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Posted 10/15/2016 8:01 AM (GMT -5)
Stumbled across this site, very interesting: I am 57 been watched since I was 40 because of a family history of PC. Had a jump from a steady 2.2 to a 4.4 then 4.7 within a year. Doc sent me to his uro who I have been to before with kidney stones:

Nothing ever showed up in exams so we decided to have a biopsy, that was in March of this year. I think it was 2 or 3 of the 12 cores were bad and one showed in the ductal area, we were talking bone scans etc, not a good meeting. The Doc was unsure about the report, he thought something was not right, years of experience I guess. He wanted a second opinion on the slides so sent them to U of M

I got a call on a Saturday from him, he said it was not in the duct area and downgraded to a very low grade, I broke down on the phone, left work and went home to tell my wife.

Just had a followup PSA test, it dropped from a 4.7 to a 3.6 the only thing I have done was give up all dairy products during this time.

We scheduled another PSA test and biopsy for next March

He is using the new grading system, is anyone else following the new grading?

Thanks
Posted 10/15/2016 8:24 AM (GMT -5)
I understand that a cancer diagnosis is a shock. However, low grade prostate cancer will definitely not kill you and probably not even cause symptoms.

The American Cancer Society publishes:

Cancer Treatment & Survivorship Facts & Figures - Page 17 said...
According to the most recent data, 10- and 15-year relative survival rates are 98% and 95%, respectively.


So do not worry.

George
Posted 10/15/2016 8:28 AM (GMT -5)
Indeed, my grandfather died from PC in the 70's but they really didn't even know what he had back then. My father had his prostate removed when he was 68 and is now 87 going strong!
Posted 10/15/2016 9:15 AM (GMT -5)
cgarr, welcome to the forum. I want to offer encouragement. If you have a very low grade cancer then it may be curable. There are many very effective treatments available. Please know we are here whenever you need to post whether it's a question or a vent. From a guy with advanced aggressive prostate cancer, six years into the fight, I send good thoughts your way.
Posted 10/15/2016 9:53 AM (GMT -5)
Cgarr, the new grading system is coming into wide use now for new patients. It is to stop the confusion over the Gleason scoring, which basically starts at 6 and goes to 10. It was difficult for patients to understand how a 6 on a scale of 10 could mean the least risk.

It sounds like your doctor is effectively placing you on an informal active surveillance schedule, That is what is being done more and more within the past few years for low risk men. I have been on AS for eight years, with no change in my cancer, and you could have a similar case.

You now have the time to research, consult, ask, and attend support groups to get as much knowledge and guidance as possible. Good luck.
Posted 10/15/2016 2:18 PM (GMT -5)
This is the first time I've read or understood that there was a new grading system. Glad that this was posted. I looked back and found a thread that I think should be reposted

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=3562294

Thanks for your response ASAdvocate. I say just change it now. You know how many times I've already tried to explain the gleason score to friends and family I'm sure. No one understands it.

The Artistic One-Mark

Sorry cgarr, I forgot to welcome you. I just want let you know that I rely on this group and my drs exclusively. I don't have anything more to add cause I'm relatively new here. Keep on your drs. Be your own advocate, and do your research. Again welcome and keep us up to date. Mark
Posted 10/15/2016 5:24 PM (GMT -5)
Hi cgarr, welcome to HW, sorry you have to be here. The good news is that you seem to have a low risk diagnosis so you can delay treatment and stay on active surveillance as long as you can. We have a couple of guys in my support group who have been on active surveillance for 10 years. That is better than treatment and the possible side effects. I wish you luck with your next tests. Keep us posted. Take care. -JR
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