Re: all new to me

September 7, 2008

The prostate biopsy is uncomfortable, but no more than many dental procedures. A strong dose of rectal anesthetic gel is used. The most uncomfortable part of the procedure is the series of instantaneous stings that is felt with each sample taken. However, this is the price that has to be paid to get any confirmatory diagnosis. The chief value of the free PSA is that in cases where no lumps are found in the DRE, and with enlarged glands and moderately high PSA, a decision on whether to go through with a biopsy now can be more precisely determined. If your husband finds the endurance of some 12 instantaneous zaps too terrorizing, he can go for semi-anesthesia sedation similar to that used with colonoscopy. Considering the history of prostate cancer in his family, there is no substitute for a timely biopsy once prostatitis has been ruled out or treated.

Louis. . .

all new to me

my hubbie went to have his yearly physical (which was a chore in itself) and he had his prostate examened (1st time) and PSA. The exam dr said he felt nothing, but his PSA was 4.05.. so he ordered another a month later, It came back 4.56 and since my husbands brother and uncles have had or have prostate cancer, the Dr referred him to a urologist. We went there last tuesday, he was examened again and there was some swelling on the right side of his prostate. and with his family history he wanted him to have a fPSA test. Then he told my hubbie () that if it comes back (as he said as he expects) he will have to have an ultrasound and biopsy. Well as soon as the Dr said that, went into shock. He did not hear the conversation the Dr and I had after that was said. Anyways he is TERRIFIED of having the test done. He pretty much go 2 feet out of the clinic and lost it. Got home and all he wanted to do was go and stay in bed. I tried telling him he will be fine. His comment was "I am not getting the biopsy or ultrasound. no way" and he went to sleep. I called friends over and we got him to agree to have the test, but his onlt stepulation was he wants me in there. He doesn't want to be alone. I talked to the nurse and the dr agreed with me being in the office (he is doing the ult/biop in his office) to keep him calm and reasurred. he is ok because of the way reacted to being told this was being done. So I have the date schedualed for the test and he had his blood test (going for results 25th). I know how the procedure is done, and the dr did not even disscuss how it was done. Just handed him a panflet. Well thaught (cause of the pic) that it was going to be done through his paremium. I explained how it was going to be done. That realy did not help. But i wanted him to know how it was done so he is not surprised. NOW I REALLY HAVE TO BE IN THE ROOM. i do not mind,as I am taking medical office asst at school so not a prob. And honestly I would want him there if I was having that done. Anyways he is having the test next month. i am not telling him when cause he will start stressing out when the date gets closer. So it will just be something I tell him when I wake him.Can any of you guys post how the ultrasound and biospy feels? Does it hurt? What happened after..(bleeding)? Just so i can tell him. He is thinking the worst. I need him to read form other men who have had it done, what they expereinced so he can relax a bit.The last time we went through something like this was when we were 1st married 18 years ago. And he had a tumor on his lung. Ended uo having 1/2 his lung removed. And they did lots of tests and cause I was pregnant, I could not be there during any tests. So this time he said "I am not going through any testing if you are not there", of course unless it is a surgery of some sort. Another thing, I said to the Dr "swelling, isn't that prostitis? He said no. Asked maybe infecttion? He said nope. Asked if there was a differet test or can we try antibiotics? Again NO. So this Dr is set that is having the test, and I think no matter how the blood test comes back. It looks like the Dr wants him to get it done either way. But I think he should cause the biopsy (from what I read) can also state infections and other things. Is that true? And another question, does sex raise the PSA? cause the urologist said it does.I know if he has cancer, supposidly the dr said 70/30, he will have other tests and treatments but it is just at the beginning I think. That is what he said if does.So my other questions are , what other tests will possibly be done? What treatments may he get, since it is caught early? What are the side affects?Also is on saw plamento. The Dr said stop, it gives a faulse PSA score. we did for the 4 days he had us wait before the blood test, so it is ok. So is saw plamento a good thing?his symptoms (he has not told any dr yet):trouble urinatingtrouble finishingtrouble with ED Right testical is sore (urologis say it is a pinched nerve in his back causing the testical and back pain)lower back is soreburning sensation in his penis off and on.feels like he has to go sometimes but bladder is emptysorry this was so long.marla

September 7, 2008

I have heard of men who didn't want a rectal examination, so has got one stage further than them!!!

I suppose that we shouldn't say that a biopsy doesn't hurt, but it is instantaneous and over in less then a second and not different from receiving a vaccination, just like having a needle in your skin. My wife does worse to herself as a diabetic with checking her blood glucose levels.

He can ask his urologist to give him a local anasthetic.

He will also get an antibiotic to minimise the chance of infection.

I would think that there are more biopsies happening across the western world more often than planes flying out of Chicago O'Hare.

My advice to him would be that the implications of agressive cancer are much worse than the biopsy and it is best to bite the bullet!

I have the view that it is best to be positive, most PCa patients can expect at least 15 years of life and many have much longer.

Is it best to have a 15 yrs of positive life as against a decade and a half of feeling sorry for ourselves.

Best wishes

Hambleton

Selby

Yorkshire

England

all new to me

my hubbie went to have his yearly physical (which was a chore in itself) and he had his prostate examened (1st time) and PSA. The exam dr said he felt nothing, but his PSA was 4.05.. so he ordered another a month later,

..

September 7, 2008

I forgot to say; should refrane from any sex or orgasm or prostate stimulation for 48 hours prior to the fPSA blood test or the levels may be artificially elevated.

