sky high psa

Hi @Adice , can you post the details of your biopsy? For example, info like positive biopsy samples on both sides versus one side only, percentage that is Gleason 4, percentage of total samples that were positive…all impacts the setting of your risk. Also, did you have an MRI first? Guided biopsy?

So only 6 samples in the biopsy? With a PSA of 30? No MRI prior?

I think the first thing to do is to move your care to a better site, frankly. The care you've received, based on what you said, is in no way standard of care. You would have ideally had an mpMRI first to identify potential lesions. Then a biopsy, at least 12 samples, with extra samples targeting any lesions identified from the MRI. Then you'd be ready to truly set your risk.

How much of the 3+4 sample was categorized as 4?

If you're close to Mayo or University of Florida Health both are likely good places. I was surprised at how quickly I was able to get an appointment at Fox Chase in Philadelphia. I've read where some individuals travel great distances to go to places like Memorial Sloan Kettering, Mayo Clinic, John's Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, and other top notch institutions around the world. Its just not logistically possible for me. Even traveling to Philly is a hassle, but the expertise I received there was superior compared to what my local urologist was giving me. Have you attempted to make an appointment at Mayo? I suspect already having a cancer diagnosis it may not take too long? Not meaning to scare you, but I just had a PSMA PET scan which like an MRI is also a bit confining. You'll have to work on your claustrophobia a bit in order to get the scans which are necessary for proper staging of your disease. I know it's difficult, but try to stay calm and methodical. You likely have plenty of time to gather info and make the best decision for your situation. Get the scans. Ask for a copy of the scans on disc so you can take them with you for any second opinions.

totally agree with Central. I had my first biopsy at 50 years old. The SOB only took five samples five and no MRI of course he said no cancer enlarge prostrate is the cause four years later PSA went to 6.2 another biopsy only took six samples this time again no cancer at age 57 PSA went to 7.2 wanna do another biopsy. This is when I said wait a minute somethings not right and sure enough this jerk was screwing me mri first and then MRI guided biopsy they take about 20 samples I wouod go somewhere else go to a major hospital or university or somebody that knows what they’re doing

How’s your health otherwise, @Adice ? Hanging in there at 72?

I am also too claustrophobic to go into a closed tube MRI without sedation. I take 2 Valium 1/2 hour before the MRI is to begin, and I have a small towel across my eyes before I enter the tube (just in case that I inadvertently open them while in the tube). With Valium, the MRI becomes a nothing burger. I've even fall asleep while in the tube, I am so relaxed. The Valium is prescribed by my Oncologist, who typically orders PCa-related MRIs for me.