My Dad has to have a scan due to PSA ...: Cancer Research UK Forum

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25 Replies Last post: 10-May-2010 19:40 by jadziadax 1 2 Previous Next

My Dad has to have a scan due to PSA level of 20

08-Mar-2010 16:38

Vickytoria 12 posts since
08-Mar-2010

Hi everyone,

I wondered if you could help me or give me any words of advice or comfort. I live 250 miles away from my parents, my father is 68 and has just been for a blood test for his prostate. My mum called yesterday to say that he has got to be referred to the hospital as his PSA level was high at 20. I am absolutely beside myself with worry as my dad has always been so fit and healthy and the thought of losing either of them terrifies me. Its hard for me to get down to visit them as I live so far away and have to work. I also have a family of my own who I need to look after (boyfriend and step daughter) so I need to stay strong for them. He hasnt been diagnosed with anything as yet...I feel that it is the wait thats awful and the not knowing. I had to come home from work early today as I couldnt stop thinking about it. I just wondered if anyone could tell me what It means to have a reading this high? Does it necessarily mean the C word? Or is it likely thta it could be something else? I know that the higher the PSA level from a blood test, the higher the chances of it being cancer are..but how does this level come up in relation to other diagnosiss of cancer? A member of my mums family's husband was diagnosed and had a reading of 2000 so looking at this my fathers level seems quite low but I just dont know as my head is spinning. I dont know if Im making sense, just desperate to find out more. Im so worried about my mum as I dont know how she would cope, and hearing this has made me realise how vulnerable your parents become as they become older. I wish all of you all my warmest wishes in the meantime and look forward to hearing from anybody who can help.

Vicky

jadziadax 251 posts since
28-Dec-2009

1. 08-Mar-2010 18:15

in response to: Vickytoria

Re: My Dad has to have a scan due to PSA level of 20

Hi Vicki

So sorry to hear your news. I know exactly what you are going through. My Dad was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer [PCa] a week before Xmas 2009. Xmas Eve we were told it had already spread throughout his bones.He is also 68 years of age. He was previously fit, healthy and working up to this happening. I also have a young family, and live abroad, so no chance either of me getting home.

I panicked when I heard the news. I will admit that. But I decided to find out the facts.....

PSA of 20 is high, but you are right in thinking this could be ANYTHING at this stage. It could be a bladder infection, kidney infection. benign enlarged prostate etc

If it is PCa, then again, there are various types and progressions. My Dads is the rarer, aggressive form, so we have limited options. If this HAS been caught in time, and it is PCa there are alot of options out there, including very effective treatments, and a number of trial programmes around the country [UK]

Your Dad will need a Digital Rectal Examination [DRE] to accurately gauge what is going on. Usually a scan also. Once all this information is in then a prognosis can be made.

I suppose what I am trying to say is try not to panic. With this particular form of cancer [if diagnosed] you have time. It is usually a slower developing one so you can decide on the best route.

If you want any further information, then I will be happy to help. I also have a thread on this page from when Dad was first diagnosed, if you are interested in reading that. I have also included a web link to a prostate cancer forum/ web site which also gives alot of great information. I am an active member on this site, and all members would be happy to advise.

Hope this has been of some comfort or at least reassurance.

Keep well and take care
Jadziadax

Vickytoria 12 posts since
08-Mar-2010

2. 08-Mar-2010 19:10

in response to: jadziadax

Re: My Dad has to have a scan due to PSA level of 20

Thankyou so much for replying, Im sitting here with my partner and stepdaughter over the room from me trying not to cry! The thought of my dad being ill seems so unreal, I just cant imagine it. Im just hoping (and praying quite a bit actually) that it is just an inflammation or something similar. I feel guilty almost because I cant be there but as my boyfriend says to me ..what could I do if I was there? I guess hes right, its a feeling of true helplessness and thats the worst thing of all. I know Im gonna have to stay strong for my mum and dad so a brave face is much needed! Im scared.

Vicky

jadziadax 251 posts since
28-Dec-2009

3. 08-Mar-2010 19:49

in response to: Vickytoria

Re: My Dad has to have a scan due to PSA level of 20

Hi Vicky

So very sorry - I really do know what you are going through. Unfortunately, I can't do magic....wish I could. It is so very hard not to worry. It just engulfs everything. I'm sorry, I really don't know what else to say to make you feel better. I coped by trying to learn as much as I can. I finally figured that whether I worried or not, it would make no difference to what the Doctors finally say..