Good luck,

Chris

all new to me

my hubbie went to have his yearly physical (which was a chore in itself) and he had his prostate examened (1st time) and PSA. The exam dr said he felt nothing, but his PSA was 4.05.. so he ordered another a month later, It came back 4.56 and since my husbands brother and uncles have had or have prostate cancer, the Dr referred him to a urologist. We went there last tuesday, he was examened again and there was some swelling on the right side of his prostate. and with his family history he wanted him to have a fPSA test. Then he told my hubbie () that if it comes back (as he said as he expects) he will have to have an ultrasound and biopsy. Well as soon as the Dr said that, went into shock. He did not hear the conversation the Dr and I had after that was said. Anyways he is TERRIFIED of having the test done. He pretty much go 2 feet out of the clinic and lost it. Got home and all he wanted to do was go and stay in bed. I tried telling him he will be fine. His comment was "I am not getting the biopsy or ultrasound. no way" and he went to sleep. I called friends over and we got him to agree to have the test, but his onlt stepulation was he wants me in there. He doesn't want to be alone. I talked to the nurse and the dr agreed with me being in the office (he is doing the ult/biop in his office) to keep him calm and reasurred. he is ok because of the way reacted to being told this was being done. So I have the date schedualed for the test and he had his blood test (going for results 25th). I know how the procedure is done, and the dr did not even disscuss how it was done. Just handed him a panflet. Well thaught (cause of the pic) that it was going to be done through his paremium. I explained how it was going to be done. That realy did not help. But i wanted him to know how it was done so he is not surprised. NOW I REALLY HAVE TO BE IN THE ROOM. i do not mind,as I am taking medical office asst at school so not a prob. And honestly I would want him there if I was having that done. Anyways he is having the test next month. i am not telling him when cause he will start stressing out when the date gets closer. So it will just be something I tell him when I wake him.Can any of you guys post how the ultrasound and biospy feels? Does it hurt? What happened after..(bleeding)? Just so i can tell him. He is thinking the worst. I need him to read form other men who have had it done, what they expereinced so he can relax a bit.The last time we went through something like this was when we were 1st married 18 years ago. And he had a tumor on his lung. Ended uo having 1/2 his lung removed. And they did lots of tests and cause I was pregnant, I could not be there during any tests. So this time he said "I am not going through any testing if you are not there", of course unless it is a surgery of some sort. Another thing, I said to the Dr "swelling, isn't that prostitis? He said no. Asked maybe infecttion? He said nope. Asked if there was a differet test or can we try antibiotics? Again NO. So this Dr is set that is having the test, and I think no matter how the blood test comes back. It looks like the Dr wants him to get it done either way. But I think he should cause the biopsy (from what I read) can also state infections and other things. Is that true? And another question, does sex raise the PSA? cause the urologist said it does.I know if he has cancer, supposidly the dr said 70/30, he will have other tests and treatments but it is just at the beginning I think. That is what he said if does.So my other questions are , what other tests will possibly be done? What treatments may he get, since it is caught early? What are the side affects?Also is on saw plamento. The Dr said stop, it gives a faulse PSA score. we did for the 4 days he had us wait before the blood test, so it is ok. So is saw plamento a good thing?his symptoms (he has not told any dr yet):trouble urinatingtrouble finishingtrouble with ED Right testical is sore (urologis say it is a pinched nerve in his back causing the testical and back pain)lower back is soreburning sensation in his penis off and on.feels like he has to go sometimes but bladder is emptysorry this was so long.marla

Internal Virus Database is out of date.Checked by AVG. Version: 8.0.100 / Virus Database: 270.6.16/1650 - Release Date: 9/3/2008 4:13 PM

September 7, 2008

I forgot to say; should refrane from any sex or orgasm or prostate stimulation for 48 hours prior to the fPSA blood test or the levels may be artificially elevated.

Good luck,

Chris

all new to me

my hubbie went to have his yearly physical (which was a chore in itself) and he had his prostate examened (1st time) and PSA. The exam dr said he felt nothing, but his PSA was 4.05.. so he ordered another a month later, It came back 4.56 and since my husbands brother and uncles have had or have prostate cancer, the Dr referred him to a urologist. We went there last tuesday, he was examened again and there was some swelling on the right side of his prostate. and with his family history he wanted him to have a fPSA test. Then he told my hubbie () that if it comes back (as he said as he expects) he will have to have an ultrasound and biopsy. Well as soon as the Dr said that, went into shock. He did not hear the conversation the Dr and I had after that was said. Anyways he is TERRIFIED of having the test done. He pretty much go 2 feet out of the clinic and lost it. Got home and all he wanted to do was go and stay in bed. I tried telling him he will be fine. His comment was "I am not getting the biopsy or ultrasound. no way" and he went to sleep. I called friends over and we got him to agree to have the test, but his onlt stepulation was he wants me in there. He doesn't want to be alone. I talked to the nurse and the dr agreed with me being in the office (he is doing the ult/biop in his office) to keep him calm and reasurred. he is ok because of the way reacted to being told this was being done. So I have the date schedualed for the test and he had his blood test (going for results 25th). I know how the procedure is done, and the dr did not even disscuss how it was done. Just handed him a panflet. Well thaught (cause of the pic) that it was going to be done through his paremium. I explained how it was going to be done. That realy did not help. But i wanted him to know how it was done so he is not surprised. NOW I REALLY HAVE TO BE IN THE ROOM. i do not mind,as I am taking medical office asst at school so not a prob. And honestly I would want him there if I was having that done. Anyways he is having the test next month. i am not telling him when cause he will start stressing out when the date gets closer. So it will just be something I tell him when I wake him.Can any of you guys post how the ultrasound and biospy feels? Does it hurt? What happened after..(bleeding)? Just so i can tell him. He is thinking the worst. I need him to read form other men who have had it done, what they expereinced so he can relax a bit.The last time we went through something like this was when we were 1st married 18 years ago. And he had a tumor on his lung. Ended uo having 1/2 his lung removed. And they did lots of tests and cause I was pregnant, I could not be there during any tests. So this time he said "I am not going through any testing if you are not there", of course unless it is a surgery of some sort. Another thing, I said to the Dr "swelling, isn't that prostitis? He said no. Asked maybe infecttion? He said nope. Asked if there was a differet test or can we try antibiotics? Again NO. So this Dr is set that is having the test, and I think no matter how the blood test comes back. It looks like the Dr wants him to get it done either way. But I think he should cause the biopsy (from what I read) can also state infections and other things. Is that true? And another question, does sex raise the PSA? cause the urologist said it does.I know if he has cancer, supposidly the dr said 70/30, he will have other tests and treatments but it is just at the beginning I think. That is what he said if does.So my other questions are , what other tests will possibly be done? What treatments may he get, since it is caught early? What are the side affects?Also is on saw plamento. The Dr said stop, it gives a faulse PSA score. we did for the 4 days he had us wait before the blood test, so it is ok. So is saw plamento a good thing?his symptoms (he has not told any dr yet):trouble urinatingtrouble finishingtrouble with ED Right testical is sore (urologis say it is a pinched nerve in his back causing the testical and back pain)lower back is soreburning sensation in his penis off and on.feels like he has to go sometimes but bladder is emptysorry this was so long.marla

