Topic: \Word of Advice to the Old Guys Here

[britman]

After a number of not so great tests to include biopsy's, an MRI, and probes I wish I could forget, the test results came in today that nobody wants to hear, looks like I have prostatic adenocarcinoma, cancer of the prostrate.  I am having a sit down with my Doctor tomorrow afternoon to see what course of action to take, if any.  I understand in many cases if the the cancer is slow moving and factoring in the age of the victim, it is just monitored and you go on with life, probably checking out with something else before the cancer does the deed.  There are other treatments to include radiation and surgery.  Over the course of a little over a year my PSA level went from 3.5 to over 12 so I was expecting this verdict......

My word of advice to you all, if you want to know as you age, get your PSA level checked every time you go in for a physical, or do like my old full time family Doctor does, don't check it at all and live in happiness and obvious to bad news  (That same old fart is the one who referred me to the urologist when my level started to creep up, we will long talk at my next yearly appointment.)  Prostate cancer is very prevalent in older men and is a real major player in process of ageing so I am accepting the news with an open mind. 

I do have a feeling that from now on I am going to give the Wife an extra hug every chance I get, the dog an extra scratch behind the ears, the cat a double belly rub, and spend some quality time on two wheels as soon as the weather permits.  This may be the best news I have received in a long while concerning appreciating life's daily blessings you just take for granted.  Now where in the hell did I store my fishing poles.............

[scottly]

What was your Gleason score on the biopsy?

[jgger]

Praying for you,Britman. That's not the kind of news anyone wants to hear.

[Tracksnblades1]

Prayers and only the best best to you Britman..
I’ve got two older buddies that has experienced the prostrate C word..
Both are clear now for a couple years…used the seeds…

Yes, old guys need regular checkups and blood labs…
Keep your spirit up Britman and grab the Bull by it’s horns and kick the sh*t out of him..
Praying for you..

[jlh3rd]

been there, done that. Do your due diligence, think long term, ask questions.
It's a tough decision for any guy to make. It's been 6 years for me. If you have any questions about the "choices" and  reasoning behind why or why not, ask me. PM me , or I'll answer right here.
No one, can really inform you unless they have been through it, it helps to know what questions to ask.
Your life depends on it.

[britman]

Thanks one and all for the information and support.  Trust me, I don't give up easily and I am fully prepared for what comes.  I have a couple of friends that have also been there and done that and lost a Brother-in-Law to this form of cancer.  I will know more this afternoon and have a ton of questions for the Urologist.  I am optimistic, the Gleason Score was 7, putting the growth in the intermediate category, so I believe there will be options. 

My post was certainly not to be taken as picturing the Grim Reaper on my front porch with scythe ready to swing. I have a lot more to accomplish and will do what is necessary to add some additional time to the situation.

I do know there is a pretty large group of older guys on this site and I just wanted shed some light on this malady for everyone's information.  One final thing Gentlemen, and I may get printed on a tee shirt, "NEVER EVER UNDERESTIMATE THE FEELING OF A GOOD LONG PEE"'  I do still think my appreciation for each day on this old Blue Marble will rise sustainably and although I talk to the Man upstairs every night, the conversations may be a little more in depth. 

George

[BallAquatics]

Good luck to you George, I hope this all works out in your favor.  Very good advice and I second your sentiments.  I've been waging an on & off battle with the same ailment since the fall of 2016.

[WhyNot2]

Been there done that.......2015.

You can pm me or ask here, and I will fill you in.

Good luck and wish you all the best.

[dhall57]

Praying for complete healing Britman.

I'm almost 68 and about 3 or 4 years ago my PSA level slowly started rising so my regular doctor sent me to a urologist. I think at the time my level had gotten into the 5's so of course the urologist wanted do a biopsy's. That procedure was not as bad as I thought it would be but still not very pleasant. The test came back negative no cancer. Last year my PSA had inch up to just over 6 so the doctor wanted to do a prostate MRI. and that came back negative also thank the Lord. My last test end of 2024 showed my level back down below 6. I go again in several months for another check up. I'm trying not to eat foods that are considered bad for the prostate and exercise more for better prostate health and hoping my PSA level will be quite a bit lower.

[Kelly E]

I was diagnosed with stage 4 in 2015. I've had radiation, oral chemotherapy and more radiation. Next week I start targeted radiation infusion treatment as an alternative to traditional chemo treatments using a chest port. It's supposed to be easier for the patient than traditional chemotherapy. It's 6 treatments, one every 6 weeks. I'll be done around Thanksgiving.
The two things I have learned over the years is attitude is everything and never give up, never surrender.
I'm still taking long distance rides and resurrecting bikes.
Also very important is don't dwell on your condition, you need to think about everything but cancer, that's the Dr's job. Think about the rides you're planning or anything besides cancer. Lastly, shut up, smile and get on the table.

