Newbie- Age 51 with some PSA velocity

[jllhs]

Been checking PSA since age 41 as part of routine lab work. Initial PSA was around 1.3 at age 41. The last three results were 1.48 (11/2006), 1.95 (11/2007), 2.38 (11/200, and now 3.2 (6/2009). Since a year ago, I have had DRE every six months with no problems found. I have had no symptom of prostatitis or any other urinary infection. My father had prostate cancer diagnosis at age 70. My brother had same diagnosis at age 54. So, ever since my brother's diagnosis and closeness to my age, I have been very mindful of my situation. Last week, my family doctor did a PSA test as part of annual physical, with the 3.2 result. He then prescribed Cipro for three weeks and then will test PSA again to rule out any infection (but again...I have zero symptoms of inflammation/infection). Sorry for long post, but have seen wonderful comments after reading previous posts. I have poured over the internet and have my own "red flags" about this velocity...which seems to have a touch of acceleration now. I would appreciate your comments.

[Jean222]

Hi,

With any significant raise in PSA or velocity, IMO, it should be checked out by a PCa Urologist/Oncologist.

Yes, you're chancing an unnecessary biopsy, perhaps but if it is cancer and you catch it at an early stage, you can cure it or certainly live a long time with it as more of a chronic illness.

My Hubbys' cancer was not found early, he had no symptoms whatsoever, it showed on bloodwork and he has Gleason 9.
Our GP thought his DREs' were fine.....even though he was creeping up for a few years.

Needless to say, we wish we'd been more 'on top' of the situation earlier.

You've been very diligent about the tests, please be as diligent about getting a specialists opinion.

Best wishes to you.


Jean

[Replicant]

Jean's right--you should see a urologist, IMO. Besides DRE and PSA, a free PSA test is in order, I would think.

[johnT]

JT,
I would definately get a free psa test and a PCA3 urine test. If any of these were abnormal then it's time for a biopsy. Keep a record of all your psa tests; psa doubling time is the best indicator of PC vs other prostate conditions.
" A primer on Prostate Cancer" by Stephen Strum is by far the best book on diagonostics and staging and goes into a lot of detail on how to use psa as a PC indicator.
I had a rising psa for 10 years and had 12 biopsies from 5 urologists all said I had BPH. I finally saw a prostate oncologist and as soon as he saw my psa history said I had major PC that they just haven't found yet. He was right. After I read Strum's book I could clearly see that I had PC that should have been caught years earlier.
JohnT