Public service announcement

[Mark K]

I'm generally not inclined to post things like this but feel compelled in this case. This is for guys on the forum.

If you are over 40 or so I hope you get a PSA test as part of a annual physical. For the last few years my PSA was running 3-4, a bit high end of normal for my age. Early last year it went up to 8, from 4 to 8 in one year. Biopsy showed cancer in 6 of 12 samples. Long story short, I've spent a good part of the past year seeing various docs and after treatment and surgery the docs seem to think I have a clean bill of health. Only time and blood testing will tell for sure.

If not caught early, prostate cancer metastasizes to your bones first (usually) and if that happens you are in a lot of trouble. Nobody likes getting a phone call from your doc at 7 in the evening, at home, telling you the test results came back positive for cancer. Trust me on that one. But catching it early is the key. I know a 56 yr. old guy that didn't catch it early. Its in his bones and spreading and he will be lucky to see the end of 2020.

BTW, there are absolutely no physical symptoms until its too late so don't be complacent.

Have a good 2020.

 

[Peter LeQuire]

Whether one is getting a physical annually or not, at some point in a man's mid-30's or 40s' or so, it is stupid - stupid - not to have a thorough physical complete with a full blood work up, including a PSA test, and a chest X-ray. Not only might such a work up find some condition lurking, needing attention, without symptoms: additionally, such a work up establishes a base line/lines against which changes in important indicators can be measured. Even if one is healthy as the proverbial horse, getting screened for the PSA (and cholesterol, BTW) is important. In this area, the regional blood bank will do a cholesterol test for donors (for free, with each donation) and once a year will do PSA tests - for free - whether blood is donated or not.

Many guys I know tend to consider routine preventive medical care silly, time consuming and expensive - mebbe. But prostate cancer is relatively easy (though somewhat uncomfortable) to diagnose and treat, and the cure rates are pretty good - IF it is diagnosed in its early stage.

Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer | Prostate Cancer Facts

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in American men. Learn about the American Cancer Society's most recent statistics for prostate cancer here.

www.cancer.net

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

And then there's high blood pressure. Not as bad, but also sneaky.
See that doctor.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

My doctor doesn't believe in them...too many false positives. But I want the test and always got them until last year. I don't quite understand why she is so negative on them and so cautious on other things.

 

[Mark K]

My doctor doesn't believe in them....

That's crazy, bordering on malpractice IMO. I'd seriously be looking for a different doctor.

Do you have to take your own leeches into her office when you go for treatment?

 

[Meandering]

That's crazy, bordering on malpractice IMO. I'd seriously be looking for a different doctor.

Do you have to take your own leeches into her office when you go for treatment?

You haven't got to the check box doctors yet?

Oh, and regularly check the list of FDA prescription recalls. If you're taking one that later is claimed to have ingredients that cause other things like cancer, take your pills to an independent lab and have them tested. Because nobody is in business to lose money on a cause and effect claim, and if you develop one of the "possibilities", don't believe the recalled drug will ever be the cause.

.

 

[Elliott]

Don Imus I believe was diagnosed about 10-years ago with prostate cancer and decided to treat it 'naturally.' I don't recall if his lung issues or the prostate finally caught up with him.

I've been told mine is 'nice' 'small' and 'normal' and I get a '1' reading.

 

[Carnivore]

Mark, I wish you the very best... I am a prostate Cancer survivor! About 16+ years now. BUT the threat does not go away even after you'r cured. Your also right about the Bone Cancer. That is really serious.

Some but not all doctors think the PSA is unnecessary after a certain AGE! Some insurance will not pay for a PSA after a certain Age. I call BS on that one. Your gambling with your life here. So regardless of what they say continue to get a PSA test every year even if you have to pay for it out of your pocket. The cost of that test pales in comparison to the Treatment cost of when you have cancer.

Youth is you enemy when it comes to Cancer. Youth cell reproduction is much faster than us old farts whose cell reproduction slows down dramatically.

Fortunately i did not have to use the radical method of surgically removing it. It was an option of three options I had. That creates problems for the Quality of Life after the operation. So avoid it if at all possible.

Best of luck to you. Looking forward to you joining the ranks of Cancer Survivors and future decades of participating in this forum.

 

[Mark K]

I've been told mine is 'nice' 'small' and 'normal' and I get a '1' reading.

From the physical exam, so was mine. Internally, no. The elevated PSA and ultimately the following biopsy and MRI told the story.

 

[Carnivore]

The Biopsy gave me the willy's. There were two other guys waiting their turn when I went in...when I came out they had flew the coop....

The Gold Isotope process was interesting. They inject you with the cocktail You wait about and hour and then they swaddle you in a cocoon and you become an emitter of radiation. which is recorded on the sheet film overhead of your body. That was to determine if the cancer had migrated to your bones. Its like looking up at the stars ....No Bright Spots is a good thing.