Internal Virus Database is out of date.Checked by AVG. Version: 8.0.100 / Virus Database: 270.6.16/1650 - Release Date: 9/3/2008 4:13 PM

September 7, 2008

(snip)

> Then he told my hubbie () that if it comes back (as he said as

> he expects) he will have to have an ultrasound and biopsy. Well as

> soon as the Dr said that, went into shock. He did not hear the

> conversation the Dr and I had after that was said. Anyways he is

> TERRIFIED of having the test done.

I do not understand why is terrified of the test. Is he actually

terrified of what the test might disclose, or the test itself?

(snip)

> So I have the date schedualed for the test and he had his blood test

> (going for results 25th). I know how the procedure is done, and the

> dr did not even disscuss how it was done. Just handed him a panflet.

>

That is callous, IMO, but many medics are just that.

(snip)

> Can any of you guys post how the ultrasound and biospy feels? Does it

> hurt? What happened after..(bleeding)? Just so i can tell him. He is

> thinking the worst. I need him to read form other men who have had

> it done, what they expereinced so he can relax a bit.

It should not be painful if proper measures are used to anesthetize the

tissues. I demanded it and got it. Some men have a macho attitude about

it, which I consider to be silly posturing.

Also, a medication can be administered to assure that is relaxed.

Again, demand it.

If the uro will not cooperate (and some won't) simply fire him and hire

one who will. The *patient* is the boss.

(snip)

> Another thing, I said to the Dr " swelling, isn't that prostitis? He

> said no. Asked maybe infecttion? He said nope.

I wonder exactly *how he knew* that there was no infection. Did he run a

urine culture?

Did he not prescribe a course of an antibiotic such as Cypro to reduce

any infection? Hmmmmm.

> Asked if there was a differet test or can we try antibiotics? Again

> NO. So this Dr is set that is having the test, and I think no

> matter how the blood test comes back. It looks like the Dr wants him

> to get it done either way.

Well, that's how he pays his bills.

> But I think he should cause the biopsy (from what I read) can also

> state infections and other things. Is that true?

I'm not sure just what Marla means. In any case I've heard of or

experienced, Cypro was used for a couple of days before the procedure in

order to reduce the possibility of infection.

> And another question, does sex raise the PSA? cause the urologist

> said it does.

Yes; ejaculation during the roughly 48 hours before the blood draw can

increase PSA. So can a DRE, riding a bicycle, anything that stresses the

gland.

> I know if he has cancer, supposidly the dr said 70/30,

Oh Lord, a mathematician. I recommend paying absolutely NO attention to

that guesswork.

> he will have other tests and treatments but it is just at the

> beginning I think. That is what he said if does.

>

> So my other questions are , what other tests will possibly be done?

> What treatments may he get, since it is caught early? What are the

> side affects?

I recommend addressing the situation in a step by step manner. There are

many relevant tests, about which uros are often ignorant. The tests help

to understand the nature and extent of the disease and its status.

According to one of the most famous medical oncologists in the world,

one who has specialized in PCa for some 25 years, " Status Begets

Strategy. " IOW, once you know the status of the disease, you can then

and only then formulate a strategy to defeat it.

>

> Also is on saw plamento. The Dr said stop, it gives a faulse

> PSA score. we did for the 4 days he had us wait before the blood

> test, so it is ok. So is saw plamento a good thing?

I know of no reason to believe that it is, although folks make money

claiming that it will help combat PCa. One can find interesting

information abut it on Quackwatch at

http://www.quackwatch.org/search/webglimpse.cgi?ID=1 & query=saw+palmetto

or

http://tinyurl.com/5gw6oe

> his symptoms (he has not told any dr yet): trouble urinating trouble

> finishing

Those could be symptoms of PCa. Or BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia),

or prostatitis, or other; I'm not a medic.

> trouble with ED

I doubt that ED would be symptom of *untreated* PCa, although it can be

a SE of certain treatments (txs).

> Right testical is sore (urologis say it is a pinched nerve in his

> back causing the testical and back pain)

He could be right; I've never heard of this as a symptom of PCa.

> lower back is sore

Same, unless he has metastases to the lower spine, which seems unlikely

based upon the information at hand.

> burning sensation in his penis off and on.

Infection?

> feels like he has to go sometimes but bladder is empty

I have no idea.

And for the Love of God, *why* have these symptoms not been reported to

the medics? That does not strike me as prudent.

The biopsy should report, for each specimen (not less than 12 of them),

what was found, where, and how much of it. Eg: adenocarcinoma Gleason

grade x and y, two mm, total score z in the left mid-gland.

