Author Topic: Men’s health message  (Read 3064 times)

Offline Joliet Jim

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #30 on: March 06, 2023, 11:05:12 AM »
Best wishes for a good recovery.
Last time I swung by my younger brothers, surprisingly he had just had everything removed due to PC. Neighbor my age across the street has been slowly dying for the last two years from it or the chemo.
I had a PSA spike a few years ago but further tests with a specialist showed I was good. Fun thing getting old.
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Offline erice

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #31 on: March 08, 2023, 09:31:14 AM »
I missed this thread, because I was home recovering from prostate surgery! I am 65.

I have had regular PSA tests for years, and one a year ago was slightly elevated. No symptoms though. They first thought it may be a non-cancerous inflammation, so I was treated for that.

The PSA level didn't decrease, so an MRI was scheduled in December which raised concerns, and then a biopsy in early January confirmed cancer.
I then had robot-assisted surgery in mid-Feb. I was up and walking the next day (slowly) and spent a week in the hospital (European Institute of Oncology in Milan, Italy).

It was treated early enough that is was fully contained in the prostate, so there was no nerve damage and no damage to lymph nodes.
I am not supposed to travel long distances or ride a bike for a few months while I heal, but otherwise I should have a complete recovery.

I fully agree with Canuck750 that early detection and treatment is key. If I had waited even a few months it may have spread, in which case there are issues such as incontinence and sexual dysfunction that may come into play.  Glad I avoided that!

Better to treat it head on and quickly, to minimize that risk!

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Offline Navydad

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #32 on: March 08, 2023, 05:47:16 PM »
While I applaud Jim and everyone who contributed to this very useful post, I would like to point out that anyone who thinks Women can not be afflicted with prostate cancer is being very insensitive!

 :wink:
[/quote
When I was recuperating from surgery we learned that a friends mom was in the hospital. My wife went to her room for a visit and told her I had my prostate removed due to cancer. Mrs. J who is an older lady told my wife that she needed that surgery as well :thumb:]

Offline Cdn850T5NT

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #33 on: March 08, 2023, 07:48:30 PM »
Good luck, Jim. Great that those advanced techniques were available to you, presumably in Edmonton... (U of A?).

Good luck with fast healing.
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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #33 on: March 08, 2023, 07:48:30 PM »

Offline Canuck750

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #34 on: March 08, 2023, 08:11:37 PM »
Good luck, Jim. Great that those advanced techniques were available to you, presumably in Edmonton... (U of A?).

Good luck with fast healing.

The University of Alberta Hospital and the Royal Alexandria are teaming up to complete two studies to get Health Canada approval and Alberta Health Services funding. The MRI fusion assisted biopsy is not new but it’s new to Alberta for full public health funding. The doctors need to show evidence that the MRI assisted biopsy has improved health outcomes and lowers health care costs in the long run. The doctors running the study are quite confident that this will be the common procedure for all prostate biopsies before the end of next year.
The second study is the PET scan with the isotope tailored specifically to the prostate cancer antigen. Health Canada is only allowing research use of the isotope until a study of some 1000 patients can prove out effectiveness and safety. This technology is being used across Western Europe and the USA but the issue is who makes the isotope, where, under what conditions etc. before Health Canada will approve wide scale use.
I have to say for all the constant complaints about wait times for healthcare in Canada (much valid IMHO) the system sprung into action at the very beginning and I have had two MRI, three CT and one PET plus the multiple blood tests, MRI assisted biopsy and the robotic surgery without delay. I was in the hospital for about 28 hours. The only costs to me will be the enhanced physiotherapy I will start next week.
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Offline LowRyter

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #35 on: March 08, 2023, 08:17:56 PM »
Get well soon Jim.  I took my first trip in many years to the Uro Doc myself as men of age do. 

Best of luck to you.
John L 
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Offline Canuck750

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #36 on: March 08, 2023, 08:27:35 PM »
Get well soon Jim.  I took my first trip in many years to the Uro Doc myself as men of age do. 

Best of luck to you.

