PSA tests

Thank you, hespian. I think it means that the biopsy is only a random sample, so even if it comes back 'clear' the rest of the prostate may not be so. There was a prog on TV some time ago about another test they could do which looked at the whole of the prostate and so gave more accurate results. An MRI scan sounds a much better option, though, and less painful.

Oh dear Rosie what a time you've had, far worse than us. No, there is no alternative but to face it head on. I never thought in a million years I would react the way I did when someone told us DH had cancer. I thought I would go to pieces but something clicked in and I didn't. We were numb but then just got on with it. We kept it to ourselves for months as we didn't want to tell the family until we had to, we should have got an Oscar because nobody guessed Fortunately prostate cancer is relatively easy to deal with if caught early. We have been lucky although last year we felt anything but. Good luck to you and your DH and anyone else struggling with this.

My DH went through the same processes as your's, KatyK. They found the spread in the pelvic scan but hearing the news that it hadn't spread to his bones, balanced the fear. You are right in that it is a nightmare but there isn't an alternative is there? Facing it full on is the only way that I can cope with it. DH had an MRI scan when he was being diagnosed with throat and neck cancer and that really freaked him out as he had to wear this awful mask and he's quite claustrophobic. He said the MRI scan for the prostate was a doddle in comparison.
I hope good health follows you both as well.

Sorry. No good at the link but if you go to Sunday Times and search Prostate cancer it comes up immediately. Chris Smyth 6th April.

It said more accurate than biopsy following the PSA. It said the biopsy is actually quite a random thing. I will try to find the article online for you.

Rosie you have both had a horrible time. I wish your DH continued good health. It's a nightmare isn't it? Nottooold my DH had a biopsy, an MRI scan, a pelvic scan and a bone scan. His treatment throughout was fantastic.

hespian, that's interesting about the MRI scan being more accurate. Do you mean it is more accurate than the PSA test or more accurate than a biopsy?

I read a very interesting article about prostate cancer in this weekend's Times. It said that MRI scan was much more accurate as a diagnosis and the Prof writing the article said he would insist on one if he had concerns. I have a particular interest in this as I lost my dear BIL with this dreadful disease at age 62. Much too young.

We've had a similar experience to KatyK.
My DH went to the doctor's after finding some blood in his wee. We have nothing but praise for the NHS. Yes it was a dreadful year. His PSA was initially over 100 and at 62yrs he was 'young' to get prostate cancer. It wasn't going to be a case of leaving it. Unfortunately it had spread outside the prostate to a node in his pelvis, but with hormone therapy and radiotherapy his PSA levels are down to 0.1 and have been for two years now. It can't be cured because of the spread but is being contained and we are more than happy when we think of how it could have turned out. He has PSA tests and Hormone injections every six months and the doctor doesn't want to see him for a year now. The hormone therapy isn't to be taken lightly but we both feel it has been worth it.
This is the second cancer that he has had since we took early retirement -both unconnected. I know there are issues with the NHS, but they have been wonderful with us. We've had awful times, waiting for results so I really feel for you baubles and hope that things work out positively.
His brother was persuaded to go for a test and he was diagnosed with early prostate cancer which is being successfully treated.
It's a cliche but cancer is a word and not a sentence these days. Our motto is 'We're OK until we're not OK'. We're off on a 'Big Trip' to America in a few weeks and intending having a splash for his 65th, because as he says - 'We're still here!'
Best wishes to all wives and partners out there

Thank you, KatyK. Very glad all worked out well for your DH.

baubles - all the best to you and your DH and thank you for your good wishes.

Thanks for the good wishes, they are much appreciated. As always it is good to be able to talk about concerns on here.

I'm just home, having left DH in good spirits. All going well he will be discharged tomorrow but I don't know as yet how long we will have to wait for the results.

Best wishes for your DH NotTooOld.

I am beginnig to thank my lucky stars at the modest age of 71 ... but I do feel that the problems of the older male tend to be disregarded by the medical profession ...

Thinking of you, baubles

Nottooold - I can understand your mixed feelings with all that your DH has been through. My DH is glad he was sent for the PSA because, despite the biopsy, scans, tests, 37 days of radiotherapy and the horrible waiting for results, his cancer is in remission and the relief is unbelievable. I hope all goes well for your DH.

I hope all is well baubles I know what you are going through.

(Sorry, this will be a long post).

Have read all this with interest. My DH had blood in his urine over two years ago and immediately went to our GP. A blood test showed a fairly high PSA count but DH was reluctant to be referred to the hospital as he dreaded a biopsy. Eventually, after more blood tests with up and down PSA counts, he did go for a biopsy, which he found extremely painful. We then had days of waiting for the result which was, thank god, negative.

Since that time, DH has had regular appointments with our GP who is concerned because his blood pressure is high. In fact, the GP has told DH that he (the GP) is 'forgetting about' his high PSA counts until he has his blood pressure lowered and stabilised. This, of course, suited DH although I was secretly concerned about it.

However, the blood pressure medication is causing all sorts of side effects such as itching, swollen ankles and tiredness. The GP keeps trying out different ones but none of them are very successful. This week the side effects of the latest medication became so bad that DH went to the surgery yesterday. This time he saw a different GP who told him that a) his current tablets are not some that he would recommend, b) the itchy spot on his leg is not caused by the medication but is a benign skin condition, and c) the PSA tests must be recommenced.

Poor DH came home in a very depressed state as now the constant PSA test/wait for results/go for biopsy/wait for results syndrome will start all over again, his blood pressure is still high and he is being referred to the hospital for his skin condition.

So, I am in two minds about the benefits of PSA testing and medical opinion seems to be equally divided. On balance, I think I am glad DH is to have another one but I know that he would prefer not.

Well, I feel better for having got that off my chest even if nobody replies! Thanks for reading.

baubles Hope all goes very well for your DH this afternoon. A worrying time for you both. Also hope you had on your walk around the pond.

baubles ((((hugs)))). What a very worrying time for you both. I do hope all goes well for your DH.

Will be thinking of you baubles and sending good vibes your way.

DH's biopsy was postponed till today, he's in theatre as I type.
I've to ring the ward at 3.30, it's going to be a long afternoon. I'm about to buy chocolate and go for a walk around the pond.

Our GP told us yesterday that the test only picks up one third of cancers and so can give you a false sense of security. He suggested it is much better to look out for symptoms such as a change in flow, blood in urine.

Well I'm really glad our friend went and asked for the test as it found his cancer and he had his op yesterday.

Thanks, JessM, a very interesting article and it does explain things clearly to the mathematically non-gifted (ie I understood it!).

There's a useful chart on here www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-28166019 that demonstrates that screening for prostate cancer is not a particularly useful thing to be doing.

baubles