I received a second opinion 12/12/2018 which concurs with the initial biopsy diagnosis.

My PSA is 9.21 and I have my next PSA blood work next week. I expect it will be higher.

When I was diagnosed July 2018 my Gleason was 3+4=7 and was told by my urologist that score was 2 (out of 5), and on the cancer scale a 1 (out of 4). I also sought out a second opinion from Johns Hopkins which concurred. With that news, I opted for Active Surveillance as my treatment path, and the separate oncologist I consulted with agreed with me.

My dilemma is this: DRE examinations have not detected tumors on my prostate. And while I am aware that only half the prostate is effectively "felt" during this process, I am encouraged by this. I have at least selected an ontological treatment method should tumors appear, and at age 70 I am hopeful that will not be necessary.

And even with the possible extreme side effects that surgery and radiation treatments present, I don't believe I am in denial here. Again, thanks for reaching out to me with this forum.

I am continuing with quarterly PSA tests and an annual biopsy. Both of my biopsy results were 3+4. I am including the following link which I found most encouraging:

Read in SCIENMAG: https://apple.news/An61XyKPSQqaD7pJuCb34vw

My intention (at age 71) is to have my 3rd biopsy this August. And if the results are still 3+4 (and still no tumors), I will re-evaluate the necessity of an annual biopsy.

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2018. My 3+4=7 biopsy result led me to decide on the the Active Surveillance treatment option. After 3 years of PSA scores & biopsy results slowly rising, I decided in May 2021 to have the surgery even though my Gleason was still 3+4=7. My post surgery prostate pathology results showed 40% cancer and a 4+3=7 Gleason score. Three month later my PSA was 0.06; some of the cancer had spread to my bladder. In December 2021, I ended 6 1/2 weeks, 5 days/week of follow-up radiation treatment. My next PSA is set for June 2022 and I am told to expect a 0.06 or better

During my 3 years of Active Surveillance I learned that the whole prostate cancer decision process was confusing. Some urologists told me PSA scores were unreliable, while other urologists told me the same about biopsy resuls. It became clear to me early on that my best advocates were myself and my wife. And the Internet (i.e. YANA among other resources) proved useful as well.

And my advice based on my journey is this: Active Surveillance is a solid treatment option and AT THE FIRST SIGN OF YOUR NUMBERS INCREASING ACT IMMEDIATELY WITH THE SURGERY OR RADIATION TREATMENT. Delay will only increase the possibility of the cancer spreading outside your prostate, and prostate cancer loves lymph nodes and bones. This WAS NOT my case, had I waited another year, WHO KNOWS.

Stay well and safe my brothers.

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2018. My 3+4=7 biopsy result led me to decide on the the Active Surveillance treatment option. After 3 years of PSA scores & biopsy results slowly rising, I decided in May 2021 to have the surgery even though my Gleason was still 3+4=7. My post surgery prostate pathology results showed 40% cancer and a 4+3=7 Gleason score. Three month later my PSA was 0.06; some of the cancer had spread to my bladder. In December 2021, I ended 6 1/2 weeks, 5 days/week of follow-up radiation treatment. My next PSA is set for June 2022 and I am told to expect a 0.06 or better

During my 3 years of Active Surveillance I learned that the whole prostate cancer decision process was confusing. Some urologists told me PSA scores were unreliable, while other urologists told me the same about biopsy resuls. It became clear to me early on that my best advocates were myself and my wife. And the Internet (i.e. YANA among other resources) proved useful as well.

And my advice based on my journey is this: Active Surveillance is a solid treatment option and AT THE FIRST SIGN OF YOUR NUMBERS INCREASING ACT IMMEDIATELY WITH THE SURGERY OR RADIATION TREATMENT. Delay will only increase the possibility of the cancer spreading outside your prostate, and prostate cancer loves lymph nodes and bones. This WAS NOT my case, had I waited another year, WHO KNOWS.

Stay well and safe my brothers.

My 05/2021 prostate surgery was successful. I do have an abdominal hernia side effect if you will an inch left of my navel. I have been told it is from an incision during surgery that did not heal properly. I have hernia surgery scheduled for 1/19/2024 which involves a mesh to repair the hernia. I've been told this is not that unusual following any surgery. No ski season for me this year...

Ned's e-mail address is: nedmaher249 AT gmail.com (replace "AT" with "@")