Thank you!
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Offline redrider90

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #37 on: March 11, 2023, 11:29:46 PM »
This study is interesting as it started in 1999 and the men is this study have been followed for over 2 decades. https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/11/health/prostate-cancer-surveillance-survival/index.html
"Most men with prostate cancer can avoid or delay harsh treatments, long-term study confirms"
One important point is "The findings do not apply to men who have prostate cancers that are scored through testing to be high-risk and high-grade. These aggressive cancers, which account for about 15% of all prostate cancer diagnoses, still need prompt treatment, Hamdy said."
So those with higher Gleason scores 8-10 are considered to have more aggressive cancer.
But that said according to this study "By some estimates, as many as 84% of men with prostate cancer identified through routine screening do not benefit from having their cancers detected because their cancer would not be fatal before they died of other causes."
My road with PCa has been a long one. I was accidentally diagnosed age 53 in 2001. I had a very large gland (70cc) so my PSA test just barely above 4 easily could have been from the large gland. But I go tested the old fashion way of just shooting biopsy needles in me and finding one small area with 10% of the needle contained PCA Gleason score 3+4=7.  I saw 4 Urologists who all guaranteed my demise if I refused immediate treatment. The first one I saw said I needed it out in 1 month or I would die in 5 yeas. One guy gave me 16 years.
This was before the imaging available now days. But I did see a specialist in Detroit who did 2D color doppler ultrasounds that could map the prostate better than anything else available at the time including spotting when the cancer was leaving the capsule.
I also had an oncologist who had an agressive form of it and specialized I treating it. We took multiple blood tests and exams ever year.  I waited 6 years until 2007 when I began dual treatment regime. My PSA had slowly climbed and additional doppler exams revealed ever so slight growth at the edge of he prostate as well as my prostate continued is massive size to 122cc.  I started with putting patches of Estradiol female hormone (E2)  on my body producing high levels of E2 which suppressed testosterone. After 12 months my gland had shrunk 35% and my PSA had plummeted to 0.20. So at that time I scheduled radiation treatments at a specialized prostate only radiation cancer facility. I had 47 treatments of IMRT. The doc wanted to also use seed but due to the narrow pelvic arch he said the inflammation from the seeds would have been to severe to tolerate. So I started radiation in mid June 2008 and finished at the end of August. It not only included the prostate but I also had as many lymph nodes radiated as possible to reduce chances of PCA spreading to the nodes.
 I continued the E2 treatments for 3 more months. There is a synergy between ablating Testosterone and adding radiation that results in better outcomes. My nuts were the size of raisins but they grew back. :boozing:  :thumb: I am now 75 and 22 years from my diagnosis and about 14+ years from my treatment. I have a slight amount of PSA that still continues to drop on my biyearly tests. I will continue tests until I pass on.
I do believe most PCa is over diagnosed and over treated. I was very young and had a very large gland that was already causing me 6 trips a night to piss. So that was going to need treatment regardless of any cancer. After radiation and full treatment was finished what was left of my prostate was 50cc with was 65% less than when I began radiation. Radiation kick my ass big time. If my wife had not been with me in Florida I do not know how I would have gotten through it. At one point during my treatment a hurricane came through and was supposed to make a dead hit on Sarasota. We packed out car, closed the hurricane shutters on the Condo we were in and I got treated at 6:30 AM. Then I was trying to decide which direction to go. The hurricane was erratic and it could have looped back around toward the southeast or head north. I was thinking to go to Orlando when the storm moved inland south and Sarasota and missed it altogether. So we went back to the condo relieved to not having to out drive a hurricane. As for my idea of going to Orlando that is where the hurricane went and stayed there for 2 days.
You never stop taking PSA tests after you are treated. There are no guarantees with this disease. I have known guys who had undetectable PSA for 20 years and the reoccur. I get nervous every 6 months when my test are due. I outlived all 4 pros who all were too happy to predict how long I was going to live. 
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Online Ncdan

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #38 on: March 12, 2023, 07:14:52 AM »
I found this, just out information , very interesting.

Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer don't need to rush to surgery, radiation treatments: study

https://www.foxnews.com/health/most-men-diagnosed-prostate-cancer-dont-need-rush-surgery-radiation-treatments-study

Explore the Fox News apps that are right for you at http://www.foxnews.com/apps-products/index.html.
« Last Edit: March 12, 2023, 12:28:54 PM by Ncdan »

Offline redrider90

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #39 on: March 12, 2023, 09:19:06 PM »
I found this, just out information , very interesting.

Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer don't need to rush to surgery, radiation treatments: study

https://www.foxnews.com/health/most-men-diagnosed-prostate-cancer-dont-need-rush-surgery-radiation-treatments-study

Explore the Fox News apps that are right for you at http://www.foxnews.com/apps-products/index.html.


Both the CNN and Fox are based on the same study out of England. Here is a link to the article just published this week.
Fifteen-Year Outcomes after Monitoring, Surgery, or Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2214122?query=featured_home
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Offline gph70

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #40 on: March 13, 2023, 11:28:22 PM »
This has been a very good read. No mention of A Gentleman's Ride to raise money for Prostate cancer AND mental health.

https://www.gentlemansride.com/

I have been on a few. It is Worldwide on the same day. Every imaginable motorcycle and costume makes for a very festive event about a serious issue. There is a mental aspect for some.
Good healing to you and before you know it, back to normal and back to riding the classics.
And yes, I am five years out and expect to live as long as my mother-104 next week.



Offline centauro

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #41 on: March 14, 2023, 07:37:46 AM »
In 2004, at age 51, my family doctor prescribed my first PSA test, which came back 4.5. He sent me to a Urologist for a possible biopsy. I picked up a couple of urologist-authored books and tried to get smart on the subject.
The common wisdom back then was that a single PSA test is meaningless, as it is just a snapshot in time. What is needed is a series of PSA tests over time to see the trend. If PSA level doubles within a year, cancer is a strong possibility. So, after a short course of Cipro anti biotic to rule out an inflammation, the PSA level stayed higher than normal for a year, and I agreed to the ultrasound-guided biopsy, which confirmed cancer in 5% of the gland, and apparently contained within it.
The best treatment, in this case was surgery, which I had in late 2005.
PSA checks every year since then have been 0.0, which means that my chance of complete remission is close to 90%.

Now the big question is: did I get over treated prematurely? I will never know that. Unfortunately, medical science, besides PSA tests and biopsies, does not have any really effective ways to differentiate between BPH (enlarged prostate) and cancer, both of which result in high PSA levels, and, most important, if cancer is found, how aggressive it really is to warrant treatment.

So, it is still pretty much a game of Russian roulette. You can just blow it off and not do anything about it, hoping to die with it, not from it. In the US, 10% of men die of prostate cancer, out of 330,000 diagnosed with cancer every year. All I know is that, in my case, once cancer was confirmed, I wanted that sucker out of me and on a Petri dish under a microscope. My surgeon was the Chief of Urology at a major Medical University, and performed it the Robotic/laparoscopic method, and I was back at work 6 weeks later.


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Offline John Croucher

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #42 on: March 14, 2023, 10:08:15 AM »
Something My urologist told me and I found to be correct.  The results of a PSA test can be manipulated.  The timing of the results are influenced by activities you are involved in 4-5 days prior to the test.  Such as, riding a lawn mower, heavy equipment, motorcycle riding, masturbating, sexual intercourse, running, riding a bicycle, extreme work or exercise , strenuous activities.  I found that this is correct.  If I refrain from these types of vigorous activities and not do any strenuous activities prior to testing, My PSA numbers are low.  If I do strenuous activities withing a few days of blood testing, My PSA number is high.  The can be easily manipulated.  Carbohydrates affect the PSA results also due to High Insulin levels in a not diabetic individual.  Watch Your carb intake also before testing.   I am seriously addicted to sugar.  I have reduced my carb intake and feel significantly better along with keeping my PSA number in a consistent range below 4.5.  Where it was 10 years ago.  And have had test as low as 2.7 in this time frame. 

Looking back at 10 years of PSA testing, My numbers very from as low as 2 and as high as 5.7.  I have low testosterone.  I have had my PSA  and Testosterone levels check 2 times a year.  There are test results with high PSA and Low testosterone and high low PSA and high testosterone.  The timing of the testing related to testosterone injection affects the level.

The Urologist does the 4K test annually.  I have had the biopsy test.  He said the 4K test is more accurate overall.

The 4Kscore Test is an in vitro diagnostic test system designed to evaluate a patient’s likelihood of aggressive prostate cancer by measuring concentrations of four proteins (total PSA, free PSA, intact PSA, and kallikrein 2) in a patient’s blood sample, along with a patient’s age, previous biopsy, and digital rectal exam results.
How does it work?