And the specimens should be validated by a specialist PCa lab. If there

is PCa present, this is absolutely essential, as everything that is done

from that point forward depends absolutely upon the accuracy of the

Gleason score. There is a list available. This is a " second opinion " and

should be covered by insurance.

In civilized jurisdictions, those tissue specimens are the property of

the *patient* and not the medic and not the lab.

I most earnestly recommend study and self-education. A good place to

start is the objective, encyclopedic and reliable information available

on the website of the Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) at:

http://prostate-cancer.org/index.html

Especially the " Undiagnosed " and following sections at

http://www.prostate-cancer.org/education/education.html#undiagnosed

Also: _A Primer on Prostate Cancer_ 2nd ed., subtitled " The Empowered

Patient's Guide " by medical oncologist and PCa specialist B.

Strum, MD and PCa warrior Donna Pogliano. It is available from the PCRI

website and the like, as well as Amazon (30+ five-star reviews),

& Noble, and bookstores. A lifesaver, as I very well know.

And lastly, I have to say that each and every man on this site, along

with each and every one of the ladies (and it is well-known that PCa is

a couple's disease) have been through this. We and they have learned to

cope for better or for worse.

Hiding from the problem is a recipe for disaster.

Get online, however reluctant he may be. He should, like so many

others, suck it up and, as I often rant, Study, Learn, and Take Charge!

Regards,

Steve J

" Flagrantly, we docs ignore the declaration of biology. We do this out

of ignorance, greed or both. The prime directive of the physician, the

real physician, is patient outcome & not physician income (or ego). "

-- B. Strum, MD

Medical Oncologist

PCa Specialist

September 7, 2008

(snip)

> Then he told my hubbie () that if it comes back (as he said as

> he expects) he will have to have an ultrasound and biopsy. Well as

> soon as the Dr said that, went into shock. He did not hear the

> conversation the Dr and I had after that was said. Anyways he is

> TERRIFIED of having the test done.

I do not understand why is terrified of the test. Is he actually

terrified of what the test might disclose, or the test itself?

(snip)

> So I have the date schedualed for the test and he had his blood test

> (going for results 25th). I know how the procedure is done, and the

> dr did not even disscuss how it was done. Just handed him a panflet.

>

That is callous, IMO, but many medics are just that.

(snip)

> Can any of you guys post how the ultrasound and biospy feels? Does it

> hurt? What happened after..(bleeding)? Just so i can tell him. He is

> thinking the worst. I need him to read form other men who have had

> it done, what they expereinced so he can relax a bit.

It should not be painful if proper measures are used to anesthetize the

tissues. I demanded it and got it. Some men have a macho attitude about

it, which I consider to be silly posturing.

Also, a medication can be administered to assure that is relaxed.

Again, demand it.

If the uro will not cooperate (and some won't) simply fire him and hire

one who will. The *patient* is the boss.

(snip)

> Another thing, I said to the Dr " swelling, isn't that prostitis? He

> said no. Asked maybe infecttion? He said nope.

I wonder exactly *how he knew* that there was no infection. Did he run a

urine culture?

Did he not prescribe a course of an antibiotic such as Cypro to reduce

any infection? Hmmmmm.

> Asked if there was a differet test or can we try antibiotics? Again

> NO. So this Dr is set that is having the test, and I think no

> matter how the blood test comes back. It looks like the Dr wants him

> to get it done either way.

Well, that's how he pays his bills.

> But I think he should cause the biopsy (from what I read) can also

> state infections and other things. Is that true?

I'm not sure just what Marla means. In any case I've heard of or

experienced, Cypro was used for a couple of days before the procedure in

order to reduce the possibility of infection.

> And another question, does sex raise the PSA? cause the urologist

> said it does.

Yes; ejaculation during the roughly 48 hours before the blood draw can

increase PSA. So can a DRE, riding a bicycle, anything that stresses the

gland.

> I know if he has cancer, supposidly the dr said 70/30,

Oh Lord, a mathematician. I recommend paying absolutely NO attention to

that guesswork.

> he will have other tests and treatments but it is just at the

> beginning I think. That is what he said if does.

>

> So my other questions are , what other tests will possibly be done?

> What treatments may he get, since it is caught early? What are the

> side affects?

I recommend addressing the situation in a step by step manner. There are

many relevant tests, about which uros are often ignorant. The tests help

to understand the nature and extent of the disease and its status.

According to one of the most famous medical oncologists in the world,

one who has specialized in PCa for some 25 years, " Status Begets

Strategy. " IOW, once you know the status of the disease, you can then

and only then formulate a strategy to defeat it.

>

> Also is on saw plamento. The Dr said stop, it gives a faulse

> PSA score. we did for the 4 days he had us wait before the blood

> test, so it is ok. So is saw plamento a good thing?

I know of no reason to believe that it is, although folks make money

claiming that it will help combat PCa. One can find interesting

information abut it on Quackwatch at

http://www.quackwatch.org/search/webglimpse.cgi?ID=1 & query=saw+palmetto

or

http://tinyurl.com/5gw6oe

> his symptoms (he has not told any dr yet): trouble urinating trouble

> finishing

Those could be symptoms of PCa. Or BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia),

or prostatitis, or other; I'm not a medic.

> trouble with ED

I doubt that ED would be symptom of *untreated* PCa, although it can be

a SE of certain treatments (txs).

> Right testical is sore (urologis say it is a pinched nerve in his

> back causing the testical and back pain)

He could be right; I've never heard of this as a symptom of PCa.

> lower back is sore

Same, unless he has metastases to the lower spine, which seems unlikely

based upon the information at hand.

> burning sensation in his penis off and on.

Infection?

> feels like he has to go sometimes but bladder is empty

I have no idea.

