Prostate cancer? 55 yo

[Anonymous]

DH (55yo) went for an overdue annual physical (hadn't been in 2 or 3 yrs). Had blood work prior to physical. PSA was elevated. 8 or 9. A couple yrs back it was 2. Pcp did rectal exam and was somewhat alarmed. Told him he felt enlarged prostate, asymmetry, nodules and small mass on one side. First he said nodules and then he said small mass. One and then same.. so urology appt is in 2 weeks. DH has been very fatigued past couple yrs (getting worse, needs daily afterwork nap at least 5 to 6 days a week. Sleeps full night) PCP starts questioning him. Other symptoms are more frequent urination. And frequent back pain. When the pcp questioned his back pain turns out its pelvis and low back pain. Pcp got even more concerned. DH actually went to ortho guy a few months back about pain. Ortho didn't do any imaging but told him to walk more during day, anti inflammatory etc. Maybe the back pelvis pain is nothing. Oh one more thing, pcp looks at his chart and sees that he's anemic.

I always thought of pc as an older person's disease. Honestly this all feels unreal that it's happening in slow motion to someone else. Not freaking out yet bc no definite answers.

Can anyone share anything similar in a journey they may have had with pc?

[Anonymous]

Sorry you’re going through this. My husband and his brother both had prostatectomies for cancer in their early 50s. It definitely happens, but good news is survival rate is very high if caught early.

[Anonymous]

I don't understand the next appointment is 2 weeks away? Maybe you should start your own research on experts in the field and get a second opinion. I know if feels surreal, but you need to get into the driver's seat.

[Anonymous]

My dad had prostate cancer at 58. He had it removed and did radiation. Then he did radiation again about 5 years ago. He's currently 84 and chugging along!

I know this is scary, but it is a common cancer that doctors can treat. Arm yourselves with knowledge and push to get things dealt with quickly.

Much love to both of you as you navigate this.

[Anonymous]

55 is young. My dear friend had it at 55, caught by PSA soaring. It can be aggressive in younger men. He had surgery and died of a heart attack at 79.
The possible progression to bone is worrying. All the best to you and DH.
I agree, line up a second doctor now.
Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer at Sibley and Suburban is excellent. The National Proton Center is one of the most advanced in the US.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand the next appointment is 2 weeks away? Maybe you should start your own research on experts in the field and get a second opinion. I know if feels surreal, but you need to get into the driver's seat.

It is the soonest appt I could get, via the referral. We do plan on exploring second opinions and not rushing into treatments. But right now there is no diagnosis. Research shouldn't start before a diagnosis. Maybe he has a prostate infection, idk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:55 is young. My dear friend had it at 55, caught by PSA soaring. It can be aggressive in younger men. He had surgery and died of a heart attack at 79.
The possible progression to bone is worrying. All the best to you and DH.
I agree, line up a second doctor now.
Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer at Sibley and Suburban is excellent. The National Proton Center is one of the most advanced in the US.

ink.

Thanks for rec. This is helpful. And in our neck of the woods.

[Anonymous]

Here's a link. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel-cancer-center/washington-dc/our-experts#prostate

The radiation oncology people are very kind and caring. I had breast radiation and my waiting room bestie was getting treated for prostate cancer.

[Anonymous]

I’m surprised that the PCP didn’t order an immediate scan; then you’d have the results for the urology appointment.

[Anonymous]

Get an MRI. Then a biopsy if the MRI warrants.

Get "Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer" by Dr. Patrick Walsh. Order it today.

Stay off Dr. Google. Can't stress this enough. You will only see the scary and ignore the good. If you must, stick to sites that are expert, like Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Be strong, this can be dealt with. Don't let anyone tell you "It's no big deal" but know that for most men it's something you live with rather than die from. 15 survival rate well over 90%, 5 year rate is a virtual 100%. You can beat this even though parts of it won't be fun.

I just joined this "shi**y club" myself this month, and that is the source of my advice. Good luck to your family!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get an MRI. Then a biopsy if the MRI warrants.

Get "Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer" by Dr. Patrick Walsh. Order it today.

Stay off Dr. Google. Can't stress this enough. You will only see the scary and ignore the good. If you must, stick to sites that are expert, like Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Be strong, this can be dealt with. Don't let anyone tell you "It's no big deal" but know that for most men it's something you live with rather than die from. 15 survival rate well over 90%, 5 year rate is a virtual 100%. You can beat this even though parts of it won't be fun.

I just joined this "shi**y club" myself this month, and that is the source of my advice. Good luck to your family!

Thanks so much! Will definitely order this book!

[Anonymous]

Most people who get prostate cancer die with, not of it. There are exceptions, but for the most part it's not a huge problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get an MRI. Then a biopsy if the MRI warrants.

Get "Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer" by Dr. Patrick Walsh. Order it today.

Stay off Dr. Google. Can't stress this enough. You will only see the scary and ignore the good. If you must, stick to sites that are expert, like Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Be strong, this can be dealt with. Don't let anyone tell you "It's no big deal" but know that for most men it's something you live with rather than die from. 15 survival rate well over 90%, 5 year rate is a virtual 100%. You can beat this even though parts of it won't be fun.

I just joined this "shi**y club" myself this month, and that is the source of my advice. Good luck to your family!

100% agree with all these points! Definitely get a prostate MRI. Here’s more info on that: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/mr_prostate

Lastly, if positive for prostate cancer, join a support group or two such as https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35
and https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/prostate-cancer/

Wishing you the very best!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most people who get prostate cancer die with, not of it. There are exceptions, but for the most part it's not a huge problem.

This is true. My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer around age 60, but lived to age 85. He died of complications related to diabetes, not cancer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most people who get prostate cancer die with, not of it. There are exceptions, but for the most part it's not a huge problem.

This is true. My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer around age 60, but lived to age 85. He died of complications related to diabetes, not cancer.

Fine but it is bullsh*t to say it's "not a huge problem", the fact that there are worse and more lethal cancers notwithstanding.