My PSA bounced around under 4 for 10 years. Then jumped to 5.8
Went on Finasteride and it dropped to 3.9, repeated 6 months later it was 4.0. After and MRI and biopsy, diagnosis confirmed, Gleason 3+3. Urologist advised active monitoring with blood tests every 6 months. That's where I am now. EVery time I get a pain somewhere, I think the cancer has spread. I don't like having untreated cancer, but the treatments are not pleasant either, so Im happy to keep my active lifestyle as long as possible. Comments welcome.
Hi
. Your anxiety over active surveillance is understandable and you are not alone. Our contributor Jim-Bob wrote a couple of articles on his experience here: https://prostatecancer.net/living/active-surveillance-takeaways and here: https://prostatecancer.net/living/prostaversary-lessons. A lot of being on active surveillance hinges on the ability to manage knowing there is this diagnosis. That said, many men with a Gleason six never experience an increase. The key is can you believe enough in the regular monitoring. I know it may not be much help to say you have to decide this for yourself, but it is what it comes down to. Hopefully others will chime in with their experiences and don't hesitate to ask your doctor to make the case. Best, Richard (Team Member) THanks for finding those links for me that both describe my feelings perfectly. I was told precisely those words, "your cancer is slow growing." Still means growing. In reading this forum for about a year, and speaking with my PCa friends, it is clear to me that no two patients/outcomes with PCa are alike, PCa does what it wants when it wants. Thanks again. As described in the link you sent, I feel like Im holding a lottery ticket where you pay if you "win." ...Steve smith