And for the Love of God, *why* have these symptoms not been reported to

the medics? That does not strike me as prudent.

The biopsy should report, for each specimen (not less than 12 of them),

what was found, where, and how much of it. Eg: adenocarcinoma Gleason

grade x and y, two mm, total score z in the left mid-gland.

And the specimens should be validated by a specialist PCa lab. If there

is PCa present, this is absolutely essential, as everything that is done

from that point forward depends absolutely upon the accuracy of the

Gleason score. There is a list available. This is a " second opinion " and

should be covered by insurance.

In civilized jurisdictions, those tissue specimens are the property of

the *patient* and not the medic and not the lab.

I most earnestly recommend study and self-education. A good place to

start is the objective, encyclopedic and reliable information available

on the website of the Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) at:

http://prostate-cancer.org/index.html

Especially the " Undiagnosed " and following sections at

http://www.prostate-cancer.org/education/education.html#undiagnosed

Also: _A Primer on Prostate Cancer_ 2nd ed., subtitled " The Empowered

Patient's Guide " by medical oncologist and PCa specialist B.

Strum, MD and PCa warrior Donna Pogliano. It is available from the PCRI

website and the like, as well as Amazon (30+ five-star reviews),

& Noble, and bookstores. A lifesaver, as I very well know.

And lastly, I have to say that each and every man on this site, along

with each and every one of the ladies (and it is well-known that PCa is

a couple's disease) have been through this. We and they have learned to

cope for better or for worse.

Hiding from the problem is a recipe for disaster.

Get online, however reluctant he may be. He should, like so many

others, suck it up and, as I often rant, Study, Learn, and Take Charge!

Regards,

Steve J

" Flagrantly, we docs ignore the declaration of biology. We do this out

of ignorance, greed or both. The prime directive of the physician, the

real physician, is patient outcome & not physician income (or ego). "

-- B. Strum, MD

Medical Oncologist

PCa Specialist

September 7, 2008

Steve;

he is afraid of the test itself.

>

> (snip)

>

> > Then he told my hubbie () that if it comes back (as he said

as

> > he expects) he will have to have an ultrasound and biopsy. Well as

> > soon as the Dr said that, went into shock. He did not hear

the

> > conversation the Dr and I had after that was said. Anyways he is

> > TERRIFIED of having the test done.

>

> I do not understand why is terrified of the test. Is he

actually

> terrified of what the test might disclose, or the test itself?

>

> (snip)

>

> > So I have the date schedualed for the test and he had his blood

test

> > (going for results 25th). I know how the procedure is done, and

the

> > dr did not even disscuss how it was done. Just handed him a

panflet.

> >

>

> That is callous, IMO, but many medics are just that.

>

> (snip)

>

> > Can any of you guys post how the ultrasound and biospy feels?

Does it

> > hurt? What happened after..(bleeding)? Just so i can tell him.

He is

> > thinking the worst. I need him to read form other men who have

had

> > it done, what they expereinced so he can relax a bit.

>

> It should not be painful if proper measures are used to anesthetize

the

> tissues. I demanded it and got it. Some men have a macho attitude

about

> it, which I consider to be silly posturing.

>

> Also, a medication can be administered to assure that is

relaxed.

> Again, demand it.

>

> If the uro will not cooperate (and some won't) simply fire him and

hire

> one who will. The *patient* is the boss.

>

> (snip)

>

> > Another thing, I said to the Dr " swelling, isn't that prostitis?

He

> > said no. Asked maybe infecttion? He said nope.

>

> I wonder exactly *how he knew* that there was no infection. Did he

run a

> urine culture?

>

> Did he not prescribe a course of an antibiotic such as Cypro to

reduce

> any infection? Hmmmmm.

>

> > Asked if there was a differet test or can we try antibiotics?

Again

> > NO. So this Dr is set that is having the test, and I think

no

> > matter how the blood test comes back. It looks like the Dr wants

him

> > to get it done either way.

>

> Well, that's how he pays his bills.

>

> > But I think he should cause the biopsy (from what I read) can also

> > state infections and other things. Is that true?

>

> I'm not sure just what Marla means. In any case I've heard of or

> experienced, Cypro was used for a couple of days before the

procedure in

> order to reduce the possibility of infection.

>

> > And another question, does sex raise the PSA? cause the urologist

> > said it does.

>

> Yes; ejaculation during the roughly 48 hours before the blood draw

can

> increase PSA. So can a DRE, riding a bicycle, anything that

stresses the

> gland.

>

> > I know if he has cancer, supposidly the dr said 70/30,

>

> Oh Lord, a mathematician. I recommend paying absolutely NO

attention to

> that guesswork.

>

> > he will have other tests and treatments but it is just at the

> > beginning I think. That is what he said if does.

> >

> > So my other questions are , what other tests will possibly be

done?

> > What treatments may he get, since it is caught early? What are

the

> > side affects?

>

> I recommend addressing the situation in a step by step manner.

There are

> many relevant tests, about which uros are often ignorant. The tests

help

> to understand the nature and extent of the disease and its status.

>

> According to one of the most famous medical oncologists in the

world,

> one who has specialized in PCa for some 25 years, " Status Begets

> Strategy. " IOW, once you know the status of the disease, you can

then

> and only then formulate a strategy to defeat it.

>

> >

> > Also is on saw plamento. The Dr said stop, it gives a

faulse

> > PSA score. we did for the 4 days he had us wait before the blood

> > test, so it is ok. So is saw plamento a good thing?

>

> I know of no reason to believe that it is, although folks make money

> claiming that it will help combat PCa. One can find interesting

> information abut it on Quackwatch at

> http://www.quackwatch.org/search/webglimpse.cgi?