A patient’s blood sample is sent to a specific laboratory for testing. The blood is analyzed for concentrations of these four proteins in serum or K2EDTA plasma. The 4Ksore Test result is a number calculated by an algorithm based on values using results of these four proteins in combination with a patient’s age, previous biopsy, and digital rectal exam (DRE). A medical professional reviews the results and sends a report to the patient’s doctor. The doctor uses this information to help manage the care of patients with an abnormal age-specific total PSA (tPSA) and/or abnormal DRE.
When is it used?

The 4Kscore Test is used to test patients, ages 45 years and above, with an abnormal age-specific tPSA and/or abnormal DRE finding.




   

Online SIR REAL ED

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #43 on: March 14, 2023, 10:31:25 AM »

While I applaud Jim and everyone who contributed to this very useful post, I would like to point out that anyone who thinks Women can not be afflicted with prostate cancer is being very insensitive!

 :wink:

When I was recuperating from surgery we learned that a friends mom was in the hospital. My wife went to her room for a visit and told her I had my prostate removed due to cancer. Mrs. J who is an older lady told my wife that she needed that surgery as well :thumb:]

Amen Brother!  You'll never go far wrong if you "follow the science!"   :wink:
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Online SIR REAL ED

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #44 on: March 14, 2023, 10:34:41 AM »
Something My urologist told me and I found to be correct.  The results of a PSA test can be manipulated.  The timing of the results are influenced by activities you are involved in 4-5 days prior to the test.  Such as, riding a lawn mower, heavy equipment, motorcycle riding, masturbating, sexual intercourse, running, riding a bicycle, extreme work or exercise , strenuous activities.  I found that this is correct.  If I refrain from these types of vigorous activities and not do any strenuous activities prior to testing, My PSA numbers are low.  If I do strenuous activities withing a few days of blood testing, My PSA number is high.  The can be easily manipulated.  Carbohydrates affect the PSA results also due to High Insulin levels in a not diabetic individual.  Watch Your carb intake also before testing.   I am seriously addicted to sugar.  I have reduced my carb intake and feel significantly better along with keeping my PSA number in a consistent range below 4.5.  Where it was 10 years ago.  And have had test as low as 2.7 in this time frame. 

Looking back at 10 years of PSA testing, My numbers very from as low as 2 and as high as 5.7.  I have low testosterone.  I have had my PSA  and Testosterone levels check 2 times a year.  There are test results with high PSA and Low testosterone and high low PSA and high testosterone.  The timing of the testing related to testosterone injection affects the level.

The Urologist does the 4K test annually.  I have had the biopsy test.  He said the 4K test is more accurate overall.

The 4Kscore Test is an in vitro diagnostic test system designed to evaluate a patient’s likelihood of aggressive prostate cancer by measuring concentrations of four proteins (total PSA, free PSA, intact PSA, and kallikrein 2) in a patient’s blood sample, along with a patient’s age, previous biopsy, and digital rectal exam results.
How does it work?

A patient’s blood sample is sent to a specific laboratory for testing. The blood is analyzed for concentrations of these four proteins in serum or K2EDTA plasma. The 4Ksore Test result is a number calculated by an algorithm based on values using results of these four proteins in combination with a patient’s age, previous biopsy, and digital rectal exam (DRE). A medical professional reviews the results and sends a report to the patient’s doctor. The doctor uses this information to help manage the care of patients with an abnormal age-specific total PSA (tPSA) and/or abnormal DRE.
When is it used?

The 4Kscore Test is used to test patients, ages 45 years and above, with an abnormal age-specific tPSA and/or abnormal DRE finding.


This is good information to know!  No doubt accounts for the huge percentage of false negatives and positives associated with the standard PSA test.

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Offline Navydad

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #45 on: March 14, 2023, 11:25:16 AM »
Something My urologist told me and I found to be correct.  The results of a PSA test can be manipulated.  The timing of the results are influenced by activities you are involved in 4-5 days prior to the test.  Such as, riding a lawn mower, heavy equipment, motorcycle riding, masturbating, sexual intercourse, running, riding a bicycle, extreme work or exercise , strenuous activities.  I found that this is correct.  If I refrain from these types of vigorous activities and not do any strenuous activities prior to testing, My PSA numbers are low.  If I do strenuous activities withing a few days of blood testing, My PSA number is high.  The can be easily manipulated.  Carbohydrates affect the PSA results also due to High Insulin levels in a not diabetic individual.  Watch Your carb intake also before testing.   I am seriously addicted to sugar.  I have reduced my carb intake and feel significantly better along with keeping my PSA number in a consistent range below 4.5.  Where it was 10 years ago.  And have had test as low as 2.7 in this time frame. 