Unfortunately, you have to find that smile to plaster your face with, for the sake of the others who depend on you. This site and others are so very helpful. Its a release to vent here, as there is that anonymity there, so you feel you can say what you need to without upsetting your family. Its a small thing but it can help.

I know its hard but wait until all the results are in and then see what's what. At least with Prostate Cancer [if it is that] you have time.

Always here if you want to chat about anything, or ask any questions. If I don't know the answers, I know alot of people who do. There are other sites also if you are interested.

Take care of you and yours
Regards
Jadziadax

Vickytoria 12 posts since
08-Mar-2010

4. 08-Mar-2010 20:41

in response to: jadziadax

Re: My Dad has to have a scan due to PSA level of 20

Thankyou so very much for your support, its much appreciated. I guess Im getting in a panic over something that hasnt happened yet. I know I need to be strong. I will keep you posted and let you know how my dad gets on and will hopefully speak soon

Vicky x

jadziadax 251 posts since
28-Dec-2009

5. 08-Mar-2010 20:47

in response to: Vickytoria

Re: My Dad has to have a scan due to PSA level of 20

Hi Vicky

Take care. Always here if you want to chat. Everything crossed for good news.

Regards

Jadziadax

georgemcc 58 posts since
30-Nov-2009

6. 09-Mar-2010 12:29

in response to: Vickytoria

Re: My Dad has to have a scan due to PSA level of 20

Hi Vicky,

Right cold facts first, the PSA test in its self is only a guide prehaps an idication at best. Your Dad may not have cancer at this level. My own level was lower and I did have cancer, but I have known other men with much higher and it was cancer, so try not to worry, easy to say I know, but they will do more tests, biopsy etc. If it is Prostate cancer they can remove the prostate (you do not really need it) with an operation and be up and about within weeks. I was back at work after 3 weeks. Please try not to panic I am sure you will know more soon. If it is prostate and you need to chat I am here

George

Vickytoria 12 posts since
08-Mar-2010

7. 09-Mar-2010 12:46

in response to: georgemcc

Re: My Dad has to have a scan due to PSA level of 20

Thankyou so much George, I feel that this is a great forum as we are all in this together. I think that its because I live so far away and cant be there to be the perhaps overprotective daughter that I usually am! I see their vulnerability as they get older and it makes me realise that no one is invincible although we want to wrap our loved ones up to protect them against the world at times! I have spoken to the prostate cancer helpline and they have informed me that it is quite a high reading but as you say I am aware that at this stage it could be anything, Its just that awful waiting game.

THankyou so much for your kind words George, and I wish you all my support and best wishes. Its nice to have someone to talk to.

Vicky

georgemcc 58 posts since
30-Nov-2009

8. 09-Mar-2010 12:54

in response to: Vickytoria

Re: My Dad has to have a scan due to PSA level of 20

Vicky,

If you think I can help with any questions you or your dad might have ( some times men do not like to ask) !! Please let me knoe how you both get on.

George

Vickytoria 12 posts since
08-Mar-2010

9. 09-Mar-2010 17:05

in response to: georgemcc

Re: My Dad has to have a scan due to PSA level of 20

Thankyou George, I will let you know how the scans go.

VIcky

rob1231 1 posts since
11-Mar-2010

10. 11-Mar-2010 23:20

in response to: Vickytoria

Re: My Dad has to have a scan due to PSA level of 20

Hi Vicky,

I hope this will help you put your thoughts in some kind of order.

In August 2008 I had a blood test to check my cholesterol which had been high previously.

In September 2008 I was told I had a high PSA of 23, so I had a biopsy.

The biopsy showed a negative result so I was told to have another blood test 3 months later.

This test showed a PSA level of 45, so I had another biopsy, also negative.

I was asked to have another blood test which showed an increased PSA level to 90+, so I had a scan to make sure that there was no Cancer in my bones, also negative.

