The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Hi Gilly
Must admit I have asked two of my clients recently to request a PSA test (which I only found out about via your experiences...)one of them in the consultation said he was getting up 3-4 times a night to wee but that it was ok because he was 52 and these things happen when you get older!!!!honestly.....

Thanks for bringing this to our attention again.....
Love to you and Art
T
xxx

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Thank you for your kind thoughts and love to Art and me, TigerBee, and for getting the word around. If this country did PSA tests for men, as we do cervical smears and breast scans for women, we would save around 22,000 lives per year.

Thanks again for passing on the knowledge.

God Bless and love

Gillyxxxx

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Gilly

that made a very interesting reading and it sounds as if you know a lot about this whole thing. tell me please what ere the tell tale signs that something is/may be wrong? At times if I drink a lot the night before then the first thing I need to do as I wake up is run for the loo; but if I do not drink much the night before I am fine.

On the other hand if I am out and about during the day I find that at times I really get an uge to go and fund it difficult to wait to get to a toilette. What do you think?

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Alex, this link may interest you

Lesley

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Lesley

thanks very much. I have downloaded and I will read it over the weekend. Thanks.

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Hi Alex,

Glad to be of help.

If you look at the problem as something which can build up over a long period of time, with no symptoms, you will see why they call it the silent killer.

Apparantly most men have some form of P. cancer upon death, if they are past middle age, but most often this is something that never gets beyond the first stages. If it does, then it happens quickly, and that is when you begin to get the symptoms.

Normally a man will get up to visit the loo once perhaps in the night after drinking alcohol, as will females, this is normal, but signs that there is something more seriously wrong is when you feel as though you could pee quite a lot of the time when you have NOT drunk much.

Bearing in mind this could also be the signs of Prostate Enlargement. This is non malignant and quite easily dealt with.

To differentiate between the two they have to perform a blood test for PSA (Prostate Speicifc Androgen) levels, which can go up or down in different circumstances and at different times, and then a scan and a biopsy. The biopsy will confirm the presence of cancerous cells.

The other signs are literally getting up 2-4 times in the night to pee, and this happens quite suddenly, one moment you are OK, and then, up and down and up and down.

Often there is a high fever and you are ill, (this is a rough % of 4 out of 10 tens). Arthur had this one year before he was diagnosed and they thought it was a tropical disease at the time. They have since told us it was when the cells began to change. Bear in mind this is not always the case with everyone though.

Marital relations (hey, aren't I coy);) will becoem difficult as the tumour can block the sperm from getting through, and Not a lot of people know that!!! It is what the consultant told us.

There can be loss of weight (Art did have this) and appetite and a higher than normal temperature. Combined with lack of energy suddenly. All these things could be accounted for by something else except for the constant need to pee. By this time it is usually that the tumour has grown quite large and the PSA levels will be up high.

This is why it is so important for men to have an annual PSA test to monitor their levels and catch it when it begins, not, as in Art's case, when it could be too late.

God Bless and love

Gillyxxxx

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

I have been reading lots of the HP messages for some time, but this one prompts me to get in.

Firstly I hope your husband is fighting it off as well as he can.

But I cannot reinforce your message about a PSA test enough. Four years ago, I sent myself off for a BUPA health test (the half day thing in London) - I sailed through it with flying colours on the day, but they had only taken the blood samples - not done the tests. Then in came a letter from BUPA saying "go and see your GP" - which I did. My PSA level was 7.2 - quite enoughto get them into high speed (it reached 10 within the 3 months or so of tests and consultations, and after the op when the biopsy result came in it was judged to be an aggressive sod fully developed within the prostate) - consultants, biopsies, NMR and bone scans and then the big decision - surgery or radioatherapy. I opted for surgery, was in for 5 days, playing golf again 2 months later and skiing in 4 months, but then had to go back again for radioatherapy the following year.

(by the way GP's obviously vary, mine pointed out that I could have had the test at the surgery, but up till then I had never heard of it - how can you ask for something you have never heard about - its a conspiracy against us men)

But prior to my BUPA test I had no symptoms that I was aware of - with hindsight I probably had, but the changes creep up on you slowly and you do not notice that (in my case) I was taking longer to pee than before - the rate of flow is affected by the growth in the prostate.

There are also heriditary influences - my father died from it, but no one in the family was told about the possible hereditary risks. I was, and informed my brothers immediately.

