Leading up to Diagnosis

Because of my family history I began being checked early on. I was in my late 40's when I first began this process. At first I had examines every couple of years and PSA was only slightly elevated. Then at about 55 it had risen enough that my specialist recommended my first biopsy. I think they took about 6 cores and it was negative. The process was far more painful than I expected so in my early 60's after my PSA rose more and my specialist recommended another biopsy, I was filled with dread. But, the second biopsy actually was not at all bad. I think I had learned to relax a bit and it was less painful inserting the ultra sound probe.

Early in 2018 at the age of 65 my PSA had risen to about 6. The specialist was reluctant to send me for another biopsy so we decided to see what the PSA would do in 6 month. In October the PSA had risen to over 9 and being on Avodart that was like 17 or 18. A third biopsy was scheduled. Again it was not as painful as the first one. They took 10 cores.

On November 27 I had the appointment to hear the result. I was not surprised to be told that cancer was found. It was a small relief to know that it was only in 2 of the 10 samples and that it was a medium grade of cancer. What was not so good is that it was scored 4+3 which basically means it is at the higher end of medium grade. Almost a high grade of cancer.

The Doctor gave me lots of reading material. I did read everything he gave me, plus a lot of stuff on the internet.

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