ID=1 & query=saw+palmetto

> or

> http://tinyurl.com/5gw6oe

>

> > his symptoms (he has not told any dr yet): trouble urinating

trouble

> > finishing

>

> Those could be symptoms of PCa. Or BPH (benign prostatic

hyperplasia),

> or prostatitis, or other; I'm not a medic.

>

> > trouble with ED

>

> I doubt that ED would be symptom of *untreated* PCa, although it

can be

> a SE of certain treatments (txs).

>

> > Right testical is sore (urologis say it is a pinched nerve in his

> > back causing the testical and back pain)

>

> He could be right; I've never heard of this as a symptom of PCa.

>

> > lower back is sore

>

> Same, unless he has metastases to the lower spine, which seems

unlikely

> based upon the information at hand.

>

> > burning sensation in his penis off and on.

>

> Infection?

>

> > feels like he has to go sometimes but bladder is empty

>

> I have no idea.

>

> And for the Love of God, *why* have these symptoms not been

reported to

> the medics? That does not strike me as prudent.

>

> The biopsy should report, for each specimen (not less than 12 of

them),

> what was found, where, and how much of it. Eg: adenocarcinoma

Gleason

> grade x and y, two mm, total score z in the left mid-gland.

>

> And the specimens should be validated by a specialist PCa lab. If

there

> is PCa present, this is absolutely essential, as everything that is

done

> from that point forward depends absolutely upon the accuracy of the

> Gleason score. There is a list available. This is a " second

opinion " and

> should be covered by insurance.

>

> In civilized jurisdictions, those tissue specimens are the property

of

> the *patient* and not the medic and not the lab.

>

> I most earnestly recommend study and self-education. A good place

to

> start is the objective, encyclopedic and reliable information

available

> on the website of the Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) at:

> http://prostate-cancer.org/index.html

>

> Especially the " Undiagnosed " and following sections at

> http://www.prostate-cancer.org/education/education.html#undiagnosed

>

> Also: _A Primer on Prostate Cancer_ 2nd ed., subtitled " The

Empowered

> Patient's Guide " by medical oncologist and PCa specialist

B.

> Strum, MD and PCa warrior Donna Pogliano. It is available from the

PCRI

> website and the like, as well as Amazon (30+ five-star reviews),

> & Noble, and bookstores. A lifesaver, as I very well know.

>

> And lastly, I have to say that each and every man on this site,

along

> with each and every one of the ladies (and it is well-known that

PCa is

> a couple's disease) have been through this. We and they have

learned to

> cope for better or for worse.

>

> Hiding from the problem is a recipe for disaster.

>

> Get online, however reluctant he may be. He should, like so

many

> others, suck it up and, as I often rant, Study, Learn, and Take

Charge!

>

> Regards,

>

> Steve J

>

> " Flagrantly, we docs ignore the declaration of biology. We do this

out

> of ignorance, greed or both. The prime directive of the physician,

the

> real physician, is patient outcome & not physician income (or ego). "

> -- B. Strum, MD

> Medical Oncologist

> PCa Specialist

>

September 7, 2008

Steve;

he is afraid of the test itself.

>

> (snip)

>

> > Then he told my hubbie () that if it comes back (as he said

as

> > he expects) he will have to have an ultrasound and biopsy. Well as

> > soon as the Dr said that, went into shock. He did not hear

the

> > conversation the Dr and I had after that was said. Anyways he is

> > TERRIFIED of having the test done.

>

> I do not understand why is terrified of the test. Is he

actually

> terrified of what the test might disclose, or the test itself?

>

> (snip)

>

> > So I have the date schedualed for the test and he had his blood

test

> > (going for results 25th). I know how the procedure is done, and

the

> > dr did not even disscuss how it was done. Just handed him a

panflet.

> >

>

> That is callous, IMO, but many medics are just that.

>

> (snip)

>

> > Can any of you guys post how the ultrasound and biospy feels?

Does it

> > hurt? What happened after..(bleeding)? Just so i can tell him.

He is

> > thinking the worst. I need him to read form other men who have

had

> > it done, what they expereinced so he can relax a bit.

>

> It should not be painful if proper measures are used to anesthetize

the

> tissues. I demanded it and got it. Some men have a macho attitude

about

> it, which I consider to be silly posturing.

>

> Also, a medication can be administered to assure that is

relaxed.

> Again, demand it.

>

> If the uro will not cooperate (and some won't) simply fire him and

hire

> one who will. The *patient* is the boss.

>

> (snip)

>

> > Another thing, I said to the Dr " swelling, isn't that prostitis?

He

> > said no. Asked maybe infecttion? He said nope.

>

> I wonder exactly *how he knew* that there was no infection. Did he

run a

> urine culture?

>

> Did he not prescribe a course of an antibiotic such as Cypro to

reduce

> any infection? Hmmmmm.

>

> > Asked if there was a differet test or can we try antibiotics?

Again

> > NO. So this Dr is set that is having the test, and I think

no

> > matter how the blood test comes back. It looks like the Dr wants

him

> > to get it done either way.

>

> Well, that's how he pays his bills.

>

> > But I think he should cause the biopsy (from what I read) can also

> > state infections and other things. Is that true?

>

> I'm not sure just what Marla means. In any case I've heard of or

> experienced, Cypro was used for a couple of days before the

procedure in

> order to reduce the possibility of infection.

>

> > And another question, does sex raise the PSA? cause the urologist

> > said it does.

>

> Yes; ejaculation during the roughly 48 hours before the blood draw

can

> increase PSA. So can a DRE, riding a bicycle, anything that

stresses the

> gland.

>

> > I know if he has cancer, supposidly the dr said 70/30,

>

> Oh Lord, a mathematician. I recommend paying absolutely NO

attention to

> that guesswork.