I do take issue with your PSA of 15 warning, in my experience the docs get worried at 4/5 - but its not all bad news for you all out there, elevated PSA does not necessarily mean cancer but it is an indicator and all men over 45 should have a test regularly.

And now its the regular blood tests, PSA does not go away when the prostate is chopped out, hopefully it reduces to nominal levels and stays down. But the readings can bounce around and it is going to take a long time to relax and have confidence that it has been chopped off or radio zapped successfully.

About the only good thing about it was that my critical illness insurance policy paid out, but I would rather not have had the cancer in the first place.

If there are men out there, members, partners etc who are at the beginning of this it can be very lonely with no one other that your family who probably know less than you about it and the doctors (excellent though they may be) to turn to for advice, sharing of experiences (which will vary) and so on - lets all put our hands up and use this forum for that purpose. I bet you are out there either worrying about what you have just learned about, or with experiences to share that may help those going through it all today

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Hi there,

thanks fo ryour good wishes, and I am pleased to read of your recovery.

My husband's tumour was too big to operate on without the risk of it spreading. His initial PSA count was 55 which signifies a spread from the prosate to the bones and lymph. But, we seem to have been lucky, as the Casodex, (now withdrawn) stopped it dead, lots of side effects of course, but not enough to worry about unduly, and better to be alive.

Then onto Zoladex, a 4 times yearly implant into the abdomen, stops all testosterone dead in its tracks. Last PSA count 3.3.

A miracle to us as we were preparing for the worse last year.

My brother in law, Leo's PSA count was 14, and he is also having Zoladex, but begining Radiotherapy this week too. His tumour is smaller, and more easily targeted, this is what we have been told by our consultant when we questioned him as to why Arthur should not receive radiotherapy also.

Now my husband's tumour has shrunk, he may well also be offered Radiotherapy in our June check up with the consultant. But happily, the nurse who gives him his injections tells him that she has many men who she gives these too, and has done for well over ten years in all cases, so, Zolodex does save lives.

There does seem to be a different policy in different parts of the UK as to what treatment is right??? We have and shall continue to bring this up with the Consultant, whom we trust, but he assures us Art is getting the treatment he needs which is best for him, and since his PSA is right down, we have to be convinced.

But there is talk now abaout regular PSA tests for men at 50 and onwards, it was in the Times about 3 weeks ago, but not official yet. Let's hope it is sooner rather than later.

Finally, in Art's case there was no hereditary influence at all.

Love

Gillyxxx

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

I am not sure whether we really face such differences in treatment around the country.

I was offered the choice of surgery or radiotherapy, and selected surgery on the basis that radiotherapy would still be available in reserve. If you opt for radiotherapy, surgery is ruled out thereafter.

The surgery seemed to leave a bit, PSA started creeping up hence the radiotherapy a year later.

You say there is no hereditary influence in your husbands case, but is Leo your husbands brother ? or a different in law ?

I fear that having rarely visited doctors for most of my life I am now a hypochondriac if anything happnes that might remotely link to a reappearence of cancer.

I had a cyst recently that had me in mild terror for 36 hours until my specialist was able to examine and reassure me. I suspect that is a problem we all face whatever the type of cancer.

But forums like this do give us all a chance to compare experiences

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

I can't agree enough with you all on this ...
my stepfather(dad) is poorly with this and has been for a number of years... and has regular tests done to make sure everything is ok..( he has to arrange for them - which I find a disgrace, -

but he has now been having pain in his lower regions.. which may be a indication of something possibly developing..

so if u know the signs and see someone in the family with them.. cos they will hide them through .unfortunatley. embarassment.....
hugs to all..

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

I'm just thinking laterally here but I have heard recently (and I promise not to wander off the point) that there is no word for Menopause in Chinese. I checked with a Vietnamese friend and they don't suffer it either. The health products containing phytonutrients are known to help western women through hot flushes etc. It is said by the manufacturers of one such product that mens ailments can be benefitted too. Does anyone know if men from the Far East suffer with ailments including prostate problems as much as Western men?

I know that rich Chinese kids can afford western junk food and suffer health problems that poor kids on a basic diet of soya and rice don't get.

Maybe men should make a substantial change to their diets that include plant nutrients, soya and rice, instead of wheat based foods?

