Cancer Research UK main site

2 hours ago informed my PSA is 61, aged 52 with no symptoms

Matthew2022
Offline

Just reaching out, trying to process the news my very capable GP just shared. Heading to the GP surgery for a physical examination day after tomorrow and already referred to a specialist cancer dept but need to secure an appointment. My doctor, whilst trying not to be alarmist, cleary communicated the seriousness of my very new situation.

The only reason I asked for a  PSA blood test was becuase I thoought it was a prudent request at my age (52), literally no symptoms or concerns. I have a colleague at work and a friend who both were successfully treated for prostate cancer but they were both 10 years older than I am now when diagnosed. I know I have to undergo tests before jumping to any conclusions, but a PSA of 61 does (as I have read in the last couple of hours) appear to indicate an advanced or aggressive version. 

Here's my big question, if anyone can help please: Does a PSA of 61 necessarily indicate advanced or agressive prostate cancer, or is it mostly a mark for how likely prostate cancer is present?

Looks like I have a life-changing and life defining chapter ahead.

Thanks for listening :) - great forum BTW with lots of intersting, helpful and compassionate input....

  • Offline in reply to Jellies

    Hey Rory  

    It’s great hearing from you Rory, especially to note you’re doing well on your well earned ADT break! Alaska is amazing BTW, such a breathtaking contrast and its vastness is nothing short of stunning. Nice people too. 

    I’m still vacationing from the dreaded but essential ADT. My last results a week ago upended the trend of slow PSA increases, jumping from 0.82 to 1.5 PSA. Testosterone is 14. Not so good. It took me 18 months since starting the ADT break to reach 0.5 so it seems I might last only 4-6 months before having to jump back in to the dreaded ADT arena. Still, by the time my PSA readings reach 4 ng/mL (ie the agreed trigger level to restart ADT) I would have lasted 2 years or so since my last ADT treatment. According to the various studies, I’d have outlasted the top percentile of responsive patients fourfold. So, all in all, I’m grateful. We’re taking a cautious approach in terms of the trigger point at which I go back on ADT at 4, whereas the normal practice is to return at 10 ng/mL with symptoms present or 20 ng/mL if asymptomatic. So, yeah, that’s cautious. Balancing disease progression tactics and quality of life preferences is not an exact science. 

    My sexual health returned but is no where near what it used to be. But I am feeling more energetic and less fatigued, enjoying greater clarity of thought. I still need to do better in the gym with strength training although my wife and I do walk each weekday early morning which is excellent especially when the weather is as astoundingly good as it has been. 

    Work wise I’m considering taking on a strategic fractional role in the corporate USA world before Christmas so I can cost effectively access their superior health services, in particular unrestricted access to SABR spot radiation. The NHS restricts its use to very specific use cases and even then, NICE will only allow three funded hits. Pathetic policy which needs emphatic legal challenge. Anyway, my plan is to rinse and repeat intermittent ADT alongside SABR spot radiation which I believe will lengthen my lifespan and protect my quality of life way longer than the standard treatment regime promoted and practiced here in the UK  

    We should get our lads together - my youngest has just achieved a first in his BSc Computer Science and is now going to take a year to work in one of my companies (to learn and earn) and then he may go toward post grad AI or swing towards an MBA with a strategic focus in AI. AI and/or cyber security is an exciting pathway for sure. Your daughter sounds very creative. Our middle daughter graduated in Languages and is now living her first love, teaching music and especially the piano. 

    Hope the house project runs smoothly. We’ve been in our lovely new home for 6 months apreset and every single task is completed, everything has a place to live and we’re settled. Now we can focus on living, travelling a bit here and there and creating memories. I might even try and be more of a gardener, you never know. Wonders never cease, ha!

    Keep me and the rest of the courageous folks here posted . It’s a highlight to hear from you and to know all’s well!!

    M

  • Offline in reply to Matthew2022

    I think you did well to get up to a two year break.  But I'm sure you're not looking forward to getting back on ADT.  It's no fun being on ADT.  I've seen SABR can be effective and used multiple times as necessary.  Some of the protocols don't seem to be up to date or designed for younger men.  My insurance covers up to 100k if I need to go overseas from treatment but no idea what their protocol is for SABR. Although my missus plays tennis with my oncos wife so hopefully they'll sort me out if it comes to that.  Good to keep doing some sort of exercise.  Before all this I was into triathlon and sailing dingies.  But now I have turned into a golf bore...how sad...but at least it keeps me somewhat active.  My son will be over in England bit next year because his girlfriend is going to Cambridge.  So I'll DM you about that, sounds like a good idea!   

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.