[2006] Hey Guys...anyone having prostate problems?/Merged

[Phil B]

Re: Hey Guys...anyone having prostate problems?

I did almost the same thing that Dave M did. I was in my late 60's at the time.

Gleeson at 6 with 3 out of eight hits in the biopsy. PSA at 4.8.

Seeds implant in AM was fairly easy but stayed in hospital until I could go 100 CC's which happened at 7:30 PM. Nurse was tough. You don't pee you don't go home. I drank at least 3 gallons of water.

Dr. warned me will experience very uncomfortable burning during urination for between 6 months and a year maximum. Maybe less if I am lucky. He told me he gave me a pretty big dose (120 seeds)

I went a year and a half with the burning, almost to the day - then it stopped - cold.
Been almost two years since it stopped and I am absolutely fine. No burning and very seldom get up a night. PSA at 1.1 for last three years.

I take a low dosage of Flowmax once per night.

I spent a lot of time researching on the internet and talking to friends who have prostate cancer. For me, the seeds were the way to go. So far, it's been a good decision.

Just get a good radiation urologist.

 

[bogey21]

Re: Hey Guys...anyone having prostate problems?

...if PSA is not below 4, time for biopsy

The old rule of thumb was that you needent worry unless your PSA exceeded 4. Today more emphasis is being placed on PSADT (PSA Doubling Time). Basic premis is that if your PSA doubles in 12 months or less, you really need to pay close attention.

GEORGE

 

[breezylawn]

Re: Hey Guys...anyone having prostate problems?

Thank you all for your advice and well wishes...so far, I've been examined by two doctors, given medication and just went for the biopsy. I will get the results back sometime next week. For now, I'm feeling great and trying not to worry. I did, however, see that great article in Sunday's Chgo Tribune on prostate surgery and the new Robotic surgery. If I must, then that's the way I'll go! Thanks again!

 

[bogey21]

Re: Hey Guys...anyone having prostate problems?

I did, however, see that great article in Sunday's Chgo Tribune on prostate surgery and the new Robotic surgery. If I must, then that's the way I'll go! Thanks again!

Don't dismiss Cryosurgery (freezing the prostate) out of hand. I had it (successfully) for a relapse post radiation which is a little risky but talked to a number of people who had Cryo as a primary treatment and they swear by it. Catheter out and back at work in a week vs 3 weeks, etc.

GEORGE

 

[RonaldCol]

Re: Ask you Doctor about Flomax

Flomax - Once a day

http://www.4flomax.com/

I took myself off flomax and replaced it with saw palmetto. It does an effective job of reducing the size of the enlarging prostate. Not only is saw palmetto a natural herb it also has no or fewer side affects than flomax. Cheaper too.

 

[Lee B]

Re: Ask you Doctor about Flomax

Not only is saw palmetto a natural herb it also has no or fewer side affects than flomax. Cheaper too.

I took saw palmetto before the PSA went scary, and it helped me pee. The theory is that it interrupts prostate swelling, maybe even shrinks it.

After my radiation treatment, I asked the urologist whether I had any reason to continue it. She said that saw palmetto would influence my future PSA tests, so she recommended I either discontinue it or keep it up for the rest of my life. If I stopped in the future, my PSA would show an increase which may result in a false positive. So I stopped taking it.

 

[turkel]

Re: Hey Guys...anyone having prostate problems?

My 91yr old grandfather has had prostate Ca. for more than 8plus yrs. The doctors did not want to treat him as they said something else probably would kill him first at his age. He insisted on treatment. He is sharp as a tack. He choose chemical tx as opposed to surgery. Prostate Ca. is very slow growing and at your age if you have it I would assume to be early and treatable. Good luck, I am sure you'll be fine but defineatly see your doctor. Pam

 

[RonaldCol]

Re: Ask you Doctor about Flomax

I took saw palmetto before the PSA went scary, and it helped me pee. The theory is that it interrupts prostate swelling, maybe even shrinks it.

After my radiation treatment, I asked the urologist whether I had any reason to continue it. She said that saw palmetto would influence my future PSA tests, so she recommended I either discontinue it or keep it up for the rest of my life. If I stopped in the future, my PSA would show an increase which may result in a false positive. So I stopped taking it.

I haven't checked with my urologist but it was he who prescribed flomax. A grammar school friend who is a practicing cardiologist told me that he doesn't take flomax. He's the same age as me (57). He told me he takes some product for his balding head of hair that has some drugs in it that functions similarly to what flomax does.

I dislike ingesting chemicals, particularly prescription drugs, as a matter of policy. Don't like the side effects and would prefer to tackle health problems via natural remedies. The internet is a wealth of information and that is how I found the benefits of saw palmetto. I would think that the abnormally high PSA reading upon discontinuation of the use of saw palmetto would only be a temporary phenomenon; the body's PSA reading would stabilize after a short period of not using saw palmetto and the reading would return to normalcy. Of course, this is my conjecture.

 

[breezylawn]

Re: Hey Guys...anyone having prostate problems?