Looking back at 10 years of PSA testing, My numbers very from as low as 2 and as high as 5.7.  I have low testosterone.  I have had my PSA  and Testosterone levels check 2 times a year.  There are test results with high PSA and Low testosterone and high low PSA and high testosterone.  The timing of the testing related to testosterone injection affects the level.

The Urologist does the 4K test annually.  I have had the biopsy test.  He said the 4K test is more accurate overall.

The 4Kscore Test is an in vitro diagnostic test system designed to evaluate a patient’s likelihood of aggressive prostate cancer by measuring concentrations of four proteins (total PSA, free PSA, intact PSA, and kallikrein 2) in a patient’s blood sample, along with a patient’s age, previous biopsy, and digital rectal exam results.
How does it work?

A patient’s blood sample is sent to a specific laboratory for testing. The blood is analyzed for concentrations of these four proteins in serum or K2EDTA plasma. The 4Ksore Test result is a number calculated by an algorithm based on values using results of these four proteins in combination with a patient’s age, previous biopsy, and digital rectal exam (DRE). A medical professional reviews the results and sends a report to the patient’s doctor. The doctor uses this information to help manage the care of patients with an abnormal age-specific total PSA (tPSA) and/or abnormal DRE.
When is it used?

The 4Kscore Test is used to test patients, ages 45 years and above, with an abnormal age-specific tPSA and/or abnormal DRE finding.


This is why it is good to seek a second opinion or to have more than one doc on your team. While PSA can be fickle it is what saved my butt. My cancer was aggressive and my Gleason score was 7. Where my cancer was located (edge of prostate against the bladder) the finger test didn't detect anything. Luckily one of my Docs refused to blow it off and we took a scan which led to a biopsy. Robotic surgery removed the prostate and follow up radiation a year later because my PSA was rising. Four years now with undetectable PSA. It doesn't get much better than that. I'll have regularly scheduled check ups the rest of my life and some things don't work as well as they used too, but as my wife said when we were discussing the surgery. "So what if things may not work as well they did, being alive far outweighs anything else." My point is that while PSA can be erratic and may or may not be an indicator don't blow off a high number. Check it out, get a second set of eyes to look at it, get retested or whatever it takes to confirm yay or nay. Elevated PSA was the ONLY indicator I had.




 

Offline Canuck750

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #46 on: March 14, 2023, 12:25:35 PM »

This is why it is good to seek a second opinion or to have more than one doc on your team. While PSA can be fickle it is what saved my butt. My cancer was aggressive and my Gleason score was 7. Where my cancer was located (edge of prostate against the bladder) the finger test didn't detect anything. Luckily one of my Docs refused to blow it off and we took a scan which led to a biopsy. Robotic surgery removed the prostate and follow up radiation a year later because my PSA was rising. Four years now with undetectable PSA. It doesn't get much better than that. I'll have regularly scheduled check ups the rest of my life and some things don't work as well as they used too, but as my wife said when we were discussing the surgery. "So what if things may not work as well they did, being alive far outweighs anything else." My point is that while PSA can be erratic and may or may not be an indicator don't blow off a high number. Check it out, get a second set of eyes to look at it, get retested or whatever it takes to confirm yay or nay. Elevated PSA was the ONLY indicator I had.


I think we are twins, same Gleason score, same location, finger test did not detect.
I am now two weeks post op and am feeling great, I can't explain why but I seem to not have lost bladder control, no accidents, things seem to be functioning pretty much as before but more frequent urge to drain my bladder as things are tender. I am out and about but no heavy lifting.
Modern medicine is amazing!
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Offline redrider90

