Re: Prayers for my Father.

ColumbiaTiger66

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Aug 9, 2024, 9:59 AM

Good luck with his visit results and information. Some things I've learned going through a similar situation:

* My Dad died from prostate cancer that went to bone, but lived far longer than the 2 ears thought from his initial diagnosis, which was already stage 4. His 2 years became 6.

* My own PSA test results had been increasing slightly over the years and finally jumped from 3.0 to 4.0 about 2 years ago. My urologist said that while my prostate was enlarged, he normally woudn't have any cause for alarm because PSA tests are a notoriously bad indicator of the progression or seriousness of prostate disease. He's practiced as a urologist for many years at St. Francis in Greenville and has seen a tremendous amount of prostate disease. One of his patients had a PSA of an incredible 40 which turned out to be the result of a very enlarged prostate, but no cancer. After prostate reduction surgery his PSA was reduced to 4.

* Since my family history included my father's cancer, I underwent a biopsy which did indicate cancer (graded Gleason 4 - indication concern), but the amount detected was etremely small and of a very slow-growing type.

* Now, a year later, my PSA increased only .1 to 4.1 and I just underwent another biopsy for good measure. To my astonishment, there was less prevalence (volume and density) of cancer detected and what was detected (graded Gleason 3) was judged less threatening than the previous biopsy. Gleason 3 grades indicate no reason for intervention at my age of 80.

* Prostate cancer can be trouble if it goes undetected for a long time, but if detected early, several areas of treatment exist, which extend a person's years - and in many cases men live a long time with prostate cancer and eventually die from other causes.

* My point is that while prostate cancer is not anything you'd want to have, there are many things far worse in may cases - and may not be as big of a cause for alarm as it first sounds. It all depends on the type, stage and other health issues.

* Good luck!

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I want to start by thanking each and every one of you that took a moment to read my post and take time to offer up your thoughts and prayers. I really love our TNet family. I expect nothing less from Clemson men and women.

Prayers have been answered. His urologist did some ultrasounds and more extensive blood work and have decided it’s just benign prostatic hyperplasia. They put him on four medications to treat the issues. Two for urine frequency, one to shrink the prostate, and one for incontinence. They will monitor and recheck in four months.

I didn’t realize how heavy this was weighing on my father. He was as relieved and excited as I have ever seen him. Except maybe for my college graduations. He was absolutely glowing at his birthday dinner after the urologist appointment. God is good all the time!

Go Tigers!

Prayers for my Father.