What did you score on your PSA exam?

[Old School 360]

Ah yes. The ole PSA test results.
Much like golf, the lower the score the better. Zero wins, but a score of 2 or 3 is just fine.
A score of 4 is worrisome and requires some follow up action.

My test results from annual blood tests have always been in the normal range- between 2.8 to 3.2.

Until July 2020 when it jumped to 3.7 and then on to 4.93 in July 2021.
My doc was concerned. I didn’t know it but he ordered a visit with a specialist within the month.
With the pandemic, nurses were in high demand and short supply. The nurse never contacted me.
Or- as she later told the doc, she called once, but when I didn’t answer she didn’t leave a message and just went about not doing her job.

By Jan 2022 it reached 6.85 on a scale of 1 to 4. 
Took  until April to get an MRI, and finally a biopsy later that month.
They usually take 12 core samples with the biopsy, but took 16 from me.
May 2 I learned the samples all came back positive. Gleason score of 7 with perineurial invasion present in 3 samples.
Layman's terms, cancer present in all samples and beginning to wrap around the nerves which are a pathway for travel. 

Yeah- Look at Me! 
Earliest date for surgery was going to be August. My regular doctor was flipping out yesterday and we are both trying to get an earlier date. With some whinning it s now scheduled mid July.

Plenty of potential complications from the surgery but the other option is radiation and that sounds worse.

Rats Ass! 

I need to get drunk and get laid while my junk still works!

[wiffleball 4,640]

Did you see my post from last night?

[Mike Honcho 4,035]

There's an exam about Public Service Announcements?

[Old School 360]

3 minutes ago, wiffleball said:

Did you see my post from last night?

Which one? I worked last night and haven’t really caught up with all the action on the bored.

[wiffleball 4,640]

19 minutes ago, Old School said:

Which one? I worked last night and haven’t really caught up with all the action on the bored.

if your spooge ain't white. It ain't right.

[jerryskids 5,206]

Oh man, sorry to hear.  If you ever want to chat just reach out. 

Also, where is the cancer again?  

[Bier Meister 1,514]

 

 

[IGotWorms 3,315]

Jeez, really sorry to hear this news. But we’ll be pulling for you in treatment and recovery

[Voltaire 4,560]

I didn't know what a PSA exam was when I clicked on this, still don't, but something where an oncologist checks your for cancer and you did poorly. And I do know what cancer means. I hope this surgery helps.

[BunnysBastatrds 1,916]

 The doctor fingered my balloon knot, told me to cough, and hit me in the d!ck with a hammer. Failed.

[jerryskids 5,206]

1 hour ago, Voltaire said:

I didn't know what a PSA exam was when I clicked on this, still don't, but something where an oncologist checks your for cancer and you did poorly. And I do know what cancer means. I hope this surgery helps.

I don't know what a PSA test is either, and I have cancer. 

 

[Voltaire 4,560]

10 minutes ago, jerryskids said:

I don't know what a PSA test is either, and I have cancer. 

 

Well, ain't that the damnedest thing.

Old School, our hearts go out to you and we wish you the best of luck in fighting cancer, but when it comes to PSA tests, we have no clue what you're talking about.

[RaiderHaters Revenge 3,584]

damn, my dad had prostate, so did my uncle, and both grandpas so I have been getting checked since I was 30

I have gone from .3 to .9 over that time

 

[jerryskids 5,206]

11 minutes ago, RaiderHaters Revenge said:

damn, my dad had prostate, so did my uncle, and both grandpas so I have been getting checked since I was 30

I have gone from .3 to .9 over that time

 

Well hell, maybe I need one of these thingies.  Or maybe it's better if I don't.   

[Old School 360]

6 hours ago, jerryskids said:

Oh man, sorry to hear.  If you ever want to chat just reach out. 

Also, where is the cancer again?  

 

2 hours ago, RaiderHaters Revenge said:

damn, my dad had prostate, so did my uncle, and both grandpas so I have been getting checked since I was 30

I have gone from .3 to .9 over that time

 

 

2 hours ago, jerryskids said:

Well hell, maybe I need one of these thingies.  Or maybe it's better if I don't.   

 

2 hours ago, Voltaire said:

Well, ain't that the damnedest thing.

Old School, our hearts go out to you and we wish you the best of luck in fighting cancer, but when it comes to PSA tests, we have no clue what you're talking about.

 

2 hours ago, jerryskids said:

I don't know what a PSA test is either, and I have cancer. 

 

 

3 hours ago, Voltaire said:

I didn't know what a PSA exam was when I clicked on this, still don't, but something where an oncologist checks your for cancer and you did poorly. And I do know what cancer means. I hope this surgery helps.

