PSA Test for guys over 40

[GeoffMiller]

I feel like I dodged the big one this week! Mid winter, my wife and I decided that we should each get a thorough benchline physical as we are both approaching our 50th birthdays. I had bloodwork done that revealed that I had a slightly elevated PSA level. PSA is an indicator of the possibility of prostate cancer. I went to the Mayo Clinic and at first we were hesistant to do a biopse since the amount of elevation was so low. I finally decided to go ahead and get it done and was surprised when the doctors did find a small amount of cancer. The doctors recommended that at my young age that I should have my prostate gland removed. Last wednesday the Mayo Clinic performed the operation using a DaVinci robot. The surgeon operates this thing sitting at a control station 20 feet from the operating table. I have five small slits in my belly for the various tools and cameras to be placed inside. When I woke up, I was given the great information that the cancer was completely contained within the prostate and I was cured. I do not have to have any chemo or radiation. Last night I was looking at some prostate cancer survivor sites. One site had a discussion board on how to live out your final days of cancer. It struck me how fortunate I am that my cancer was caught so early and I was able to be cured.

The message that I would like to pass on to you males over 40 years old is to not procrastinate getting a regular PSA test. If you wait until you are showing symptoms, your prognosis is not nearly as sunny as mine. I was shocked to learn that 75-80% of all males over 50 WILL have some type of prostate problems in their lifetime.

Now for the important stuff! Any of you guys who have had the surgery can give me an idea of how many weeks it takes before I can fire up the K12RS? Ive gotta keep my priorities straight!:p

[kbasa]

If you're a male over the age of 40, you should have an annual exam, which should include screening for colon cancer as well.

[Bigrider]

And while you are at it (and nearer to 50 years old) get a colonoscopy. My army retirement physical included one and they found a pre-cancerous pollup, snipped it out right then, no pain. You got to take care of your self or your kids will get you bike(s) way too early.

Dave H
San Antonio, Tx

[RandyB]

+1 on robots. City of Hope is great if your exam turns out badly. One of the guys here had robotic surgery on his prostate cancer and, according to him, everything still works. TMI, I realize but he's happy and playing with the grandkids. The local doctors wanted to open him up and remove everything. There are better options.

[aerialfilm1]

We should be grateful we live in the times that we do. A freind of mine barely survived his cancer bout almost 25 years ago. He tells me back then, theses cancers wern't the kind of topics guys ever spoke about with each other.

[sarmand]

Your story is remarkably similar to my cousin's. He's my age, forty-nine, and had essentially the exact same experience, using the same surgical technique, one year ago. He's made a complete recovery. A COMPLETE recovery. I get a PSA test done every six months with my cholesterol check. I've got lots more tires to wear out before I'm out of here!:thumb

[osbornk]

If you wait until you have symptoms with prostate cancer or colon cancer, you waited to late. With prostate cancer, once you have symptoms, you've probably had the cancer for over 20 years. Watched my cousin die of prostate cancer several years ago and it wasn't pretty.

I'm 59 and I've had my PSA tested and took the "finger test" for years. I now have a woman doctor and one advantage is they have a small finger. I have never had a colonoscopy before but I am scheduled to see the doctor this week to get one (I had the task of advising my classmates of another death the night before my physical). I was hesitant because I had a friend who almost died because the punctured his colon and didn't catch it and he almost died.

[screwtop]

My Dad is 71, and he's going through this prostate stuff now. His problems started years ago w/ poyps in the bladder and other issues. His PSA's were high 20's to low 30's and his only real option is hormone therapy and radiation. He's 3 months into treatment, and he's doing well.

Luckly, the cancer (a gleason score 7) is confined to his prostate, so his prognosis is good. I echo the encouragement to all to have regular checks. More men die with prostate cancer than from it, but it's definitely something to stay on top of.

[hlothery]

To be specific, a prostate cancer examination consists of a PSA (blood test for prostate specific antigen) and a digital rectal exam (the old finger wave). As a stand-alone test, the PSA is very unreliable. I have seen prostate cancer in a patient with a normal PSA, and vice versa. An elevated PSA can mean just benign enlargement of the prostate. So really, every male over 40 should have a PSA and a digital rectal exam once a year. So glad you got the biopsy, and that all is well. Here's hoping for a speedy return to the saddle!

BTW - the colonoscopy advice is solid!

[Braddog]

First of all, I'm so glad that everything worked out for you, Geoff. way to go.

Secondly, thanks for the tips, getting the regular "full service" check up is a good idea. That said, I'm overdue.

So, why post it here? Are there many BMW riders over 40? ;)

[GeoffMiller]

First of all, I'm so glad that everything worked out for you, Geoff. way to go.

Secondly, thanks for the tips, getting the regular "full service" check up is a good idea. That said, I'm overdue.

So, why post it here? Are there many BMW riders over 40? ;)

Yer right! What was I thinking? Probably a couple of geezers out there!:nyah