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

[Loggie]

My husband has had blood in his urine twice. Both times he went to the urologist and everything was fine. He had to take cipro both times.

Think positive!

 

[rod]

For what it is worth, this is my story of what happened after an increase in my prostate-specific antigen (PSA) that turned up during an annual physical exam.

The urologist I was referred to first put me on antibiotics for a period of time, then another PSA test. The number was higher still, so the next step was an ultrasound, then a biopsy.

After the presence of prostate cancer was confirmed by the biopsy, the urologist provided me with a list of options; since I was relatively young (62) and in good health, with a Gleason score between 6 and 7, I was a candidate for any and all of the treatment options.

After considering the situation, I decided that I would go with radiation therapy; if further PSA tests indicated that the radiation had not been successful, there was always surgery as backup. When I told the doctor this, he explained to me the flaw in my plan. It seems that after the radiation therapy has been completed, the PSA tests are not to be trusted for at least 12 months. So, it would be well over a year before we would know if surgery would be required despite the radiation therapy.

(The radiation is applied in such a way as to destroy the cancerous cells, but the radiation also does bad things to the otherwise healthy cells that make up the prostate, not to mention the surrounding tissues. In response, these healthy prostate cells become inflamed and the PSA score will increase for a period of time. It is necessary for everything to heal and stabilize before the PSA test results become trustworthy.)

So, to make a long story short, I elected for immediate surgery using the da Vinci technique 2-1/2 years ago. Since the incisions healed, I have been returning to the urologist who did the surgery every 6 months for a follow-up. So far my PSA levels have been nearly undetectable, and this makes the doctor very happy; and when he tells me we have reason to be very happy, then I am very happy.

 

[Miss Marty]

Biosafe

Our family uses "Biosafe Home Testing Kits" in between yearly lab work.
We have used the kits to test for Cholesterol, Diabetes & Prostate PSA
Accurate and Easy to Use - Buy - stick - mail - wait for test results.

 

[bogey21]

After considering the situation, I decided that I would go with radiation therapy; if further PSA tests indicated that the radiation had not been successful, there was always surgery as backup [Emphasis Added].

I'm not sure this statement is correct. Could be, but my recollection is that surgery is not an option after failed radiation. In my case I opted for cryo-surgery (freezing the prostate to minus 140 degrees) on one side of my prostate after the cancer reappeared there. That was a couple of years ago and I have been clean since.

GEORGE

 

[AwayWeGo]

Or, As Andy Sipowicz Always Called It . . .

. . . prostrate problems.​

Fortunately P.A.A. John Irwin . . .

. . . was on hand to correct Andy's pronunciation.
( In a polite & respectful manner. )​

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[easyrider]

I went in to the doctor last year with a prostrate issue. This problem seemed to happen very quickly like a food poisoning. The doctor did a prostrate examination ( irregular hardend prostate) and psa test (9.5) and sent me to the urologist. The urologist concurred except only half my prostate was hard and my psa had dropped to under 6. I started drinking this stuff called fequensea in the first week after my problem and lots of cranberry juice. My prostrate is now normal feeling and my psa under 1.5. I wouldn't do a biopsy because I felt that I am getting better and that my problem came on so fast that it was an infection. So after 5 finger examinations and 3 psa test the doctor just wants to check my prostrate every 6 months.

The frequency juice is a phytoplanton concentration. I'm kind of a skeptic but think it may have helped. Also a friend of mine is using a product called manatek and feels it has helped him stay in remission from lymph node problems. Another friend drinks xango after breast cancer.
I don't know the real science about all this stuff but from my personal experience I'm willing to try holistic approaches. If you want more info google frequensea or manatek. I drank 2 ounces a day for two months then one ounce a day for two months and then a half ounce a day for two months. Now I only drink cranberry juice and no frequensea.

I hope every thing works out your way. Good Luck.

 

[Mel7706]

Yes!! you should have a will.

The will is necessary regardless of your current health status. Good luck on your treatment!

 

[Miss Marty]

Hey Guys...anyone having prostate problems?


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[Miss Marty]

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

Remember to have your "PSA Total" Tested!

 

[pcgirl54]

For the Older gentleman

Breezylawn,

My Dad is 90 and takes Casodex daily and an injection every 4 months to eliminate the 10% of the cancer that Casodex does not take care of. He has been on this drug for 4 years with a PSA of 2.0 from 83. It has been monitored with scans and had excellent results as the cancer is contained to the prostate.

We now need to modifiy the treatment since it has recently started to climb. He will have scan tests this week to see if the cancer has spread. His doc says that over time sometimes you become immune to Casodex. So we will see what the best course of action for someone who is 90 after finding out the test results.

Dad had not been to a doc in more than 20 years. He had an incident of kidney failure a few years before and wears a superpubic tube. He was not feeling well and told no one because he was caring for my mother at home who had Alzheimers. I thought he had pneumonia but he was in kidney failure.