Sorry guys- a PSA test/ score is something all males should have included in the yearly physical. My doctor said insurance companies and others pretty much dropped it years ago. My Doc and I have monitored it yearly, no matter what anyone “recommended.” 
I’m pretty focking happy we agreed n this. I strongly suggest you guys start getting it included in your yearly physical to establish a baseline. 
 

PSA= Prostrate- specific antigen. The PSA test is a blood test used primarily for prostrate cancer. The test measures the amount of prostrate- specific antigen in your blood. 

Prostrate cancer is the #1 cancer in men, after skin cancer. 
 

Yeah. My manhood is in question. They are going to go in and remove my prostrate gland.

[Old School 360]

6 hours ago, wiffleball said:

if your spooge ain't white. It ain't right.

Mine was pink after the biopsy. It was full of blood.

[Bill E. 666]

Really sorry to hear that.  they say that it is the slowest growing cancer and if you have been getting checked every year hopefully it is more recent.  Prayers for a speedy recovery.  That is BS that they make you wait so long.   

I had a similar PSI results about two years ago.  The one number was too low and the free number was really high.  They said for my age that meant like a 60% chance of prostate cancer but the biopsy came back negative.   i remember being about to leave for the doc to get the biopsy results and the butt doc called personally and said he was saving me a trip and all was good He said do not bother coming in he would just mail the results.  I thought that was really cool of him not making me sweat it out.  Never more relieved  A few months later the next PSI came back normal. 

I wish you the best.  I remember the feeling when I thought I had it.  How old (school) are you?  I was like 55 when that happened to me. 

[Bill E. 666]

26 minutes ago, Old School said:

Yeah. My manhood is in question. They are going to go in and remove my prostrate gland.

I am pretty sure the Viagara should help with that. 

[Old School 360]

4 minutes ago, Bill E. said:

Really sorry to hear that.  they say that it is the slowest growing cancer and if you have been getting checked every year hopefully it is more recent.  Prayers for a speedy recovery.  That is BS that they make you wait so long.   

I had a similar PSI results about two years ago.  The one number was too low and the free number was really high.  They said for my age that meant like a 60% chance of prostate cancer but the biopsy came back negative.   i remember being about to leave for the doc to get the biopsy results and the butt doc called personally and said he was saving me a trip and all was good He said do not bother coming in he would just mail the results.  I thought that was really cool of him not making me sweat it out.  Never more relieved  A few months later the next PSI came back normal. 

I wish you the best.  I remember the feeling when I thought I had it.  How old (school) are you?  I was like 55 when that happened to me. 

Ahem….. late 60s

[jerryskids 5,206]

27 minutes ago, Old School said:

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry guys- a PSA test/ score is something all males should have included in the yearly physical. My doctor said insurance companies and others pretty much dropped it years ago. My Doc and I have monitored it yearly, no matter what anyone “recommended.” 
I’m pretty focking happy we agreed n this. I strongly suggest you guys start getting it included in your yearly physical to establish a baseline. 
 

PSA= Prostrate- specific antigen. The PSA test is a blood test used primarily for prostrate cancer. The test measures the amount of prostrate- specific antigen in your blood. 

Prostrate cancer is the #1 cancer in men, after skin cancer. 
 

Yeah. My manhood is in question. They are going to go in and remove my prostrate gland.

Gotcha, thanks.  In the years prior to this my cute spinner doc used to finger fock me, there were no signs of problems.  Since my other cancer I get scans down through my happy places.

My next door neighbor from our previous house has prostate cancer; not sure if they caught it too late but he's on some drug that isn't great for his sex drive.  No way I want that.

[Old School 360]

2 minutes ago, Bill E. said:

I am pretty sure the Viagara should help with that. 

They say “maybe”

No more sperm. No more . That part of life will be over.

[Old School 360]

Rats ass update.
Surgeon called two weeks ago and rescheduled surgery. Headed in next Monday. 
On the plus- surgery moved up from August to June and I get this sh’t cut out of my body sooner.
On the other hand- surgery is like, almost tomorrow. Scrambling to get things in order.
Will be unable to drive for the first 11 days- and out of work for 4 to 6 weeks. 
Will not be able to lift anything over 10 pounds for 6 weeks. Looking around the house- hell, there’s nothing under 10 pounds. 
As long as I stay busy, the days are good. Working events and working around the yard have been good. Sitting around is not so good. Made the mistake of going down the inter webs rabbit hole a few nights and that just freaked me the hell out.

