Hi
I'm Patrick. New here. Just due an initial phone consultation tomorrow with the local Urology dept before an expected MRI scan appt.
I'm 62, had intermittent urine issues for quite a while - getting up once in the night to pee, slow to start occasionally - or non continuous.
But quite intermittent - can have a couple of days with nocturnal pee (only once a night) then a week or more undisturbed and near normal flow daytimes.
Know it's common at my age and often benign due to BPH but you never know.
No weight loss or unusual pains.
Anyway finally went to GP - no UTI found and battery of blood tests - including one to See "how active your prostate is" -
He didn't really explicitly explain the implications of a PSA (though I knew some of them) - maybe he assumed I knew the possible non benign nature of symptoms due to what I had said earlier.
DRE - "prostate firm and enlarged symmetrically but no nodules and non boggy"
PSA was 15.6.
No known family history of PC but Mum had breast cancer when I was 2 years old and she was about 40.
She had a mastectomy but never talked about it like many of her generation.
Dad died from stomach cancer at 66.
I have 2 older brothers (one 64 and other 72) Once I know my own situation in more details will have to tell them - no idea if they have any experience of the subject or being tested yet.
I am reading up on this like a medical student cramming for an exam - all from very reputable sources I must add.
If something is found I am sort of getting mentally prepared for some sort of treatment being necessary ( leaning towards radiotherapy/HT rather than surgery)
but worry that I could be one of those unlucky ones who get it very bad.
It's all speculation of course but that's how the mind works. I know people say the waiting is worse.
Main side effect concern is libido and ED as the latter especially is slightly impaired these days. Not in a relationship and may never be but still like to entertain myself and that internal mental sense of sexual self has been very important to me aside from the additional very difficult complications there would be with a partner involved.
Hello Patrick (Patrick100022a3b9)
Welcome to the club you didn't want to join, and I am sorry to find you here.
A PSA of 15 sounds very treatable however the results of your biopsy and MRI scan will give your team all the information they need to come up with a treatment plan. The waiting during the diagnostic process is the hardest part of the journey.
As you have a meeting tomorrow the following link may be of help:
Questions-to-ask-your-healthcare-team
We are also happy to answer any questions you may have. on the question of ED there is a treatment "Brachytherapy" which if your results are right for it may be your best treatment option. It may not be available in your area but you can still request it if it fits the bill.
If you click on any Community members user name or avatar you may find they have recorded their personal journey (I have) and everyone's story is different.
Feel free to post as and when you need help or information.
Best wishes - Brian.
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