>

> > he will have other tests and treatments but it is just at the

> > beginning I think. That is what he said if does.

> >

> > So my other questions are , what other tests will possibly be

done?

> > What treatments may he get, since it is caught early? What are

the

> > side affects?

>

> I recommend addressing the situation in a step by step manner.

There are

> many relevant tests, about which uros are often ignorant. The tests

help

> to understand the nature and extent of the disease and its status.

>

> According to one of the most famous medical oncologists in the

world,

> one who has specialized in PCa for some 25 years, " Status Begets

> Strategy. " IOW, once you know the status of the disease, you can

then

> and only then formulate a strategy to defeat it.

>

> >

> > Also is on saw plamento. The Dr said stop, it gives a

faulse

> > PSA score. we did for the 4 days he had us wait before the blood

> > test, so it is ok. So is saw plamento a good thing?

>

> I know of no reason to believe that it is, although folks make money

> claiming that it will help combat PCa. One can find interesting

> information abut it on Quackwatch at

> http://www.quackwatch.org/search/webglimpse.cgi?

ID=1 & query=saw+palmetto

> or

> http://tinyurl.com/5gw6oe

>

> > his symptoms (he has not told any dr yet): trouble urinating

trouble

> > finishing

>

> Those could be symptoms of PCa. Or BPH (benign prostatic

hyperplasia),

> or prostatitis, or other; I'm not a medic.

>

> > trouble with ED

>

> I doubt that ED would be symptom of *untreated* PCa, although it

can be

> a SE of certain treatments (txs).

>

> > Right testical is sore (urologis say it is a pinched nerve in his

> > back causing the testical and back pain)

>

> He could be right; I've never heard of this as a symptom of PCa.

>

> > lower back is sore

>

> Same, unless he has metastases to the lower spine, which seems

unlikely

> based upon the information at hand.

>

> > burning sensation in his penis off and on.

>

> Infection?

>

> > feels like he has to go sometimes but bladder is empty

>

> I have no idea.

>

> And for the Love of God, *why* have these symptoms not been

reported to

> the medics? That does not strike me as prudent.

>

> The biopsy should report, for each specimen (not less than 12 of

them),

> what was found, where, and how much of it. Eg: adenocarcinoma

Gleason

> grade x and y, two mm, total score z in the left mid-gland.

>

> And the specimens should be validated by a specialist PCa lab. If

there

> is PCa present, this is absolutely essential, as everything that is

done

> from that point forward depends absolutely upon the accuracy of the

> Gleason score. There is a list available. This is a " second

opinion " and

> should be covered by insurance.

>

> In civilized jurisdictions, those tissue specimens are the property

of

> the *patient* and not the medic and not the lab.

>

> I most earnestly recommend study and self-education. A good place

to

> start is the objective, encyclopedic and reliable information

available

> on the website of the Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) at:

> http://prostate-cancer.org/index.html

>

> Especially the " Undiagnosed " and following sections at

> http://www.prostate-cancer.org/education/education.html#undiagnosed

>

> Also: _A Primer on Prostate Cancer_ 2nd ed., subtitled " The

Empowered

> Patient's Guide " by medical oncologist and PCa specialist

B.

> Strum, MD and PCa warrior Donna Pogliano. It is available from the

PCRI

> website and the like, as well as Amazon (30+ five-star reviews),

> & Noble, and bookstores. A lifesaver, as I very well know.

>

> And lastly, I have to say that each and every man on this site,

along

> with each and every one of the ladies (and it is well-known that

PCa is

> a couple's disease) have been through this. We and they have

learned to

> cope for better or for worse.

>

> Hiding from the problem is a recipe for disaster.

>

> Get online, however reluctant he may be. He should, like so

many

> others, suck it up and, as I often rant, Study, Learn, and Take

Charge!

>

> Regards,

>

> Steve J

>

> " Flagrantly, we docs ignore the declaration of biology. We do this

out

> of ignorance, greed or both. The prime directive of the physician,

the

> real physician, is patient outcome & not physician income (or ego). "

> -- B. Strum, MD

> Medical Oncologist

> PCa Specialist

>

September 7, 2008

,

Your post reminded me of how we were –

and how many other people felt – when we started on this marathon journey

that is dealing with the prostate.

Can I suggest two things:

you

go along to my website at YANA –

You Are Not Alone Now at http://www.yananow.net.

It was specifically set up to provide basic understanding of the issues of

diagnosis and of the options available. There are links to more ‘technical’

sites, but the Yana site gives you the

basic language that you will need if your husband is in fact diagnosed

with PCa. You will see that the second part of the website is filled with

the stories of about 500 men who have not only survived the diagnosis,

some for almst 20 years, but have also got on with their lives. There is

indeed a life after prostate cancer.

if

th you need the help of other women whose partners have been diagnosed

with prostate cancer, then go along to the special Ladies Only Forum at http://www.ladies-prostate-forum.org/ladies/

for the womenfolk of men with prostate cancer. It is closed to men so

I can’t verify the quality of the discussions, but from all reports

the women who go there get tremendous support and I know that Judy Thurman

who is the Moderator of the site can relate to the issues you touch

on very well.

All the best

Terry Herbert

I have no medical

qualifications but I was diagnosed in ‘96: and have learned a bit since

then.

My sites are at www.yananow.net and www.prostatecancerwatchfulwaiting.co.za

Dr

“Snuffy” Myers : " As a physician, I am painfully aware that most of

the decisions we make with regard to prostate cancer are made with inadequate

data "

September 7, 2008

,

Your post reminded me of how we were –

and how many other people felt – when we started on this marathon journey

that is dealing with the prostate.

Can I suggest two things:

you

go along to my website at YANA –

You Are Not Alone Now at http://www.yananow.net.