On the plus side. It’s a relatively common form of cancer- the second leading cancer in men. That means the surgery and recovery procedures are fairly routine for the doctors and staff. No so routine for me.
I’ve had the same GP doctor since his first day of practice. He’s a big dog now and was recently selected to head up a new medical school here in Nashville. He went to school with my surgeon. My surgeon is the head of Urology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and he knows his sh’t. And, I got him and his wife tickets for a recent, sold out Van Morrison concert he wanted to see.

This week Is when I’m making calls and clueing in friends and family. These are not pleasant calls.

[Bert 1,091]

12 minutes ago, Old School said:

Rats ass update.
Surgeon called two weeks ago and rescheduled surgery. Headed in next Monday. 
On the plus- surgery moved up from August to June and I get this sh’t cut out of my body sooner.
On the other hand- surgery is like, almost tomorrow. Scrambling to get things in order.
Will be unable to drive for the first 11 days- and out of work for 4 to 6 weeks. 
Will not be able to lift anything over 10 pounds for 6 weeks. Looking around the house- hell, there’s nothing under 10 pounds. 
As long as I stay busy, the days are good. Working events and working around the yard have been good. Sitting around is not so good. Made the mistake of going down the inter webs rabbit hole a few nights and that just freaked me the hell out.

On the plus side. It’s a relatively common form of cancer- the second leading cancer in men. That means the surgery and recovery procedures are fairly routine for the doctors and staff. No so routine for me.
I’ve had the same GP doctor since his first day of practice. He’s a big dog now and was recently selected to head up a new medical school here in Nashville. He went to school with my surgeon. My surgeon is the head of Urology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and he knows his sh’t. And, I got him and his wife tickets for a recent, sold out Van Morrison concert he wanted to see.

This week Is when I’m making calls and clueing in friends and family. These are not pleasant calls.

Good luck

[Cloaca du jour 2,064]

Good luck!!!  

[Voltaire 4,560]

They’re wanting to do bigger test trial for that colon cancer treatment I posted about a day or two ago. Maybe you can sign your ass up (literally). Best of luck.

[Bier Meister 1,514]

good luck

[KSB2424 3,083]

First I've heard of this, missed the thread.  Good luck fellow Geek.  

Quote

This week Is when I’m making calls and clueing in friends and family. These are not pleasant calls.

That has to be very difficult, even as much as dealing with it yourself, thats human nature.  

[jerryskids 5,206]

Good luck man, sorry to see you join the cancer club but you'll pull through.   

Any radiation or other therapy post-op? 

[Old School 360]

3 hours ago, Voltaire said:

They’re wanting to do bigger test trial for that colon cancer treatment I posted about a day or two ago. Maybe you can sign your ass up (literally). Best of luck.

Yeah. I saw that. We all think more than enough time has been wasted, even when dealing  with a traditionally slow growing cancer.
Covid delayed my annual physical/ checkup, burning 6 to 9 months.
With a concerning PSA reading, the nurse called,  but left no message, burning another 6 months until my next semi annual checkup.
Another 3 months to get the MRI scheduled.
Another month to get the biopsy.
Almost 2 more months to get a surgery.

[Old School 360]

50 minutes ago, jerryskids said:

Good luck man, sorry to see you join the cancer club but you'll pull through.   

Any radiation or other therapy post-op? 

 Thanks, and no. Discussed radiation and chemo with the nurse (36c’s) at todays pre opt.
Really no plan for either as they feel removing the organ removes the cancer.
The real question/ answer will come when we get the pathology report from the lymph nodes. If they are clean- I should be relativity clean. If not, well, I’m focked.

And Skids, I’m in no way trying to take the spotlight with a look at me play.
I’m dealing with a very common cancer that many men will experience, this is nothing compared to what you are dealing with.
 

No matter what- it’s pretty mind numbing when your doctor utters the word “cancer.” You seriously don’t hear the rest of his diagnosis for the next 2 or 3 minutes.
I remember my surgeon’s words at our initial meeting- “I’m 20% concerned that we have some kind of fast growing growth to be worried about. I am 80% sure that you have cancer. We'll know more with the biopsy.”   

[BunnysBastatrds 1,916]

7 hours ago, Old School said:

 Thanks, and no. Discussed radiation and chemo with the nurse (36c’s) at todays pre opt.
Really no plan for either as they feel removing the organ removes the cancer.
The real question/ answer will come when we get the pathology report from the lymph nodes. If they are clean- I should be relativity clean. If not, well, I’m focked.

And Skids, I’m in no way trying to take the spotlight with a look at me play.
I’m dealing with a very common cancer that many men will experience, this is nothing compared to what you are dealing with.
 