[jlh3rd]

Best of luck Britman.

I get checked, but so far, so good (I'm younger that my dad was when he was diagnosed).

My dad got his out in 2007. Being the engineer that he was, he researched the three main ways to tackle the problem: robotic surgery, manual surgery, and the implantation of radioactive "seeds" to kill the cancer. He wrote an article, measuring pros and cons in consultation with his doctor, and considered publishing it but never did. IF anyone's interested and in need I can ask him if he still has it. He chose robotic surgery.

willing to bet he "discovered" the same things I discovered. I chose the same thing.

[HondaMan]

When I was diagnosed with it (stage "T3" then, out of "T4" possible) out of the blue in 2001, I went to the Men's Center (that's what they called it back then) and asked what could be done. I was 50 then. They gave me the 3-levels spiel (treat it, live with it, cut it out) and I asked him why I couldn't have the "whole route". Doc looked at me for a minute, then asked if I was depressed or something: I told him "No, I'm just getting started with understanding life, don't want to short cut it nor my wife." So, he arranged for surgery a week later.

It was 100% successful, despite his intern screwing up the closure of everything because the doc was on a very tight schedule (the kid forgot the antibiotic and I got a bad staph infection, which is why the antibiotic was supposed to be put in there...). After the healing, there's been nothing but blue sky and good days ahead!

[grcamna2]

Prayers going out for you britman.

[WhyNot2]

When I was diagnosed with it (stage "T3" then, out of "T4" possible) out of the blue in 2001, I went to the Men's Center (that's what they called it back then) and asked what could be done. I was 50 then. They gave me the 3-levels spiel (treat it, live with it, cut it out) and I asked him why I couldn't have the "whole route". Doc looked at me for a minute, then asked if I was depressed or something: I told him "No, I'm just getting started with understanding life, don't want to short cut it nor my wife." So, he arranged for surgery a week later.

It was 100% successful, despite his intern screwing up the closure of everything because the doc was on a very tight schedule (the kid forgot the antibiotic and I got a bad staph infection, which is why the antibiotic was supposed to be put in there...). After the healing, there's been nothing but blue sky and good days ahead!

Here,here........

I did the same.......2015.

Just talked this morning with the wifey about how old we are and how we live.

We are thankful to be where we are and still able to get around and do things for ourselves.

I am 68, still kicking and living to good life the Amercan way.

[britman]

Guys, I see what you mean, a lot of information thrown at you at one time concerning what path to take.  Talked at length with the radiation folks who are also suggesting hormone therapy in conjunction with the beam, four weeks straight, five days a week of radiation.  The side effects and maladies the radiation and hormone injection could bring on are just as scary as the cancer itself.
I am still waiting on the DNA test on the one positive biopsy and meet with my Urologist next month after another PSA test.  I have researched the surgery concerning removal in depth and the Wife and I have talked at length about the procedure and what follows. Right now that is somewhat leading the pack and I will be making a call in the very near future.  I really appreciate all of you who gave input and offered direct personal advice, but ultimately this is a decision that falls directly on the individual no matter how many opinions you receive from the medical professionals or friends and family.  I am exploring all avenues, talking to the Lord, and having quality in depth conversation with my Wife who has been by my side for the past 38 years. As the old saying goes "I will know it when I see it". In the mean I am going on with everyday life, staying busy in the garage with my latest project, and just truly enjoying life in general.

[grcamna2]

Guys, I see what you mean, a lot of information thrown at you at one time concerning what path to take.  Talked at length with the radiation folks who are also suggesting hormone therapy in conjunction with the beam, four weeks straight, five days a week of radiation.  The side effects and maladies the radiation and hormone injection could bring on are just as scary as the cancer itself.
I am still waiting on the DNA test on the one positive biopsy and meet with my Urologist next month after another PSA test.  I have researched the surgery concerning removal in depth and the Wife and I have talked at length about the procedure and what follows. Right now that is somewhat leading the pack and I will be making a call in the very near future.  I really appreciate all of you who gave input and offered direct personal advice, but ultimately this is a decision that falls directly on the individual no matter how many opinions you receive from the medical professionals or friends and family.  I am exploring all avenues, talking to the Lord, and having quality in depth conversation with my Wife who has been by my side for the past 38 years. As the old saying goes "I will know it when I see it". In the mean I am going on with everyday life, staying busy in the garage with my latest project, and just truly enjoying life in general.