I forced him to go to the doctor and asked them to do a PSA screen which my brother thought was silly due to Dad's age. This is the test showed he had prostate cancer with a score of 83. Since then my brother and husband have had normal PSA screenings.

There are so many options for you because you are far younger than he. Glad you went for the test. Too many men do not have regular physicals or ignore medical issues that need to be addressed sooner. Good that you went and glad that you posted in hopes other members will have a PSA screening.

Please keep us posted. You will make the decision that is right for you.

 

[Jaybee]

...The rest of the story....?

I wish Breezylawn had kept us posted, as promised. No news since July of '06? I'd be very interested to learn how things went for him and what he opted for. Does anyone know?

My husband has had prostate exams a couple of time in past years, when his PSA count was high, but it was not a cause for concern. It's been quite a long time, but he had a physical recently, and his Internist sent him to a Urologist. His count last time was 11.5, so he's scheduled for a biopsy next week. He goes to doctors frequently for heart problems, and various other things, but he hadn't had a general physical in 4 yrs., so I'm very glad I urged him to do that. (Better late than.....)

This has been an educational thread to read, and I thank you all for your input.

 

[AwayWeGo]

My Prostate Was O. K. . . .

. . . until I started reading this discussion topic.

Now I'm starting to feel some twinges. Sheesh.

The doctor who did my medicare physical in January said to come back for a new PSA test in June. Since that's now 2 months overdue, I guess I'll go for the retest pretty soon.

It's always something.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[rapmarks]

My oncologist told me that if an 80 year old comes in wanting to be treated for prostate cancer, they won't treat him unless he brings his father along. In other words, it takes so long to kill you, you will outlive it.
But then you read about the cases of those who died from it, and you wonder.

 

[Jaybee]

I neglected to mention that our internist used the term "prostrate" several times, which makes me wonder about his credentials. I hope he wasn't predicting the future! Jean

 

[AwayWeGo]

Better Late Than Never.

OK, I showed up at the doctor's office today for my follow-up PSA blood test that I was spozed to get done 2 months ago.

Don't Call Us, they said, We'll Call You.

( Oh goody. I can hardly wait. )

I don't know how much longer I would have conveniently "forgotten" without all these reminders right here on TUG-BBS.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[AwayWeGo]

Internist, Shminternist.

I neglected to mention that our internist used the term "prostrate" several times, which makes me wonder about his credentials.

If your internist says prostrate -- no problem.

If your urologist says prostrate -- b-i-g problem.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[bogey21]

I wouldn't do a biopsy because I felt that I am getting better and that my problem came on so fast that it was an infection.

You could be right but I wouldn't shy away from having a biopsy. What if you actually have prostate cancer and don't have the biopsy? I've had biopsies three times and don't consider the procedure at all painful. Just relax, watch the monitor and carry on a conversation with the urologist. To me the actual taking of the tissue samples feels like getting your ear pierced. No big deal.

George

 

[AwayWeGo]

Saw Palmetto Any Good ?

Do those saw palmetto dietary supplements provide any noticeable prostate health benefits ?

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[Jaybee]

Alan...LOL! I'm sure you're right. I hadn't thought of it that way. Jean

If your internist says prostrate -- no problem.

If your urologist says prostrate -- b-i-g problem.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[isisdave]

I just read someone's description of the biopsy experience as similar to having six earrings installed. I've always shied away from piercings, but if that's all it is, I may reconsider.

 

[easyrider]

I read an article about how an infection could spread by having a biopsy done, so I decided to wait it out. From what I read my symptom's were in line with an infection. This disagreement with my doctor wasn't the first and wont be the last.
On a really courageous story our sister in law, Terry, finally passed away from her lung cancer. www.mybumpintheroad.com
sad deal......

 

[taffy19]

I read an article about how an infection could spread by having a biopsy done, so I decided to wait it out. From what I read my symptom's were in line with an infection. This disagreement with my doctor wasn't the first and wont be the last.
On a really courageous story our sister in law, Terry, finally passed away from her lung cancer. www.mybumpintheroad.com
sad deal......

What a very sad story and it made me cry and how sad for the children to lose their Mom so young. It must be so hard to lose someone in the family you love so much. My condolences to you, easyrider.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

I neglected to mention that our internist used the term "prostrate" several times, which makes me wonder about his credentials. I hope he wasn't predicting the future! Jean

In the classic hymn "Crown Him with many Crowns", one of the lines in the first verse is "Let Angels prostrate fall". I can never hear that phrase without thinking "Let angels' prostates fall". I just can't help it.

 

[M. Henley]

Not Now

Been taking the infamous Avodart for a couple of years. Shrunk it right up!!

 

[Bruce W]

A voice from long ago

Great to see you post again, Melvin. How are things going down there in Kentucky?

Bruce W