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #47 on: March 14, 2023, 12:53:03 PM »
Prostate cancer diagnostics has improved dramatically since I was dx'd in 2001 (age 53).
I had a very large gland (BHP) that was capable of producing a PSA of 10 w/o cancer.  Yet I got a biopsy with a PSA of 4.4.
Back then it was a hit and miss affair. They randomly stuck you with 6 or 12 even 18 needles using a black and white doppler for guidance. Now you have not only 3D color doppler but also image guided MRI biopsies.
So I end up with 6 sticks on a huge gland (75cc=3X normal) with a low PSA of 4.5 and negative DRE. I say my PSA was low because I had a huge gland and a negative DRE. But none the less cancer was found in one of the needles with a Gleason score of 3+4=7 and that needle had only 10% of it was cancerous. In later years (before MRIs guided biopsies) improved the method of how to find PCa in a biopsy.
Gleason score indicates how well differentiated the prostate cells are. The more they look like normal prostate cell the lower the Gleason score. Those poorly differentiated cells have a higher Gleason score say 4 or 5. It is sort of looking like say your tire on the bike. A tire can have great thread but it may be cracking and have lines in it which is not to good.
My free PSA was also an excellent 24%. So even with all those factors on my side I still had PCa.
Gleason scores are divided into 2 sections. So a Gleason 7 can be 3+4 or 4+3.  The difference is significant. So they  measure the preponderance of the difference of Gleason cells in the biopsy. In my case more of my cells with 3 and lesser amounts 4.
Hence mine was 3+4 which is a lower grade cancer than 4+3. When the 4 comes first then you have greater amount of poorly differentiated cells rated 4 less amounts of Gleason 3.
I stated earlier that I waited 6 years before beginning treatment. But I didn't do it blindly. Besides taking a full battery of tests available at the time I had blood work done every 3 months to watch my PSA doubling time. My doubling time was very low which allowed me to proceed with active surveillance. I also had further 2D color doppler ultrasounds. I travelled to Detroit to see a specialist who was before his time when it came to using 2D color doppler ultrasounds to diagnose cancer.
Only after my PSA began to rise (even then some of the rise was do to BHP making my prostate even larger) and then the color doppler revealed a very small margin is when I began a 2 stage treatment.

The Gleason system rates go up to 5. So the highest Gleason score is 10 (5+5). That is considered the most aggressive cancer. Back in 2001 and even beyond a Gleason score of 3+3=6 was considered PCa. Now most agree that a Gleason 6 is not prostate cancer. But even that has an asterisk * come with it. Most PCa are adenoscarcoma that produce PSA. There is a neuroendrcine prostate cancer that produces very low PSA and is very aggressive. That kind of PCa does not respond the same way as adenoscarcoma. Is is not sensitive to testosterone. Some suggest that those prostate cancers that no longer respond to androgen deprivation all become neuroendrcine type. But some men have in the early stages a neuroendrcine type and if caught early surgery can have good results.
But even with the grading system on has to look at the total cancer found during the biopsy as well as doubling time.  A low volume 3+4 Gleason 7 with a slow PSA doubling time is a different animal that a high volume 4+3 Gleason 7 with a faster PSA doubling time.
Once someone has been treated for PCa they need to use what is called the ultrasensitive PSA and not the standard PSA. And they need to do it regularly. Ultrasensitive test goes down to 2 or 3 decimal points. This helps in finding recurring cancer much faster that using the standard PSA test. 
It can be critical when finding a fast doubling time cancer. Say a man has tested years without any PSA> 0.00. Then appears a test that reveals a possible recurrence at say 0.01 PSA. At that point you start taking monthly tests to see if the number is maybe an anomaly or if it starts to change. How fast it changes it critical to making decisions on when to treat.   
 
« Last Edit: March 14, 2023, 02:16:24 PM by redrider90 »
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Offline centauro

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #48 on: March 14, 2023, 04:13:08 PM »
Something My urologist told me and I found to be correct.  The results of a PSA test can be manipulated.  The timing of the results are influenced by activities you are involved in 4-5 days prior to the test.  Such as, riding a lawn mower, heavy equipment, motorcycle riding, masturbating, sexual intercourse, running, riding a bicycle, extreme work or exercise , strenuous activities.  I found that this is correct.  If I refrain from these types of vigorous activities and not do any strenuous activities prior to testing, My PSA numbers are low.  If I do strenuous activities withing a few days of blood testing, My PSA number is high.  The can be easily manipulated.  Carbohydrates affect the PSA results also due to High Insulin levels in a not diabetic individual.  Watch Your carb intake also before testing.   I am seriously addicted to sugar.  I have reduced my carb intake and feel significantly better along with keeping my PSA number in a consistent range below 4.5.  Where it was 10 years ago.  And have had test as low as 2.7 in this time frame.   
True statement; any of these activities mentioned above stimulates the prostate to produce more PSA. Therefore, a minimum of 72 hours should pass without performing these activities, before a blood sample is drawn for testing. And, it goes without saying that the doctor should have the blood sample drawn BEFORE doing a "finger probe", for the same reason. My female doctor who originally ordered the first PSA test probed me before the blood was drawn, which made the result suspect.
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Offline centauro