Many thanks to all you Tuggers for your helpful suggestions. My biopsy came back and unfortunately it did turn out to be cancer. Yesterday, I had a bone scan, a cat scan, and now I am awaiting results as to whether or not the cancer has spread. I am trying to remain optimistic, but this is very difficult.
Once the results are in, I will be better informed as to what choices I have as far as surgery is concerned. My wife, is voting for robotic surgery since she read a wonderful article on it. I shall keep you posted. As for all of you guys over 50, please do not do what I did, and wait just because you are feeling fine. Get your prostate checked annually. Bill

 

[cindi]

Re: Hey Guys...anyone having prostate problems?

I am sorry the news is bad.

But the good part is that now you know you can start making a very imformed decision.

Good luck to you, and please keep us posted.

 

[breezylawn]

Re: Hey Guys...anyone having prostate problems?

To all of you Tuggers who responded, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Although the diagnosis of cancer sounds grim, the prognosis of recovering is 90%. My urologist sent me to a Prostate Cancer Specialist who says I need injections to shrink the cancer somewhat, then proceed with our decision of 'seeds' to destroy the cancer. Everyone has been positive and kind. I have been poked, and prodded. I've had an ultra-sound, cat scan, catheters, and blood work. I've had 5 doctor appts in the last 3 weeks.Now, I can rest up, think positive and solemnly promise my wife to have an annual physical. So, guys I admit it. This has certainly been a wake up call for me.
Just because you feel good, doesn't necessarily mean you don't need an annual check up. With my wife by my side, and God's help, I'll be just fine!

 

[Lee B]

Re: Hey Guys...anyone having prostate problems?

With my wife by my side, and God's help, I'll be just fine!

That not only is the right attitude, it's probably true. You will have something hanging over you, but by staying vigilant and responsible, you will carry on for a long time. That's my wish for you!

 

[bogey21]

Re: Hey Guys...anyone having prostate problems?

... and solemnly promise my wife to have an annual physical.

Seems to me that you should also have PSAs taken quarterly or semi-annually, at least during the 1st year after having the seeds implanted.

GEORGE

 

[turkel]

Re: Hey Guys...anyone having prostate problems?

Sorry to hear you have CA but I am sure with the proper care you will be fine. Many men have been living for years and years and years after diagnosis. Keep your thoughts positive and I'll be wishing you well as I am sure many tuggers are as well.

 

[taffy19]

Re: Hey Guys...anyone having prostate problems?

Thank you all for your advice and well wishes...so far, I've been examined by two doctors, given medication and just went for the biopsy. I will get the results back sometime next week. For now, I'm feeling great and trying not to worry. I did, however, see that great article in Sunday's Chgo Tribune on prostate surgery and the new Robotic surgery. If I must, then that's the way I'll go! Thanks again!

Wishing you the best and a positive attitude makes all the difference in the world. We have a friend, who had esophagus cancer and only 11% survive it but he was positive too and he is one of the 11%. You have never seen such a large scar in your life (bigger yet than heart surgery) but he is mountain climbing again and will be 70 next year plus he is bell ringing again too in the churches of Wales which takes a lot of force so the scar has healed up completely too.

 

[taffy19]

Re: Ask you Doctor about Flomax

I haven't checked with my urologist but it was he who prescribed flomax. A grammar school friend who is a practicing cardiologist told me that he doesn't take flomax. He's the same age as me (57). He told me he takes some product for his balding head of hair that has some drugs in it that functions similarly to what flomax does.

I dislike ingesting chemicals, particularly prescription drugs, as a matter of policy. Don't like the side effects and would prefer to tackle health problems via natural remedies. The internet is a wealth of information and that is how I found the benefits of saw palmetto. I would think that the abnormally high PSA reading upon discontinuation of the use of saw palmetto would only be a temporary phenomenon; the body's PSA reading would stabilize after a short period of not using saw palmetto and the reading would return to normalcy. Of course, this is my conjecture.

My DH buys a product "Super Beta Prostate) that contains Beta sitosterols as a precaution for the prostrate. We read the book they advertised on TV and it supposedly also lowers cholesterol, if I remember right.

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]What are Beta-sitosterols?[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Beta-sitosterol is the active sterol ingredient in saw palmetto berries, which have been used for years as a supplement to support prostate health. In order to obtain the same amounts of beta-sitosterols contained in this formula, you would have to take over one hundred saw palmetto capsules![/FONT]​

If you contemplate ordering it, ask for the book also as they advertise that if you order the product from the TV infomercial. It was interesting to read and I read it too.

I hope this is not an advertisement but I have nothing to do with this company. Please, delete this post, if not allowed.

 

[nkldavy]

From the University of Pennsylvania ...