 

[BallAquatics]

For what it's worth.....

Initially my PSA was 27.99, I was given 3 options; surgery, radiation, or do nothing and see what happens.  I was 59 years old and the gleason score of 8 showed that it was quite aggressive.

The Doc said with surgery, they almost never get it all which leads to radiation and other treatments down the road.  With that said we opted for targeted radiation, 44 treatments over a 9 week period.  That was 2017 and I was in remission for the next 7 years.

In the spring of 2023 we found my PSA was climbing fast and after scans to be sure it had not spread, I started hormone , (lupron) injections in November of 2023.  I tolerated that pretty well for 9 months.  In February 2025 after 15 months of treatment, we decided to take a break from treatment as the side effects were getting to the point that I needed to stop.

At this time my PSA is 0.1, the Doc has no idea how long it will stay low.  Maybe 6 years, maybe 6 months.  With early detection, you can beat this with whatever treatment you choose.  Stay positive and stay strong.  Best of luck with your treatments!

If you'd like to chat, feel free to PM me.  I know how stressful this can be.....

[britman]

Leaving in few minutes for radiation treatment number 14, exactly half way through today.   Only real issues are some side effects from the hormone injection, only going to be one of those I can pretty well guarantee.....The Oncology folks are excellent.......Looking forward to a "Bell Ringing"..........

[Don R]

  My brother had the targeted radiation. On one treatment they got a little carried away and he had some burns, but it's been a few years and so far the results were good.

[Kelly E]

I had my third of six Pluvicto radioactive infusion treatments last week. When I started my PSA was 11.1, after a month it was down to 4.5. A month after the second treatment my PSA was down to 1.72. In three weeks I'll get a blood draw and find out what my PSA number is down to. My oncologist is surprised with how big the drops of my PSA are.

I'm leaving on another 4 day ride in 3 weeks. 

[grcamna2]

I had my third of six Pluvicto radioactive infusion treatments last week. When I started my PSA was 11.1, after a month it was down to 4.5. A month after the second treatment my PSA was down to 1.72. In three weeks I'll get a blood draw and find out what my PSA number is down to. My oncologist is surprised with how big the drops of my PSA are.

I'm leaving on another 4 day ride in 3 weeks. 

Good looking Concours touring bike.

[britman]

I have finished laying under the "Beam"......Slowly starting to feel my old self again but still fighting the side effects of the hormone injection......To me that was worst than the 28 radiation sessions....I will have my first PSA test at the end of next month. waiting for those low numbers to show up hopefully......I find myself back checking Craigs List and FB Marketplace for another project, guess I must be back on the road to recovery......

Again thanks to all who sent well wishes, prayers, advice, and shared their past experiences both online and through PM's concerning this dreaded disease. Guys, keep a check on that PSA level, if detected early, best chance to beat prostrate cancer which is on a up rise in this Country, and effecting men in younger age brackets......

[grcamna2]

I have finished laying under the "Beam"......Slowly starting to feel my old self again but still fighting the side effects of the hormone injection......To me that was worst than the 28 radiation sessions....I will have my first PSA test at the end of next month. waiting for those low numbers to show up hopefully......I find myself back checking Craigs List and FB Marketplace for another project, guess I must be back on the road to recovery......

Again thanks to all who sent well wishes, prayers, advice, and shared their past experiences both online and through PM's concerning this dreaded disease. Guys, keep a check on that PSA level, if detected early, best chance to beat prostrate cancer which is on a up rise in this Country, and effecting men in younger age brackets......

Good so far  keep 'looking up' britman 

[HondaMan]

I have finished laying under the "Beam"......Slowly starting to feel my old self again but still fighting the side effects of the hormone injection......To me that was worst than the 28 radiation sessions....I will have my first PSA test at the end of next month. waiting for those low numbers to show up hopefully......I find myself back checking Craigs List and FB Marketplace for another project, guess I must be back on the road to recovery......

Again thanks to all who sent well wishes, prayers, advice, and shared their past experiences both online and through PM's concerning this dreaded disease. Guys, keep a check on that PSA level, if detected early, best chance to beat prostrate cancer which is on a up rise in this Country, and effecting men in younger age brackets......

Still lifting you up!

[BallAquatics]

I have finished laying under the "Beam"......Slowly starting to feel my old self again but still fighting the side effects of the hormone injection......To me that was worst than the 28 radiation sessions....I will have my first PSA test at the end of next month. waiting for those low numbers to show up hopefully......I find myself back checking Craigs List and FB Marketplace for another project, guess I must be back on the road to recovery......

Good to hear!  Hope you have long lasting positive results!