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #49 on: March 14, 2023, 04:23:46 PM »
Amen Brother!  You'll never go far wrong if you "follow the science!"   :wink:

A correlation was found some years ago between breast cancer and prostate cancer. A mother who experienced breast cancer could have her son develop prostate cancer more often than typical, and vice-versa. Also, prostate cancer tends to happen in close family member men, such as brothers, cousins, etc.
Women risk getting disfigured and bald when treating breast cancer, while men risk serious consequences, such as incontinence, infertility, and impotence. For this reason, these cancers, more than any other, are considered to be a "couple disease", not just an individual's disease. I consider myself a lucky man to have my wife on my side for the last 46 years, 18 with this disease alone.
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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #50 on: March 15, 2023, 08:20:34 AM »
I don’t mean to side track the subject from prostrate issues but if I may add a medical subject issue I’ve just came upon and would appreciate some feedback from members with past similarity issues.
During my yearly physical in Dec my hemoglobin numbers came back low, not drastically but low enough to throw a code.
My Dr suspected anemia due to low iron. I had cut red meat out for the past several months and low iron is the most common cause for low hemoglobin counts.
The Dr advice going on iron supplements and checking again in three months.
Tuesday the blood work came back and the numbers had dropped some more and I’ve been referred to a gastrologist to start the procedure to see if I’m anemic due to blood loss.
My last colonoscopy was six years ago. I’ve never had polyps and everything was ok and I was not scheduled to return for 10 more years. I did summit a stool sample three months ago which came back negative.
I must admit I did the online research bit and it’s unnerved me somewhat. I’m on meds for all the usuals for a 70 year old guy but otherwise very fit. I eat well, keep my weight to an acceptable level and exercise on a regular schedule.
Has anyone else had this experience with low hemoglobin numbers and what were the outcomes?
Thanks in advance.
« Last Edit: March 15, 2023, 10:13:52 AM by Ncdan »

Offline redrider90

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #51 on: March 15, 2023, 09:57:12 PM »
I don’t mean to side track the subject from prostrate issues but if I may add a medical subject issue I’ve just came upon and would appreciate some feedback from members with past similarity issues.
During my yearly physical in Dec my hemoglobin numbers came back low, not drastically but low enough to throw a code.
My Dr suspected anemia due to low iron. I had cut red meat out for the past several months and low iron is the most common cause for low hemoglobin counts.
The Dr advice going on iron supplements and checking again in three months.


Vit C  (ascorbic acid) greatly enhances absorption of iron. So adding that may help with absorption. Did your doc check your iron and ferritin in blood count?  That is usually done in yearly physical tests.
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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #52 on: March 15, 2023, 10:22:43 PM »
Vit C  (ascorbic acid) greatly enhances absorption of iron. So adding that may help with absorption. Did your doc check your iron and ferritin in blood count?  That is usually done in yearly physical tests.




My WBC was in the normal range.

Offline redrider90

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #53 on: March 16, 2023, 09:11:01 AM »




My WBC was in the normal range.

So he did not test your iron and ferritin levels to assess if they were also low which could contribute to "iron deficient" anemia.  He just threw iron at you and then retested it not bothering to first get a baseline the iron and ferritin of so to understand if you had proper levels of iron and ferritin in your blood? 
A ferritin test measures the amount of ferritin in your blood. Ferritin is a blood protein that contains iron. A ferritin test helps your doctor understand how much iron your body stores.

If a ferritin test reveals that your blood ferritin level is lower than normal, it indicates your body's iron stores are low and you have iron deficiency. As a result, you could be anemic.

If a ferritin test shows higher than normal levels, it could indicate that you have a condition that causes your body to store too much iron. It could also point to liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, other inflammatory conditions or hyperthyroidism. Some types of cancer also can cause your blood ferritin level to be high.

