Should I go for the surgery to remove the prostate?

jackkoh20 · New User Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 4

In 3/2001, PSA reading was 8.8. I was experiencing urination difficulties and some pain in my prostate. I was 53.

Over the next 3 years, my PSA readings kept rising and hit 13.2

Meanwhile, 3 biopsies were carried out. Results: benign.

Nevertheless, 3 surgeons advised a TUR. I acceded, and the TUR was carried out in 3/2004.

Bad & Good news:
The TUR revealed that 1% (1/103) of the prostate gland tissue removed was cancerous. Surgeon advised the cancer cell was probably completely removed. It was definitely at a very early stage.

Post TUR:
4/2004 - PSA reading after TUR: 1.4
Urination difficulties: None.

7/2004 - TUR: 1.43
Urination difficulties: None.

11/2004 - TUR: 1.46
Urination difficulties: None.

5/2005 - TUR: 1.6
Urination difficulties: None. Slight discomfort in Prostate.
11/2005 - TUR: 1.78
Urination difficulties: None. Discomfort in Prostate.

2/2006 -TUR: 2.2
Urination difficulties: None. Discomfort + slight pain in Prostate.

Current situation (April/2006):
Surgeon has advised immediate removal of prostate + the 4 gates (that provides control over urination & erection). He reasoned that the fast rising PSA and growing discomfort + pain is a sign the cancer cell is back. As I have done a TUR before, the cancer cells, if any, are close to the wall of the prostate, and hence close to the "outside world". Hence, not advisable to follow a "watchful wait" . My surgeon added that a biopsy may not tell much, as with my early history of biopsies.

My decision (April/2006):
Wait. Today, at 58, I enjoy great quality of life. Goes to the gym 5 times a week and thread-mill 20 Km per week. Physically, financial and spiritually very healthy. I'm cannot accept incontinence + impotency, albeit an extended poor-quality life - especially, presence of cancer cells is not confirmed yet.

I would like to hear from others with similar experiences.
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jack

murphy · New User Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 4

I wonder how you are doing and what you decided?
James

jackkoh20 · New User Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 4

Hi James,
Tks for concern.

I went for a bonescan + 12-needle biopsy. Both shown negative except 1 needle where the pathalogist was uncertain. So, did a further cancer staining on it which confirmed negative. Recent PSA reading went down to 1.92 from earlier 2.2 (I hve started on supplement SawPalmetto for 2 mths. Note some docs caution against taking supplements that may actually guised the true PSA readings - so best to check with your doc)

The speed of the PSA velocity was about 1.6 times (from PSA 1.4 to 2.2) is a concern, but has now dropped (owing to recent PSA reading 1.92). Because my cancer stage is T1A, gleason 3+3 and probably very contained + very slow growth, my surgeon agreed my risk is very low. He agreed to hold back on the surgery. My doc is aware that I do feel some pain occasionally especially - after the treadmill workout.

He will monitor me closely for the PSA velocity before advising any procedures. He will see me every 3 - 4 months.
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jack

murphy · New User Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 4

I am having the PSA test redone to double check things. What is the biopsy like in terms of pain, etc. as I am a weenie when it comes to things like this.
James

rsmith · New User Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 2 Location: California

[quote="murphy"]I am having the PSA test redone to double check things. What is the biopsy like in terms of pain, etc. as I am a weenie when it comes to things like this.
James[/quote]

I had a PSA of 5.5, up from 3.3 1.5 years before. My doctor and the Urologist recommended a biopsy. I had the biopsy three weeks ago. I didn't know what to expect, so wasn't too worried about the test (more worried about the results). They gave me a shot to lessen the pain, but I still felt some. They use a spring loaded device to gather the 12 samples, one at a time. Some were painless, some were not. Not horrible, but definitely not fun. Fortunately for me the results were negative; I'll probably have to have the test again in the future if my PSA continues high. I won't look forward to it, but wouldn't avoid it either. Good luck.

Maisy

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, you shouldn't have your prostate removed. EVER.
Email this dude: kennickels@comcast.net He's got the answers for prostate cancer. He's the man with the solution. He knows where the answers are, and he'll put you in touch with people that HEAL, not cut, burn, and take your money regardless if you live or die.
Email him.

murphy · New User Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 4

I have the PSA test redone 10 days after the first one (24) and this one read 9.4...a 15 point drop in a week or so. What is going on and should I have the biopsy, or another test in another week or so Very Happy

johnw100

Murphy,

As several things can impact on PSA readings, (Infection and recent sexual activity) I'd be having the regular PSA tests for now.

Regardless of anything else you do, lifestyle, diet and exercise is usually thought to help.

Johnw100

billsart · New User Joined: 05 Mar 2006 Posts: 5

PSA levels do not measure prostate cancer they just measure how much of the Prostate Specific Antigen is present in the blood. Normally only a small amount of the PSA is leaked into the bloodstream because the prostate holds onto it, when there is an abnormaility in the prostate then the PSA will leak into the blood and cause the PSA levels on a test to rise.

The levels can rise due to many things including prostatitis which can be cause by a bladder infection, inflammation of the prostate, and the presence of prostate cancer.
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http://prostate-answers.com

glence · New User Joined: 28 Aug 2006 Posts: 9

http://www.prostatecancer.org.in/Surgery.htm

[quote="murphy"]I wonder how you are doing and what you decided?
James[/quote]

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