Crazy fast spike in PSA - anyone experience similar?

[jazzlover2]

All, I am new to this board and humbled by the camaraderie I am seeing here. I am 57 years old. Over the coarse of a year, my PSA went from 2.4 to 3.4, and when my urologist sent me for a 4K test and another PSA I ended up in high-risk (63%) on the 4K and saw that my PSA spiked to over 12! This is just 3 months after my 3.4 score, which was already disturbing. Not feeling great at the moment and have an MRI and biopsy scheduled. Anyone else hear of stats and sudden spikes like these?

[Tall_Allen]

Sudden spikes like that are often indicative of prostatitis. 4Kscore is less influenced by prostatitis but it still has an influence.

[lavis in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thank you, for your response.

I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate your opinions and advice.

[Tall_Allen in reply to lavis]

I was responding to jazzlover2, who has not been treated. Your case is very different.

[lavis in reply to Tall_Allen]

Sorry, for my mistake.

Would you have any suggestions for me to follow, in my situation?

Thank You!

[Tall_Allen in reply to lavis]

What is your situation? Maybe start a new thread rather than kidnapping this one.

[lavis in reply to Tall_Allen]

Sorry, did not realize I was doing any kidnappong and apologize to anyone I may have offended.

I Just thought I asking for advice.

[Tall_Allen in reply to lavis]

Start your own thread- it's free

[jazzlover2 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks Tall Allen - Just had an MRI confirming a mass that is thankfully contained within the prostate. Going for a biopsy in a few days. Thanks for your answer and support.

[timotur]

I had the 4K Score before biopsy, and it was spot on at 77, which means 77% or greater chance of a Gleason 7 or greater. Subsequent biopsy showed Gleason 7 (3+4).

[jazzlover2 in reply to timotur]

Thanks timotur - MRI showed I do have a mass contained within the prostate. In a few days I have a biopsy that will confirm the accuracy of my 4K... Appreciate your reply

[j-o-h-n]

I had a spike from a 3.0 to a 4.0 within a year and had to go for a biopsy.. And "bingo" here I is....Tell us more about yourself if you don't mind. Location? Treatment center? Doctor's names? Do NOT panic.... you have time to make decisions. Try to see a Medical Oncologist before you do anything. Note: If you need a needle biopsy ask the doc to put you out... They don't like to do that... but if I had to do it all over again I would say to the Doctor "I'm out if I'm not out". Again... You have plenty of time to make decisions, and btw bring someone with you when you see your doctors (we generally blank out).

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 08/16/2019 5:16 PM DST

[lavis in reply to j-o-h-n]

Hi John!

I was diagnosed in 2012 with PC.

I was started on Lupton immediately, for 2 years.

At the time, my PSA was 6 with a Gleason score of 8.

I started external guided radiation treatment for 2 months at Scripps Radiation Center, in La Jolla, California.

Five years later, I developed Bladder Cystitis, caused by the radiation.

I finally got that resolved, with the help of Hyperbaric Chamber treatments, at UCSD, in San Diego. I have not had any issues for over a year, with the exception of my PSA almost tripling last month, from 0.14 to 0.33.

I hope Tall Allen's response is applicable, in my case.

I am now 77 and must admit these last 7 years have been a wild ride.

Just trying to maintain a positive attitude be thankful for all the good things in life.

[j-o-h-n in reply to lavis]

'Just trying to maintain a positive attitude be thankful for all the good things in life.'

Now that's the tude dude......I try to maintain a humorous attitude... 77 years young... I bet you make it to at least 98.6..... so -

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Saturday 08/17/2019 7:29 PM DST

[jazzlover2 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Hi John I was the OP in this string. Some additional info: I'm in the NYC area, currently using my NYU Langone urologist Dr Marans and plan to consult with Dr S at Sloan Kettering and get my biopsy reviewed by his lab as well - that is what my brother-in-law just did. Will take it from there. Biopsy is next week. Thanks for your spirited response to my post!

[j-o-h-n in reply to jazzlover2]

I'm at Sloan too, Dr. Michael Morris.... the Kimmel center on 68th. I'm in NYC. If I can help let me know....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Saturday 08/31/2019 12:08 PM DST - Pinnes

[jazzlover2 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Will do, thanks for the support!

[westof]

Hey Jazz, I think I can relate to your post. Below is the 1st post that I made to this great forum. It is only reflective of my experience. Its a chronology and perhaps a template for others. I don't claim to possess the experience and knowledge of others. Tall_Allen, AlanMeyer and Lulu700 come to mind. My dx was 1 year ago and after reaching a PSA doubling high of 28 I've been clocking in at <0.014 since May.

Best wishes,

AJ

"To those newly diagnosed"

2 years ago my PSA started creeping up. Met with my urologist and decided to try a liquid biopsy (Exosome) and my scores were encouraging. On a scale of 0 to 100, mine was 22 ( with a cutoff of 15.6 ) and I thought I was stable.

However, as time went on, that reassurance was short lived. My PSA started to double at an alarming rate, until it reached 28 the following year. After doing tons of research, I decided to opt for a MRI Fusion biopsy . My Insurance wouldn't cover it, however, I negotiated a “contracted rate” of $1400 (down from the standard rate of $2500) with AD RAD. Worth EVERY penny!

Results: Gleason 9, stage 3. I was referred to a local hospital oncologist and after doing a bone scan (negative), he suggested a treatment of 45 days of EBT. I had studied other similar cases (especially Rudy Giuliani, who was diagnosed in 2000 and opted for ADT, Brachytherapy and EBT) and came to the conclusion that 45 days was not the treatment I needed.

Next stop, Memorial Sloan Kettering! Met with Dr. S and he agreed that I needed the 3 types of treatment. Also did a CAP CT scan to see if other organs were clean (also negative,whew!)

So far I’ve had ADT (Casodex with Lupron and now Lupron with Zytiga, with a side of predisone). HDR Brachytherapy (April 26th) and have completed 10 days (of 25) of EBT. Bottom line, no side effects and I feel great.

I’m writing this to those who have been newly diagnosed. Don’t panic, find the best Doc’s and follow the program religiously.

Here is my motto: “I refuse to live the rest of my life in a constant state of anxiety, nor will I allow myself to be entombed in a cocoon of dread”.

Best to all.

[jazzlover2 in reply to westof]

Westof, thanks for your inspirational message. Had an MRI confirming a mass contained within my prostate, biopsy in a few days and will take it from there. I like your attitude but am not there quite yet!

[westof in reply to jazzlover2]

Hmm... My dx was 1 year ago. My urologist called me and demanded that I see him that day! When we met he explained "AJ, you have a sack full of cancer, Gleason 9" (he cupped his hand to drive home the point). I knew him before I was a patient and my only response was, " Doc, you REALLY have to work on your bedside manner!).

So, try to calm down and wait for the biopsy results( don't try to infer anything!). Once you know, then you act. Try to find the best of the best and always get a 2nd opinion.

Best,

AJ

[tom67inMA]

My PSA went from 2 to 216 in 13 months, diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer with many bone mets at age 50. Details in my profile.

At least check my PSA was undetectable and my bone scan was much less intense. In October I'll run a half marathon to celebrate one year since diagnosis (last ran a half in 2013). It's been a life changing experience, and not all bad.

Hopefully in your case it is just an infection. But if you do get worse news it's not the end. Many men, including myself, have come out the other side and are enjoying life.