Sounds like what happened to my wife recently after visiting the doc with feeling like her thyroid and Vit D levels were low(something she had problems with previously).  So the doc immediately  prescribed additional thyroid and Vit D then testing for blood levels on the same day. Her blood levels of D and thyroid came back normal which means they were treating a problem that did not exist. They literally tripled her intake of Vit D. which could have resulted in actually overdosing her. 
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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #54 on: March 16, 2023, 09:42:41 AM »
Hopefully the gastrologist will figure things out.

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #55 on: March 16, 2023, 11:48:30 PM »
Glad to hear it seems to be a good result. I have the new MRI biopsy scheduled at the end of this month. I have had two before that were both negative but the MRI showed something that needs examination.  Not a fun experience but a necessary one.

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #56 on: March 18, 2023, 08:33:37 AM »
Hopefully the gastrologist will figure things out.

Dan,

I hope it works out well and quickly.  We all got lucky the Luap hired the "good cop"  :wink: to police the forum!
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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #57 on: March 18, 2023, 09:27:42 AM »
Dan,

I hope it works out well and quickly.  We all got lucky the Luap hired the "good cop"  :wink: to police the forum!
Thanks for the kind words Sir Ed however pretty sure everyone wouldn’t agree with you on that one.

I felt much relieved after having my first consultation with the gastroenterologist. The PA took all my questions and concerns and gave me honest answers.
After I learned that my numbers were just out of the normal range and that my DR referral to a specialist was just the normal precaution for any hemoglobin numbers which fall under the normal range and that the rest of my results were fine, I felt relieved quite a bit.
I will be getting a colonoscopy and endoscopy on the 27th of this month to make sure I haven’t sprang any leaks.
If I have, it’s more than likely due to not using the correct oil weights in my machine 🤔😂

« Last Edit: March 18, 2023, 11:03:26 AM by Ncdan »

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #58 on: March 18, 2023, 04:49:29 PM »
Quote
"By some estimates, as many as 84% of men with prostate cancer identified through routine screening do not benefit from having their cancers detected because their cancer would not be fatal before they died of other causes."

There's a ton of good info this this thread. My grandfather died of prostate cancer because he hated doctors and wouldn't go for an exam until he was too sick to work.

My dad had slow-growing prostate cancer. His doctor advised ignoring it. He died at 95 of pneumonia.

My brother and I have benign prostatic hypoplasia, which means big angry swollen prostates without cancer. It means we have chronically high PSA. At one point I did had an image-guided biopsy series, under general anaesthesia. The sadist poked 27 holes in my perineum. Found nothing but I had to use a catheter for eight weeks before the swelling went down enough to allow normal urination.

Now I realize that 12+ PSA may be due in part to the fact that I rode a motorcycle to every single urology and blood panel appointment, even when wearing a catheter.

I'll probably have a 12+ PSA for the rest of my life but fully expect to be skiing and maybe riding at 95. That's only 20 more years.
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Offline redrider90

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Re: Men’s health message
« Reply #59 on: March 22, 2023, 12:12:03 PM »
Very interesting study out of Norway. This is especially relevant for those who have not had but may need a biopsy. They have reduced the complication/infections rates to near zero with using a new method for biopsy.
Google Death Spurs Country's Shift to Safer Prostate Biopsies and click on the link.

It is called a Transperineal biopsy vs the old standard of going through the rectum.
 
Interesting to note US urologists are balking at this new method due to $$ issues. Needless to say Urologists are in the top 15 of physicians that make the most money coming in 11th out of the top 20.
From that article

"US Lagging

The American Urological Association has not made a push for adoption of transperineal biopsies in the United States. Some American urologists are being retrained in transperineal methods.

Many urologists have resisted change because the shift requires roughly $40,000 for equipment, as well as time off for retraining, according to urologist Matthew Allaway, DO, founder and CEO of Perineologic, a transperineal system maker based in Cumberland, Maryland. Allaway said urologists also have resisted switching until insurers boost reimbursement for transperineal procedures, which require a few more minutes to perform than the transrectal method.

Only about 10% of biopsies in the United States are performed transperineally, Allaway said. An AUA spokesperson said new guidelines on biopsies will be presented at its annual meeting in Chicago in late April."
« Last Edit: March 22, 2023, 12:33:01 PM by redrider90 »
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