Worried

Hello Ijs1977 and welcome. Prostate cancer can be hereditary and you have done the right thing in getting a PSA test. As you have been having urinary problems I would suggest you see your GP and explain the symptoms - they will probably do a DRE (finger up the bum) test which might give you an earlier indication of whether it feels normal and what size the prostate is. Treatment for prostate cancer has improved considerably in recent years for all different types and stages but I can understand your anxiety at the moment. I would also say that there are some benign reasons for urine issues.

Please ask any questions and let us know how you get on.

Thanks for your reply. 

Yes i know that there's many things it could be, such as an enlarged prostate or a urinary tract infection. 

It's my family history that's making me so anxious. I'd have to be very lucky to not get prostate cancer. I'm single and I live alone. I don't have much family. So the time to myself is making me think of all possible scenarios. 

Expect the worse then anything else is a bonus.

Hi, and another welcome to this wonderfully supportive community. 

I would like to take an alternative view to your last post.  In my experience, getting through this journey requires taking a positive proactive attitude.  I took one day at a time and dealt with any issues that arose.  Looking too far down the journey, based on no evidence, was my road to despair.  The best route is to engage with your medical team and explore options based on the test results as they come in.  Certainly do your research based on sound medical sources or, like here, based on personal experience.

Do keep us informed of your progress and ask whatever questions you have.

Thank you for the welcome. 

I do go between every scenario. My test on the 28th may well be fine but I'm such a high risk having lost my father, grandfather and great grandfather to prostate cancer in their 40s. That doesn't necessarily mean I'll get it, just more likely than not.

Hello Ijs1977 

Welcome again, we met on "New to the Community" so I am pleased to see you have found our little part of the Community.

You have had some great support here and we are always here for you - I know living alone doesn't help so consider us as an extension to your family. They are a "great bunch" here so please do keep us informed as to how you get on. Do post any worries or questions you have and you will get honest answers and support.

I wish you all the best for your PSA test on 28 of January.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thank you Brian. I only joined today and I'm grateful for the lovely messages.

Both of my parents didn't make it to 50, my mum had heart disease which runs in her side of my family.

Thankfully that doesn't affect me so maybe I'll be extremely lucky and not be affected by prostate cancer in my father's side.

Let's hope so.