MRI Results

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An update to my story

Was advised by male family members to take a PSA test, which I did and results came back as 3.4 on the 27/10 ( I realise this might not seem huge but when you're expecting 0 it was ). Was advised to see doc for discussion. Examination was carried out on the and sure enough I have an enlarged prostate. I'm 57.

Went for an MRI on the 10/11 and a few days later received a letter informing to attend the Urologist on the 11/12 - quite a wait . . .

In the meantime I made an appointment with my GP to see if the results were in - they weren't but I arranged another PSA ( 3 weeks after first as there may have factors that might have affected the result ). Shortly after this another letter informing me my results were very favourable - WOW ! Couldn't take it in at first but I felt optimistic.

I then received the results of the second PSA - 3.9 ! It had risen .5 in 3 weeks. This took the air out of my balloon.

Anyway off I trooped to the Urologist who told me nothing had been detected - EUPHORIC ! I did ask him about the PSA ride but he couldn't give me a definitive answer. My prostate is 20-30% larger than it should be. It was agreed I would go onto Active Surveillance - another PSA in 2 months then 5 months then another discussion with the urologist.

The question is - am I worrying about the PSA too much ? Does my diagnosis suggest the cancer is in the "post " ?

Any thoughts would be appreciated

Ian

Grundo over 1 year ago

Hi Mac, Def u are worrying too much and obviously good news about the MRI.

Just going back to your post where u said u were expecting PSA at 0, it's not usually 0 unless u have it removed.

So 3.4 near normal and ok it's gone up a bit but still doesn't mean that much.

So , important to monitor over the next year, regularly, but don't think u need to be unduly concerned at this stage.

All the best

Steve

Worriedwife over 1 year ago

Hello Ian

My understanding is that the PSA does 'bounce around' a bit - it depends on what you have been doing and eating to some extent. It's when it goes above normal and keeps going up that you need to start worrying. Good idea to be 'on the ball' (pardon the pun) with it though. I think a benign enlarged prostate can cause a slightly elevated PSA too?

We lived with a slowly rising PSA for years before action was needed.

Millibob over 1 year ago

Good Afternoon Ian

PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is a protein secreted by the Prostate and is an indicator of "how well" the Prostate is so for a 57 year old 3.9 is fine.

I think they are keeping an eye on you as the Prostate is "enlarged" and the question is if it's growing why? It's not a serious condition but could affect your need to urinate. Quite often the enlarged Prostate is linked to a change in your hormones. Sometimes an operation (A TURP - been there - got the T-shirt) is required to open up the urethra.

My conclusion - don't worry - the NHS are on your case - they are keeping an eye on your PSA - just let your team know if you start to encounter issues with the old waterworks.

I hope this helps. Christmas and the New Year aren't cancelled!!

Best wishes - Brian.

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David2017 over 1 year ago

Mac3, I am not medically trained but to me your PSA seems quite acceptable. If the trend over 3 or 4 tests demonstrates an upward tick, your team will take appropriate action. Obviously if, as I suspect your results are flat, then happy days. We all worry (often more) about the unknown but just have a great Christmas, you seem to be in good hands. Best wishes David

Mac3 over 1 year ago in reply to Millibob

Thanks Brian. Appreciate it

Mac3 over 1 year ago in reply to David2017

Thanks David

Mac3 over 1 year ago in reply to Grundo

Thanks Steve

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