... here's one who believes in early testing, and with good news if you do. See:

http://www.kyw1060.com/pages/62657.php

Uncle Davey

 

[bcurtis35]

Oh boy, blood in my urine, not a good sign...off to the doc at my wife's insistance...physician finds small lump on my prostate....now I'm off to urologist....has anyone had this problem? Is this the beginning of prostate cancer???? Should I start making out my will??? Blood test results have not come back, and I'm being pre-mature, but my wife swears by this site and how helpful everyone is...any advice? Any holistic methods in the meantime?
Bill

Breezylawn,

Don't panic. First question? What's your PSA? If it is over 4.0 you definitely want to get a biopsy to determine if you have prostate cancer, and how much. If you don't know what it is ask your urologist. There are a lot of causes that could cause blood in the urine...some bad some not so bad. In any case, your wife is right. Find out. The docs estimate 85% of the males in the US will have cancer in the prostate. The good news is that it usually is a very slow developing cancer taking as long as 25 years before it is a problem.

I was diagnosed with cancer of the Prostate 4 years and and had the radioactive seeds implanted and my PSA went from 5.0 to .025 and has stayed that way since the operation.

When you get the answers repost and we can give you answers and places on the Internet to become educated

Best of luck

Brad Curtis




h

 

[Wonka]

Prostrate Cancer - Is 4.0 the threshold?

This is a very good thread for male TUG members. I'm posting to "bump" it and keep it active for others that may not have read the thread.

I'm not sure when I had my last PSA, we've moved too many times, and there have been far too many disruptions in our life.

We moved to FL 2-1/2 years ago and I finally found a local physician that accepts our insurance plan, although I'm probably going to look for another. She's Indian, and it's hard to understand her. Anyway, I had a very limited physical last week. I thought it would be more comprehensive. All I got was blood work, listening to my chest, and a digital prostrate scan. I was surprised a digital scan meant finger digits in a glove inserted into the rear end (LOL). Anyway, I learned my cholesterol was elevated somewhat. She said to avoid cheese. I'm not sure why, I don't eat that much cheese...but do like it. And, there was no mention of a prostrate problem and the reading wasn't given to me. I plan on stopping by the Dr office tomorrow to obtain the reading after reading this thread. I did go online, and I'm not sure a reading of 4.0 is the baseline. It seems that some physicians believe it needs to be age-adjusted. Does anyone have any input on this?

 

[Bruce W]

PSA

One thing I found out is that unless the same Lab is used on each test there can be differences in the results. I had a PSA that was just a bit over 4, the Doctor said to take it again and sent it to the same Lab as the last one, and the results were 2. something, just like the last one. I know the question could come up about maybe the low lab is wrong, but, for trending, it was ok. I did have a biopsy anyway, and it was ok.


Re the Flomax, one Tugger said that it reduced the size of the prostate. I was under the impression that it shrinks the membrane around the urethra to allow better flow. I think that Avodart and similar drugs reduce the prostate.

Any "experts"?

 

[Wonka]

One thing I found out is that unless the same Lab is used on each test there can be differences in the results. I had a PSA that was just a bit over 4, the Doctor said to take it again and sent it to the same Lab as the last one, and the results were 2. something, just like the last one. I know the question could come up about maybe the low lab is wrong, but, for trending, it was ok. I did have a biopsy anyway, and it was ok.


Re the Flomax, one Tugger said that it reduced the size of the prostate. I was under the impression that it shrinks the membrane around the urethra to allow better flow. I think that Avodart and similar drugs reduce the prostate.

Any "experts"?

Why would you have a biopsy done if the PSA was just a "bit over 4". I thought that was in the tolerance range?
Did the Dr. suggest a biopsy, or did the digital test show something?

 

[Bruce W]

My GP did the "glove test" and said it was a bit enlarged and because of the PSA , sent me to a urologist. He did the biopsy. It was nothing, just sounded like a staple gun, very little discomfort. At the time I felt it was worth checking it out.

 

[KenK]

John:
I think you ought to ask the Dr for a PSA test. The number matters, but what really matters is the difference between readings over a period of time.

Four might be fine. So might 5. But if the reading a few years ago was 4, and the now reads 8 or 12, that's something they consider as a warning.....it's the difference between readings.

It might not mean ca, but it makes it necessary to do more checking.

Many Drs check of the slot for PSA when they give an exam that includes blood testing...for blood fats, liver functions, blood cell counts & so on.

If you ever had a blood test, and have the results somewhere in your paperwork, maybe there is a PSA number?

 

[bogey21]

Why would you have a biopsy done if the PSA was just a "bit over 4". I thought that was in the tolerance range?

Caught my cancer when PSA went from 1 to 2.75 in 11 months. My urologist focuses more on doubling time than any absolute level.

GEORGE

 

[Wonka]

John:
I think you ought to ask the Dr for a PSA test. The number matters, but what really matters is the difference between readings over a period of time.

Four might be fine. So might 5. But if the reading a few years ago was 4, and the now reads 8 or 12, that's something they consider as a warning.....it's the difference between readings.

It might not mean ca, but it makes it necessary to do more checking.

Many Drs check of the slot for PSA when they give an exam that includes blood testing...for blood fats, liver functions, blood cell counts & so on.

If you ever had a blood test, and have the results somewhere in your paperwork, maybe there is a PSA number?

I had a PSA test, they just didn't provide the number. I'll call them.