It was specifically set up to provide basic understanding of the issues of

diagnosis and of the options available. There are links to more ‘technical’

sites, but the Yana site gives you the

basic language that you will need if your husband is in fact diagnosed

with PCa. You will see that the second part of the website is filled with

the stories of about 500 men who have not only survived the diagnosis,

some for almst 20 years, but have also got on with their lives. There is

indeed a life after prostate cancer.

if

th you need the help of other women whose partners have been diagnosed

with prostate cancer, then go along to the special Ladies Only Forum at http://www.ladies-prostate-forum.org/ladies/

for the womenfolk of men with prostate cancer. It is closed to men so

I can’t verify the quality of the discussions, but from all reports

the women who go there get tremendous support and I know that Judy Thurman

who is the Moderator of the site can relate to the issues you touch

on very well.

All the best

Terry Herbert

I have no medical

qualifications but I was diagnosed in ‘96: and have learned a bit since

then.

My sites are at www.yananow.net and www.prostatecancerwatchfulwaiting.co.za

Dr

“Snuffy” Myers : " As a physician, I am painfully aware that most of

the decisions we make with regard to prostate cancer are made with inadequate

data "

September 7, 2008

I know this may sound like the other posts. I had my biopsy done in May after my PSA was a not so high 2.5, but was peeing blood. A round or 2 of antibiotics was done and the PSA actually rose to 3.78, indicating a problem. Any number of things could have caused the elevation, but the Dr. went on the side of caution because Dad had prostate cancer. My urologist actually gave me anesthesia to put me out. They told me to hang my butt over the side of the table. I did and the next I know it is 25 minutes later and I am done. Did pee blood. Did have bloody semen for a few weeks. Did have cancer. It turned out to be a Gleason 6 (3+3) stage T1c. After surgery, that was confirmed along with prostatitis and a little atrophy in the prostate. With a family history, it is ALWAYS best to be

checked. I have my boys age 32, 34, and 36 ready to get a baseline done as Dad had PCa, 2 of his brothers did, 2 of Mom's brothers did, and my older brother has prostatitis. I was actually "self-diagnosed" since I had seen it so much. Fortunately, it was found early enough to treat.Steve S in Arkansas all new to me

my hubbie went to have his yearly physical (which was a chore in

itself) and he had his prostate examened (1st time) and PSA. The

exam dr said he felt nothing, but his PSA was 4.05.. so he ordered

another a month later, It came back 4.56 and since my husbands

brother and uncles have had or have prostate cancer, the Dr referred

him to a urologist. We went there last tuesday, he was examened

again and there was some swelling on the right side of his prostate.

and with his family history he wanted him to have a fPSA test. Then

he told my hubbie () that if it comes back (as he said as he

expects) he will have to have an ultrasound and biopsy. Well as soon

as the Dr said that, went into shock. He did not hear the

conversation the Dr and I had after that was said. Anyways he is

TERRIFIED of having the test done. He pretty much go 2 feet out of

the clinic and lost it. Got home and all he wanted to do was go and

stay in bed. I tried telling him he will be fine. His comment

was "I am not getting the biopsy or ultrasound. no way" and he went

to sleep. I called friends over and we got him to agree to have the

test, but his onlt stepulation was he wants me in there. He doesn't

want to be alone. I talked to the nurse and the dr agreed with me

being in the office (he is doing the ult/biop in his office) to keep

him calm and reasurred. he is ok because of the way reacted to

being told this was being done. So I have the date schedualed for the

test and he had his blood test (going for results 25th). I know how

the procedure is done, and the dr did not even disscuss how it was

done. Just handed him a panflet. Well thaught (cause of the

pic) that it was going to be done through his paremium. I explained

how it was going to be done. That realy did not help. But i wanted

him to know how it was done so he is not surprised. NOW I REALLY HAVE

TO BE IN THE ROOM. i do not mind,as I am taking medical office asst

at school so not a prob. And honestly I would want him there if I

was having that done. Anyways he is having the test next month. i am

not telling him when cause he will start stressing out when the date

gets closer. So it will just be something I tell him when I wake him.

Can any of you guys post how the ultrasound and biospy feels? Does it

hurt? What happened after..(bleeding) ? Just so i can tell him. He is

thinking the worst. I need him to read form other men who have had it

done, what they expereinced so he can relax a bit.

The last time we went through something like this was when we were

1st married 18 years ago. And he had a tumor on his lung. Ended uo

having 1/2 his lung removed. And they did lots of tests and cause I

was pregnant, I could not be there during any tests. So this time he

said "I am not going through any testing if you are not there", of

course unless it is a surgery of some sort.

Another thing, I said to the Dr "swelling, isn't that prostitis? He

said no. Asked maybe infecttion? He said nope. Asked if there was a

differet test or can we try antibiotics? Again NO. So this Dr is set

that is having the test, and I think no matter how the blood

test comes back. It looks like the Dr wants him to get it done

either way. But I think he should cause the biopsy (from what I read)

can also state infections and other things. Is that true?

And another question, does sex raise the PSA? cause the urologist

said it does.

I know if he has cancer, supposidly the dr said 70/30, he will have

other tests and treatments but it is just at the beginning I think.

That is what he said if does.

So my other questions are , what other tests will possibly be done?

What treatments may he get, since it is caught early? What are the

side affects?

Also is on saw plamento. The Dr said stop, it gives a faulse

PSA score. we did for the 4 days he had us wait before the blood

test, so it is ok. So is saw plamento a good thing?

his symptoms (he has not told any dr yet):

trouble urinating

trouble finishing

trouble with ED

Right testical is sore (urologis say it is a pinched nerve in his

back causing the testical and back pain)

lower back is sore

burning sensation in his penis off and on.

feels like he has to go sometimes but bladder is empty

sorry this was so long.

marla

September 7, 2008