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very high psa, researched with little results

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Posted 6/29/2008 12:32 PM (GMT -8)
 

My dad had a psa over 1200.  (A few years ago he had one over 50 but was told it was a false positive, a retest claimed he was normal.)  There is very little information on a number this high.  The doctor did a biopsy and we are waiting for test results (Tuesday).    I'm concerned as how one could have a number this high--is it even possible or did someone really mess the labwork up?  I came across two mentions of men with very high numbers who have very advanced cancer.  Should we be preparing for the worst diagnosis?  Everything I did find seems to lead me to that inclination...  Are there any other conditions that could lead to a high psa number? 

Posted 6/29/2008 2:38 PM (GMT -8)

morgan,

Yes, it is possible to have a PSA this high or higher.

Severe prostate infections can lead to high numbers, although I am not aware of one this high that has been attributed to an infection (not that I am an expert on that topic).

You mentioned that your dad had a false positive several years ago.  Has he had PSA tests annually or more often since then?  If so, what have his readings been?

What about prostate infections?  Does he have a history of those?

Posted 6/29/2008 4:38 PM (GMT -8)

For anyone interested in advanced cancer, or hormone treatment I always suggest they read the book by Dr Charles Myers on Hormonal Therapy & Diet. Dr Myers gives a number of case studies which involved PSA readings between 1000 and 4000.

Dr Myers contends that hormone treatment can be more effective than many think.

There's a relevant website www.paactusa.org

Posted 6/29/2008 4:51 PM (GMT -8)
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Posted 6/29/2008 4:57 PM (GMT -8)

Hi morgan,

So sorry to hear about your Dad.  You've come to the right place for support and to ask your questions.

The biopsy results should tell a big part of the story.  Your Dad will find out whether or not he has cancer and the doctor will be able to lay out some treatment options.

I know Tuesday seems very far away.  If holding on until then is helped by conversation here, please continue to draw upon the good members of the forum.

I don't know of any current cases on this forum where the original PSA reading was that high, but I hope we can shake some folks out of the woodwork.

Please accept our thoughts and prayers for you and your Dad. 

You may try to follow the links in a locked topic at the top of this forum.  They may provide some information you need.

Again, a very warm welcome to you!

Kind regards,

Posted 6/29/2008 5:16 PM (GMT -8)

Hi Morgan,

There is a regular member on this forum who had a PSA of 1900+ and in my personal research, I have found more. Although it is hard to wait for the results of tests, try not to think of the worst case scenerio from the start (easier said than done--I know!). It is important to take one step at a time and know that even if it is PCa, there are options and treatments that have been successful. I will keep you and your dad in my prayers.

God Bless,

Karen eyes

Posted 6/29/2008 6:25 PM (GMT -8)
There is at least one regular poster on this forum whose PSA at diagnosis was close to 2000.

Posted 6/30/2008 2:49 AM (GMT -8)
Dear Morgan,

My husband's PSA was close to 2,000 at diagnosis. I truely hope that your dad's PSA was a lab mistake. The biopsy (and subsequent CT/bone scans) will tell you whether it is PCa and where it has spread.

A high PSA (over 100) is usually an indication of advanced prostate cancer. Most men are diagnosed at an earlier stage because they get bone pains or discover they have PCa through medical check-ups. In the past, it was more common for men to be diagnosed with advanced PCa.

Although advanced PCa is not curable, it can be put in remission for years through hormone therapy. When the PCa becomes hormone resistant, there is the option of chemo therapy. It is very well possible to lead an enjoyable and productive life with advanced PCa.

After diagnosis, my husband immediately started taking three monthly Lupron injections (the first injection is given after taking Casodex for a week or two to prevent flares) and we decided to add daily Casodex (50mg). Depending on what you're comfortable with and how experimental you like to be, you can also consider triple ADT and possibly a small dose of chemo to consolidate the effects of hormone treatment. If you're interested in the latter, you should check out the Us Too website, and find the Patient to Pract. forum (where you can ask questions to PCa specialists). Dr Mayers' book also provides a lot of information on advanced PCa.

The combination of Lupron + Casodex works well for my husband. His PSA has been undetectable for one year now and his tumors have shrunk dramatically. He feels ok, and PCa has not made him feel like a sick person.

Wishing you and your family all the best while waiting for the biopsy results. You can e-mail me if you want. Dutchy.
Posted 6/30/2008 6:02 AM (GMT -8)
thank you all for the wonderful information. this has helped me quite a bit and with the information you have provided I can start my research and be informed with possibilities when we get the results. thank you also for the prayers and thoughts, they mean a great deal to us.

Morgan
Posted 6/30/2008 8:01 AM (GMT -8)
Others have say this but here is an article about high PSA and retesting.

http://men.webmd.com/news/20030527/high-psa-level-check-again

Richard yeah

Posted 6/30/2008 8:19 AM (GMT -8)
Morgan,

I'm just starting on my path to diagnosis and really feel for your frustration and helpless feelings. Please know that there is this group of wonderful people to help.

I just saw my Urologist for the first time and he mentioned to me that very high PSA can frequently be attributed to prostatitus or infection. Just try to leave the anxiety aside and wait for the biopsy. I feel OK to suggest this to you because I'm heading into my first biopsy and have to live in a slight state of denial until something concrete comes back. I'd just make myself crazy with worry if I didn't.
Posted 6/30/2008 5:45 PM (GMT -8)
Hello Morgan

Here's a site that I sure hope everyone on these forums knows about, the YANA pages. Scroll all the way to the bottom to find the PSA's up in the range you're talking about. You can then read what treatment options they chose, and how they made out.

http://www.yananow.net/Chart-PSA.htm

My best wishes to you and your dad.

charley/70/east tenn
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