No matter what- it’s pretty mind numbing when your doctor utters the word “cancer.” You seriously don’t hear the rest of his diagnosis for the next 2 or 3 minutes.
I remember my surgeon’s words at our initial meeting- “I’m 20% concerned that we have some kind of fast growing growth to be worried about. I am 80% sure that you have cancer. We'll know more with the biopsy.”   

 Sorry my brother. Good luck and…ummhmmm.. hang in there. 

[jerryskids 5,206]

12 hours ago, Old School said:

 Thanks, and no. Discussed radiation and chemo with the nurse (36c’s) at todays pre opt.
Really no plan for either as they feel removing the organ removes the cancer.
The real question/ answer will come when we get the pathology report from the lymph nodes. If they are clean- I should be relativity clean. If not, well, I’m focked.

And Skids, I’m in no way trying to take the spotlight with a look at me play.
I’m dealing with a very common cancer that many men will experience, this is nothing compared to what you are dealing with.
 

No matter what- it’s pretty mind numbing when your doctor utters the word “cancer.” You seriously don’t hear the rest of his diagnosis for the next 2 or 3 minutes.
I remember my surgeon’s words at our initial meeting- “I’m 20% concerned that we have some kind of fast growing growth to be worried about. I am 80% sure that you have cancer. We'll know more with the biopsy.”   

Don't worry about me, I'm on cruise control and you are going through your ordeal right now.  Plus they are removing the prostate?  That doesn't sound fun.

I certainly hope that the lymph is clean, but if not, it might not be the end.  Although you'll probably need chemo or immuno.  Decades ago my mom had gallbladder cancer which got into her lymph; we moved her out to live with us for chemo (which the doctors made it seem like they were just going through the motions) and for her to die in 6 months or so.  Six months later she instead got a "no evidence of disease" report and lived for another 6+ years until she died of something else.

As my surgeon says, statistics are made of 1's and 0's, no reason you can't be a 1.  We'll be pulling for you, and let us know when the surgery day arrives.   

[Old School 360]

Rats ass update. 
Sunday was spent taking care of last minute errands. Groceries, yard cutting, laundry- and of course the night of a thousand waterfalls. 
Monday meant up at 3am. Shower with some kind of special soap to help prevent infection at the hospital. Then a drive to my friends house by 4:30am so he could get me to the hospital by 5:30am. 
Surgery scheduled for 7:30 and I was expecting a 3 hour surgery and an hour in recovery. Turned into a 4 hour surgery and I was in recovery until 2:30 in the afternoon. Totally out of it. Pretty much slept the rest of the day/ night between all the nurses coming in to check vitals.
Tuesday started at 5am. Up, walked, got meds, met with surgery team. They think they got it all, all the prostrate and all the cancer. Don’t think the cancer spread but will get a pathology report in about 5 days.More walking. 
My ride came to get me around 11 and I was home by noon. Following instructions to walk a lot and drink plenty of non alcoholic liquids. Feasted on applesauce, beef broth, and 4 crackers yesterday. Gonna step it up and have mashed potatoes today. Exciting!

I’ve got 6 holes in my abdomen from the surgery so getting into a chair and getting back up is a b!tch. I made a huge mistake last night when I went to sleep in my own bed. All was good until I tried to get up this morning. There was just no way to get up without putting a lot of strain on my abdomen. So the day started pretty sh!tty. I’ll be sleeping in a chair tonight.
Trying not to do the Oxy, but I need something for the pain today. Gonna start with Tylenol and see if that can knock the edge off. 
I walked circles around the driveway yesterday and this morning but it’s hot as Fock out there. 99 yesterday and mid 90s again today. Might just bounce around inside until it cools off a little this evening.

And. Is there anything more humbling than having a pee bag strapped to your leg for the next 10 days? Probably not.

[jerryskids 5,206]

7 hours ago, Old School said:

Rats ass update. 
Sunday was spent raking care of last minute errands. Groceries, yard cutting, laundry- and of course the night of a thousand waterfalls. 
Monday meant up at 3am. Shower with some kind of special soap to help prevent infection at the hospital. Then a drive to my friends house by 4:30am so he could get me to the hospital by 5:30am. 
Surgery scheduled for 7:30 and I was expecting a 3 hour surgery and an hour in recovery. Turned into a 4 hour surgery and I was in recovery until 2:30 in the afternoon. Totally out of it. Pretty much slept the rest of the day/ night between all the nurses coming in to check vitals.
Tuesday started at 5am. Up, walked, got meds, met with surgery team. They think they got it all, all the prostrate and all the cancer. Don’t think the cancer spread but will get a pathology report in about 5 days.More walking. 
My ride came to get me around 11 and I was home by noon. Following instructions to walk a lot and drink plenty of non alcoholic liquids. Feasted on applesauce, beef broth, and 4 crackers yesterday. Gonna step it up and have mashed potatoes today. Exciting!