I,ve had another biopsy since this, still showing no signs of prostate cancer, but I went to my doctor with swelling legs. I didn't associate this with my prostate but they have discovered enlarged lymph nodes in my abdomen, which my consultant thinks is a result of prostate cancer producing high PSA ( Prostate Specific Antigen). So I am being treated for prostate cancer with hormones and this will, hopefully reduce the swelling as the lymph nodes resume their work.

So far the swelling is the same after 3 months and I am going for more scans next week.

I have absolutely no symptoms of any cancer, I only feel tired and other usual symptoms of hormonal treatment.

I am getting married later this year to the most wonderful woman in the world, I'm 56, and nothing will stop me now. I have no children to date, but my wife to be has a 13 yr old daughter and you cannot understand how much I am looking forward to having a family after all this time.

More men do with prostate cancer than die because of it. Have faith and good luck.

Rob xx

Vickytoria 12 posts since
08-Mar-2010

11. 13-Mar-2010 10:17

in response to: rob1231

Re: My Dad has to have a scan due to PSA level of 20

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to give an update as to whats happening with my dear old Dad. He went for his examination yesterday at the urologist and the doctor couldnt feel anything wrong at all with his prostate, (which I guess must mean something!). He now has to have a biopsy anyway and a repeat blood test for his psa levels. If they come back normal then no biopsy is needed. My mum and dad feel quite a bit more relieved now and comfortable knowing that they are in good hands at the doctors, so just praying tht his blood test results are good. THankyou to all of you who have helped me throuh this week. One thing is for certain, it just reitterated how much my parents mean to me and how precious life is.

Good luck and all my love to all of you and sending my best wishes. I will post an update when I receive one

VIcky

jadziadax 251 posts since
28-Dec-2009

12. 13-Mar-2010 10:22

in response to: Vickytoria

Re: My Dad has to have a scan due to PSA level of 20

Hi Vicky

Thats great news ! Sounds like maybe just a little infection on something. The PSA test really is notorious as an indicator of Prostate Cancer. By having all the other tests hopefully Dad will be in the clear.

A little advice.....make sure he gets checked every year. Prostate problems in men are very common the older they get. You have had a warning now, so don't ignore it.

The very best of wishes to your Dad.
Good luck & take care
Jadziadax

dreamgirl 6 posts since
17-Mar-2010

13. 17-Mar-2010 16:46

in response to: Vickytoria

Re: My Dad has to have a scan due to PSA level of 20

first i am sorry for you and all your family i know just how you feel! my husbands psa was 85 when he first went to the hospital and my head was everywere just like you! he is 60 and always workedand been fit so i didnt know what to do when we had to wait six weeks for scan results! i couldnt tell my three daughters cos they like you have their own families and losing their dad would beawful for them! i hope your dad his ok unfortunatly my husband as protrate cancer and is having treetment at the minute! because his psa is high is doesnt meanit is cancer so i wish you luck with the results please let me know how it goes! take care!

Vickytoria 12 posts since
08-Mar-2010

14. 22-Apr-2010 16:22

in response to: Vickytoria

Re: My Dad has to have a scan due to PSA level of 20 - update

Hi everyone, hope things are going well for you

I wanted to give you an update as you have all been so kind to me and comforted me through a very worrying time. My dear dad has now had the results of his biopsy and sadly he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He is very positive which is great and my mum is being very brave and my brother and I have decided that we must be strong for them...which seems impossible at times.

The doctors took 18 biopsy samples, 4 of which came back as cancerous. One of them was a low grade with another being a higher grade so they are now sending him for a MRI and bone scan to see if it is localised to the prostate or not. Another awful wait.

The only way I can describe how I feel is that Ive been hit with a sledgehammer . It certainly puts things into perspective. Boy do I realise what is improtant to me and how important it is to live your life to the full. Im not particularly religious, but I have prayed so much over the last few months. At least now I guess we know and can deal with this and move forward. My Dad has given me strict instructions not to worry bless his heart, he is so strong willed.

Luckily I have a fantastic boyfriend who is a great support and a wonderful family. You have all been so kind with your words and it helps to know that we are not alone in this. My prayers go out to all of you who are in similar situations and i am here if you need to talk.

Vicky xx

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My Dad has to have a scan due to PSA level of 20

08-Mar-2010 16:38

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