I may have to change my story!!

I came here with no family history of PC and a PSA as high as 19.8 at the age of 44.  Well I spoke to my father yesterday and his PSA is on the rise and currently at 3.5.  Each of his last few tests have shown increases.  Now he turns 74 this month so a rising PSA is natural, and I am fully aware that at his age he may not be in need of treatment, but it does look to point to biopsy.  At least he has a veteran in the family. 

So my story has been that I was struck out of the blue, but it's looking like many of you here ~ heredity.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised.  My grandfather on my dad's side was an insulin dependant diebetic who died young in the 60's.  I never really knew him.  So we were not able to verify heredity.  But one more rise for my dad, and I'll consider it verified.  My dad is in good health so I probably wouldn't advocate watchful waiting.  But the cart is in front of the horse right now.  We'll cross that bridge when and if we get to it.  After losing my mom to cervical cancer just a few months ago, this year has been just dandy...Prayers that dad doesn't join me are most welcome.

Tony

Tony -

With you helping your dad monitor his psa, I'm sure he will be fine.  If I was 74 and had a psa under 10, I probably would just watch it. There is a guy in my man to man support group who is 82 and he has a psa of 14, and he said he isn't doing anything until the quality of life starts to be affected.

I'm willing to bet that all disease has a significant heredity factor and people who say that they don't have a family history probably just don't know.  Environmental factors ( diet, stress. chemicals, etc.) cause genetic changes ultimately leading to disease. 

Your knowledgable and supportive posts on this site are valuable and much appreciated. Keep up the GREAT work!

- John

your dad is in good hands with you and his doctor's. like you said don't put the cart before the horse. i recently had a friend from church that had surgery to remove his prostate. he is 70 and recovering OK. if i were 70, i may have gone the radiation route but he seems to be doing great.

Prayers headed your way Tony! Keep us posted and best wishes!