Regards to all,

John

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Hi gillyann
having read your post's (thankyou for sharing) I'm becoming very worried about my husband.
The link you put up with your first post was very informative (& most of it sounds like my husbands symptoms) but my husband is only 37. I've asked my husband if he's had a PSA test (he doesn't think he has:eek:
I haven't been with my husband for any of his appointments, so I only know what he is telling me[&:] (someone has to look after our brood) but, I suppose what I'm trying to say is......I'm more than a little worried.
I have a thread going about my husband (in brief) "Any help would be greatly appreciated".
My question is: is my husband too young to have a PSA test?
Thankyou for taking the time
Love, Light & Blessing's
Crystallove XX
[sm=FIFangel.gif]

Bioflowman
if you look at the link in gillyann's first post it says that "men of far eastern descent are the lowest risk"
Hope that helps
Crystallove

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Hi Crystallove

I have read your thread about your husband and am very sorry to hear all about his problems -I hope some progress is being made.

I have prostate cancer, and have been through all of the examinations tests, and also now am notching up the various treatments.

I preface the rest of this with "I am not a doctor, and it is the doctors who you should consult"

But none of the symptoms that you describe, or the tests relate to anything I experienced. Indeed a while ago now I got a growth on one of my testicles and went into instant panic "was this the cancer popping up again" but was quickly reassured by my consultant that Prostate canceer does not do this.

Your husband is a bit young for the conventional ages for PC, but it does happen. The PSA test should be available on demand at your local surgery, it is just a simple bloodtest. If your GP is unreasonable - insist, if all that it does is put your minds at rest it is worth doing. Otherwise it will cost approx £70 at your local Nuffield or equivalent, but you will have to find someone to refer you so back to the GP and insist.

Your husbands symptons really do not sound like PC, but stick with the doctors. If you are wanting to research prostate cancer another useful web site is the prostate research campaign -

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Dear Crystallove,

Anything I can do to help, and I will.

Alastair is quite right in all he says, (Hope you are OK Arl)???

This need not be cancer, but an enlarged Prostate gland. My late father had this problem and many, if not most men to as they age.

Having Prostate cancer at 37 is uncommon although sadly not unheard of.

Questions you need to ask: Is there any Prostate cancer/problems within his family, direct lines, father, grandfather etc?

How many times per night does he get up to visit the toilet and is it becoming more and more difficult to actually pass water?

Are there any unusuall aches and pains in his legs, back or pelvic area?

If your GP wil not do a PSA test, AND I WOUDL THREATEN TO SUE HIM AND HIS PRACTICE IF HE REFUSES - get to the Nuffield as Arl says ASAP, I cannot stress how important it is to get this done NOW.

Pay the £70 on Mastercard oro whatever, the debt is worth the knowledge that there is NOT anything wrong, or, that there is something and it has been caught in time, or, there is an enlarged Prostate and there is much they can do about that before resorting to surgery.

Get some Saw Palmetto supplements, ask him to eat around 3 tomatos per day, and as many Brazil nuts, walnuts and pumpkin seeds as he can endure. (They are tasty actually).

This will not cure him in the unlikely event of him having cancer, only medical treatment for this condition will result in remission, BUT, they will build up a wall of strength agaisnt any further tumours and help to make any tumour he MAY have only 2/3rd active.

Contact me personally via PM if you need any help privately which you don't want to put on the forums.

Love Gillyxxx

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Hi alrl
"Thanks" for taking the time to post. Will check the link out shortly, & maybe get my husband to read too:D
Your help is very much appreciated:D

Hi Gillyann
"Thankyou" also for taking the time to post.
I'm going to ask my husbands sister to find out about history of PC & family lines (husband doesn't speak to his dad). Will let you know what I find.
I've talked with my husband & he's going to go to the doctors & ask for a PSA test (if we have no joy, we WILL pay).
I will send you PM :D:D
Your help is much appreciated:D
Love, Light & Blessing's
Crystallove XX
[sm=FIFangel.gif]

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Hi Gillyann

Thanks for asking - yes I am as fit as a fiddle, and coming to terms with being seriously diseased at the same time and finding the medical world has no treatments to offer -yet

Keepin touch

Alastair

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Evening all,
Just though this may be of interest.There is a UK company who willshortly bemarketing there new near patient care PSA testing product.
Without going into too much detail...It isa PSA test that can be carried out in the doctors surgery with accurate resultswithin 10 minutes (just a normal blood sample required).
The cost of the equipment is priced to enable the small practice to afford said equipment.Approx. £2 per test and £1000 for the reader.The results can also be stored to a central database using B/tooth tech.
The new products could lead to a National Screaning program being a viable option.