I’ve got 6 holes in my abdomen from the surgery so getting into a chair and getting back up is a b!tch. I made a huge mistake last night when I went to sleep in my own bed. All was good until I tried to get up this morning. There was just no way to get up without putting a lot of strain on my abdomen. So the day started pretty sh!tty. I’ll be sleeping in a chair tonight.
Trying not to do the Oxy, but I need something for the pain today. Gonna start with Tylenol and see if that can knock the edge off. 
I walked circles around the driveway yesterday and this morning but it’s hot as Fock out there. 99 yesterday and mid 90s again today. Might just bounce around inside until it cools off a little this evening.

And. Is there anything more humbling than having a pee bag strapped to your leg for the next 10 days? Probably not.

I'm going to skip giving you a hard time for whining like a little girl  and focus on "they think they got it all."  Praying for you that this is the case.   

I asked about follow-up treatments because in my case, even though they thought they got it all and it didn't metastasize, they had me do 7 weeks of radiation in the area, just in case any rogue cancer cells were hanging around.  

Anyway, glad to hear a pee bag is temporary.  Any word on using your wanker for... other things?

[Old School 360]

13 hours ago, jerryskids said:

I'm going to skip giving you a hard time for whining like a little girl  and focus on "they think they got it all."  Praying for you that this is the case.   

Thanks and yeah, I deserve the gig. Yesterday was first full day home and first day without pain meds. 
But I did walk a lot and even made it up a flight of stairs to the bonus room. Whining like a little girl the whole time.
Today is off to a way better start.Longer walk, did the stairs multiple times already, and doing a load of laundry.

13 hours ago, jerryskids said:

I asked about follow-up treatments because in my case, even though they thought they got it all and it didn't metastasize, they had me do 7 weeks of radiation in the area, just in case any rogue cancer cells were hanging around.  

Anyway, glad to hear a pee bag is temporary.  Any word on using your wanker for... other things?

I’ve asked multiple times about follow up treatments but I don’t think chemo or radiation is part of the plan, unless the pathology report indicates it’s needed. But, I just don’t know for sure yet.
I do have a “Survivorship” meeting scheduled. Not sure what all that entails but I’m guessing it’s a roadmap of surviving the big C and plans for future testing. 

The use of the wanker for fun stuff is definitely in question. I should have used my retirement savings for a weekend of Asian hookers before surgery.
From what I’ve read and discussed with the doctors, results are all over the place, so much so they can’t even guess how an individual will progress.
There’s alway hope.

[jerryskids 5,206]

1 hour ago, Old School said:

Thanks and yeah, I deserve the gig. Yesterday was first full day home and first day without pain meds. 
But I did walk a lot and even made it up a flight of stairs to the bonus room. Whining like a little girl the whole time.
Today is off to a way better start.Longer walk, did the stairs multiple times already, and doing a load of laundry.

I’ve asked multiple times about follow up treatments but I don’t think chemo or radiation is part of the plan, unless the pathology report indicates it’s needed. But, I just don’t know for sure yet.
I do have a “Survivorship” meeting scheduled. Not sure what all that entails but I’m guessing it’s a roadmap of surviving the big C and plans for future testing. 

The use of the wanker for fun stuff is definitely in question. I should have used my retirement savings for a weekend of Asian hookers before surgery.
From what I’ve read and discussed with the doctors, results are all over the place, so much so they can’t even guess how an individual will progress.
There’s alway hope.

I'll chip in for the Asian hookers and heroine if things work.  Heck, my brother moved to Nashville, I'm due to visit anyway.   

[Voltaire 4,560]

23 hours ago, Old School said:

Old School's ass update. 

fixed

Hopefully they did get it all and life can get on to normal, whatever that entails, from here.

[Old School 360]

Updatored- 
Went for bloodwork last week. Looks like they successfully cut the nasty out, along with a few vital items just for good measure.
They said I’m now “cancer free.”

Still have to be monitored/ bloodwork every 3 or 4 months. But hey. I’ll take that. 
 

[jerryskids 5,206]

6 hours ago, Old School said:

Updatored- 
Went for bloodwork last week. Looks like they successfully cut the nasty out, along with a few vital items just for good measure.
They said I’m now “cancer free.”

Still have to be monitored/ bloodwork every 3 or 4 months. But hey. I’ll take that. 
 

Great news!

[Cloaca du jour 2,064]

Hell ya!!