It’s OK to be fearful of an invasive procedure. A little fear can lead to a second opinion, maybe a better one. On the other hand, a little fear shouldn’t keep you from getting checked at all. Since I have no medical training, I can’t give specific advice on what someone else should do, once [...]
The time and expense involved in having all these tests may seem like a lot of effort in order to avoid a biopsy. Based on what I’ve learned so far, an invasive “random” biopsy (with its associated risks) still doesn’t seem like the best course of action for me, given my results so far. Alone, PSA levels, DRE, [...]
I was a bit discouraged about the cost of having a new, high resolution prostate MRI. $5000 is a lot of money, especially in the current economy where it could pay bills for a couple months, as layoffs are looming everywhere. There had to be something similar and less expensive in the Chicago area. With [...]
My philosophy is that you should always seek a second opinion if it involves major surgery, maybe a third one if the first two opinions disagree or if it’s something life threatening, like cancer. I did this for a reconstructive knee surgery back in 1994. I ended up seeing one of the premier orthopedic surgeons in [...]
Last night, I had a telephone consultation with a physician I mentioned previously. He was very skeptical of my ultrasound results, having concerns with both the physician and the claimed sensitivity of the test. He believes that based on a current consensus of experts, this ultrasound technology alone is only around 20% likely to detect [...]
I had my ultrasound yesterday. I flew to New York City to get it. The only physican that I could find who was closer and used similar technology for my situation was near Detroit, but they wanted to do a biopsy at the same time. There are a number of other places doing these sonograms across [...]
Tests like the PCA3, Power Doppler Ultrasound and 3T MRI are all very promising and based on a lot of research. There are a few other tests I’ve found that might be of interest. I haven’t found much research on them, and they are probably not yet available in the USA outside of trials or studies.
http://proactivegenomics.com/
http://www.diapat.com/diapatpcms/cmsengl/front_content.php?idcat=274
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/alerts/prostate_disorders/JohnsHopkinsProstateDisordersHealthAlert_1023-1.html
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1475992
http://www.clarientinc.com/Default.aspx?tabid=403 (post biopsy [...]
Last week I mentioned my PCA test results. Here is a copy of the report from Bostwick Laboratories.
I have not yet been able to find a “calculator” that gives you a risk based on your PCA3 score, as there are for PSA levels. I have found some interesting webpages and studies about results that may [...]
Here are a few websites that have helped me. I’ve added them to my blogroll links and hope they might help you, too:
http://www.prostate-cancer.org/
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/prostate
http://www.ustoo.com
http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org
There are also a number of smaller blogs (like mine) and personal webpages about prostate health issues that you can find on Google. One in particular is about a man who learned he had [...]
I have become more concerned about having a biopsy, given the alternatives I have found, like PCA3 and ultrasound. I continue my search for information and options. I found a couple websites where I was able to contact other urologists, who basically shared the same view. One suggested I might consider an extended course of antibiotics [...]
The results of my PCA3 Plus test have at least given me some confidence that I have a little time to fully research my options before I undergo an invasive procedure like a biopsy.
Newer ultrasound technology is another step that can be done before a prostate biopsy. Like the PCA3 test, it’s not yet widely accepted as a substitute for [...]
I played phone tag with my urologist’s office for a while, after I discovered the PCA3 test though a Google search. I had already verified that a number of labs did this newer test in the USA. It shocked me a little bit that my urologist hadn’t even mentioned it when I asked about alternative testing before a [...]
I mentioned that my urologist also wanted to make sure that the traces of blood in my urine weren’t due to some other urinary problem. So, I had an ultrasound of the kidneys to check for tumors and stones and possibly other issues. My results were negative. The only unusual item was a small cyst [...]
Yesterday, I discussed some of the various unpleasantries involving a prostate biopsy.
If that wasn’t unpleasant enough, here’s the kicker. Unlike other cancers, you don’t get a ”Yes or No” (malignant or benign) diagnosis from a prostate biopsy. You see, with most cancer, a tumor is found by hand, CT scan, MRI or other diagnostic. Then, a biopsy [...]
I was a bit freaked out the day I heard about the various cancers I might have and the biopsy that may be to come. Of course, I turned to Google for answers. It’s has been a great help, but also a big curse. What I’ve learned is a bit surprising.
To most urologists, a prostate biopsy is [...]
I already had a urologist. I had a vasectomy back in 2005. I had another in early 2008. Yup, I was very fertile, so I needed two. I guess they don’t always work. My first one was a Vasclip procedure. It was marketed as being less painful, with a quicker recovery, fewer side effects and similar [...]
I’m already a couple months into my adventure with prostate health, but it began well over a year ago. Back in late 2007, I had a routine physical at my wife’s urging. I wasn’t quite 40 at the time. I had no health issues or symptoms at all, other than some lab results… My urine [...]
This is my personal blog about prostate health, with an initial emphasis on biopsies. It is a journal of my adventures from learning I had a high PSA level, to having various tests and procedures. Do I really need a prostate biopsy? Are there any options or alternatives to a prostate biopsy? I hope to answer these questions [...]