Hope the above is of interest?
Cheers
Mick

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Banjomick,

that is very interesting news,,, I would like to have said very good news, but that would assume that GPs would take up this offer and fork out the £1000. The problem is, that they are under the persuasion of various regulatory bodies and councils and the received wisdom is that it's just not worth it, their phrase not mine, to worry the patient with the PSA tests as there is a good cahnce that something will have killed him off before the cancer, if present!!! I was lucky, my GPs were not of that camp and the more enlightened may try this new test, but for the majority of GPs, don't hold your breath!!!!

Leo

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Enening Leo,
Yes I take your point at the price and funds available.
The PSA test has come under a lot of stick over the last year but recently a more accepted view of the test is not the actual reading that counts (unless high) but the velocity or trend of said reading.
The PSA test at present is long winded and costs the NHS a lot in both time and money.
Both current sentiment and cost is the reason for not having a National Screening program.If a relatively low cost alternative was available that could send the data to a centraldatabase thiscould lead to a change of heart and possible funding at GP level.
There are atwo or threemajorEuropean studies ongoingrelating to the PSA test and the value of but the results will not be known until 2008 or probably a few years after that.

Talking to my Father,he would welcome a test where you can go to your local GP,have the PSA test andobtain the results in less than 10 minutes!

As you say (quite rightly) it's all down to money as usual!

Mick

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Totally and absolutely agree with you,, if the new 'tool' you talk about, is that easy and convenient then there is no excuse, is there????

Also the rapidity of the PSA increase,, yes of course ,, two types of Prostate Cancer cels,, the pussy cat, 90% of men over 80 have it and don't die from it, and the Tiger type, very rapid in devlopement and metastasis to the bones and a very quick killer. My mani arguement with the watch and wait brigade, is it's Okish now that men normally die anyway before the pussy cat gets them, but what happens when the medics do their stuff and men start surviving until 85?? Lots of deaths fro pussy cats??????

Leo

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Leo,
Yes,most people die edit:with some sort ofcancer in the body but the point is that early detection of Prostate cancer can bring a cure if caught at the early stage/early age.The only way of testing(at the present time) is with PSA testing followed by DRE and if a £2 PSA test is available then more frequent testing can be done and therefore a more accurate trend can be observed.
Obviously the more PSA results a doctor has ofhis/her patient then the betterdecission on course of actioncan be made.....this is for both pre and post diagnosis of Prostate cancer of course.
Mick

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

early detection of Prostate cancer can bring a cure if caught at the early stage.

Yes indeed, that was my case (touching wood:D:D). My tumour was confined to one only of the six biopsy probes, completely in the capsule and was starvede for 6 months by testosterone blockage and the remnant killed by radiation therapy.

Certainly if this new PSA test is cost effective and is brought in generally, by gPs, then more lives will be saved and jsut as imprtantly, the quality of many men's lives will be much improved.

Leo

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Leo,
Hope your fit and well now by the way?
My father got tested after the usual signs about 6 years agowith ever increasing PSA results,which as you knowknock's you and everyone close to you for six, especially if you were like him and had never heard of prostate cancer!He was actually,before tests,more concerned with the illness from asbestos(from working in power stations for most of his life)where he was knee deep in the stuff!
With the choices put before him he decided to get it out and get rid..the prostate that is.
Don't think I could go through what he did,anyway he has a near normal life now with i think twice yearly PSA checks (which thankfully are very very low).

One other point of interest......I was on a course at Corus (old British Steel) 6 months back and one of the topics was health and prostate cancerwasone of the topics the head nurse talked about!
On certain plants you have to get a blood test for cancer every year but the test is open for any employee,which was good to hear.

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

On certain plants you have to get a blood test for cancer every year but the test is open for any employee,which was good to hear.

I'm on a six monthly PSA check, then yearly then if everthings OK after 4 years, they say I'm free!!!

As for your quote above,, it depends on the cancer of course, what with the stuff that is in the air of many industrial plants, carcinogens included, I think such tests should be mandatory.

Leo

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Yes they are mandatory for workersregularly working on the By-Products plant and especially the Benzole Plant.The operators wear a benzole monitor which i believe is checkedonce a week andadded to their medicalrecord's.
It's frightening to think that we used to wash our tools/hands in benzole to get the tar off,many years ago......well not that long ago 20 years!

RE: The PSA test - Prostate Cancer

Mick,

I think this topic deserves a separate thread, the use of toxic substances in the work place,,, General Health I think,, could you start with something about your own experiences and the gist of your post above,

Leo