse.

Take care.