ToesNose wrote on Today at 08:43:21:
I am not posting this up to be alarming, just to share.
My father who is now 73 had prostate cancer 4 years ago. He kept experiencing frequent urination and some discomfort from the bladder area off and on. Back and forth to the doctors a number of times, both his GP and urinoligist and all tests including PSAs came back normal. They would treat him for a urinary infection each time, rinse and repeat. After 4 times back his GP decided to do a biopsy even though his tests didn't warrant it on a hunch. Turned out he had stage 3 prostrate cancer, luckily he made it through treatments and is cancer free for years now. All said and done none of the doctors involved understand why no tests showed any indication of the cancer especially at stage 3.
I was 59 and having the same issues and my PSA jumped up to 4.2 and the Docs sent me for a biopsy (not a lot of fun). Since there is a family history of prostate cancer I went along with the recommendation.
Ended up with a small amount of cancer showing up in three of the 12 places checked. Talked about treatment options and went with removal. I had a robot do the hard part and recovery was not too bad. I had to wait 90 days between the biopsy and the surgery; I guess the robot had a full schedule. When the surgeon got the results back on the biopsy preformed on the removed prostrate it turned out to be 85 percent involved with an aggressive form of cancer, in 90 days. I went with removal because I did not like the fact that there was no real back up plan on radiation if it did not work. In my case with the form of cancer I had it would not have worked and I would be toast now. As it is, I am cancer free for five years so far.
Like Toes I am not writing this to be alarming, but many doctors feel that prostate cancer is a slow deal in folks our age and want to take a wait and see approach, but sometimes that can jump up and bite you in the wrong location. The symptoms are not something to be glossed over and talk to a couple of Docs to make sure you get good answers and advise. The third one I talked to said that at 59 this was something to be really concerned about and to take action now, I am glad I listen to him.