Rise in PSA

Hello Dads carer 

Thank you for coming back to us. None of us are medically trained, however in the big scheme of things the rise isn't too bad and I wouldn't worry too much over it.

The GP has dad's other conditions to consider and I think he's right setting a high target of 30 before any treatment. As long as the GP is testing dad's PSA - I would say every 6 months I would think all is good.

Hormone therapy/Radiotherapy can be hard on the body as we get older and the GP is considering this along with the Vascular Dementia.

Dad's in good hands - we are here for you when you need us.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thank you so much Brian

Hi Dads carer I imagine that the team view treatment, even just HT as likely to be hard for your dad to tolerate with his other conditions and have therefore set the bar higher than usual.  It is a fairly slow rise and if it continued at 1 per month would still only be 30 in a couple of years (I was PSA 74 at diagnosis). I think it is a tricky dilemma but on balance the team have probably made the correct call.  As we get older PCa slows anyway, so potentially he may never need to receive any treatment for it.  David

Thank you David.

And thank you for the perspective on the PSA figure, quite correct 

I agree with the treatment status as it is and in all honesty, should we reach a point where psa is 30, Im not convinced that treatment would be the kindest choice given all his other health conditions. Im thinking quality over quantity.

His quality of life is already not great and I'd hate to worsen that with treatments that ultimately wont "save" him, he has already surpassed the life expectancy for Vascular Dementia so I suppose I consider this borrowed time. Not everyone will agree I'm sure.

Best wishes to you 

Hi DC

I think I remember u posting before but just remind me,  what does the CT scan show going on in the prostate gland itself, obviously good news not elsewhere 

Best wishes

Steve 

Hi Dads Carer, Hugest hugs as  I think you have sat down and weighed up the pros & cons of any further treatment for your dad . I worked with dementia patients for over 33 years and I totally agree with what you have said . It would be harsh on your dad having anything done including taking any further medication with the possibility of side effects.  He would be wondering what was going on. It would be difficult to try and explain .

when my husband was diagnosed with PC  and he doesn’t have any other ill health . We both agreed quality was crucial. 

You are amazing and don’t forget that this group of people do not judge . They listen and support whatever you have decided . Me I ranted today and Millibob Brian was wonderful. So ask away we are all here for you . 
take care 

Liz xx

Hi Steve,

They didn't really give much info about that only to say that CT doesn't show the prostate very clearly on CT

Hi Liz,

Thanks for the reply and the understanding. I take my hat off to you for 33 years of working with dementia patients. It can be hard for people who don't understand the dementia side to see why you wouldn't choose treatment.

I work hard to keep a status quo for him, keeping him in his own little bubble really as any challenges to this cause him distress and really throw everything off. Completely artificial way of living of course but at this stage the smallest of changes is intolerable for him. And absolutely he wouldn't understand all of the side effects from treatment, even if he had agreed to it. 

Better I think to go down the comfort route and continue with the small things he can still enjoy like our little lunch dates and watching films.

I'm also sorry that you have cause to be on the forum yourself but I truly wish for you and your husband to have the very best quality time together for as long as possible ️ 

Wishing you all the very best ️

Yes, I believe CT not as good as MRI for prostate, Think I remember u saying he can't have a MRI?

Surely there's nothing to say categorically that he has cancer , just a couple of raised PSA.

They should clarify more .

Best wishes 

• Steve 

Hi Steve, that's right, he can't have an MRI due to dementia.

I believe the consultant has diagnosed based on the prostate examination and elevated PSA, the CT was to check for any spread. I suppose for them it is difficult when the usually array of tests is not an option.

All the best