I'm so sorry for the hellish time you're having. I remain optimistic based on what you've told us, and even if it comes to the worst this kind of cancer has a high cure rate when caught early. It's cruel not to tell you as soon as possible if the results are negative. I know my doctor would have been on the phone himself immediately if that were the case. Thankfully it's not much longer and I hope you'll get back to us as soon as possible. We're all concerned about you.

Nik, to us you are family, so it's never "off topic" to share your concerns with us. I haven't read the link the Virginia gave, but do ask your doctor if they are aware of the most recent findings about elevated PSA: that it results in the over-diagnosis of cancer, even when paired with a biopsy. Even when there actually IS cancer (I shudder even typing the word), the treatment is often overly aggressive, as most prostate cancer is slow growing. Your age and general health need to be taken into account, and sometimes the recommendation is now to "wait and watch". Here's hoping and praying for the absolute best outcome.

John

One can't expect care like what Ingrid is describing by free health service doctors over here. This procedure has cost me 0 up to now. The doctor himself is well recognised urologist, oncologist and surgeon and recommended from more than one source.

Anyhow, I thank you all for your comments and support. Statistically speaking, based on the PSA number chances are against me, not only with regards to whether this is cancer or not but with regards to its state and any metastasis that may have already occured. I've been trying to come to terms with this for the past 3-4 months or so when I started reading about PSA and all. One always hopes though.

My problem is that Kalliope does not seem to be prepared for the worse. All attempts to discuss this with her have been faced with the 'I'm sure it will be nothing' attitude. That's the reason for me not wanting to have her come with me at the doctor's tomorrow. I rather not have to deal with her shock as well as mine at the same time.. But she insists.

Nik, my best wishes to you and yours.

Nik -- Don't be hesitant to share here.

Think of this forum as a gathering of gardeners. We all help each other, when it's needed. We care.

Nik, DH has a similar issue. and in the past had a biopsy. They are now saying that MRIs are more accurate. I don't know if this is available to you but if your results are negative you may want to follow up with an MRI if you can.

None of my business but I agree with Kalliope. From a woman's perspective, a woman's place is with her man when he needs her.

Cath

So called multi-factor MRI can help in avoiding a biopsy or guide the biopsy to sample intelligently rather than just based on a sampling protocol. Multi-factor MRI is not available to me for free for my case and is an expensive process but I would have paid for it if my doctor had recommended it. But he said that with my PSA level I should not avoid biopsy and, again due to the PSA levels, if cancer is there biopsy should have a very good chance to locate it.

Nik, the "worst case" in this type of cancer is usually not as bad as other types - it is treatable most of the time, especially if caught early. A family member of mine's biopsy came back positive, and the treatment was amazing. He opted for surgery, of course on the recommendation of his doctors, and it was like science fiction. First, an MRI of course, so they could "see" what was going on where better. Then the surgery. The surgeon sat in one corner of the operating room, manipulating remote controls of the surgical machine. The patient was in the opposite corner of the operating room, and the operation was done remotely by machinery (has medical technical terms, of course, but I can't remember them). I read science fiction stories about this sort of thing years ago, but never expected it to be real. The surgeon told us that theoretically they did not even need to be in the same room, but they do that in case something goes wrong which requires "hands on" intervention, although in thousands of surgeries that had never happened to him. The surgery was very successful (and the patient only had to stay one night in the hospital), and the patient has made a full recovery, in all aspects of his life. Just needs PSA monitoring now, which is only blood tests every 6 months. So far they are coming back "negligible", which is the best result.

Everyone above is correct - it is the waiting that is the hardest part. So, just remember that even a "positive" biopsy does not mean tragedy. Your grandbaby & dogs are all lovely - a good thing to focus on.

Jackie

Wishing you the Best, Nik! I hope all goes well.

Pray for you Nik! You will be fine, 55 is like 35, you should have no health problems at this age!

Nik, thank you for sharing. There are a lot of men out there who don't even have the PSA levels tested because they feel too young or have no symptoms. It is better to find out early and know. My friends Dr thought he was too young for testing and did not screen him while looking for what was causing his back and stomach pain.

I truly wish the very best for you Nik. It's a wonderful thing to have someone who wishes to share the ups and the down moments of life.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening for prostate cancer.

"Convincing evidence demonstrates that the PSA test often produces false-positive results (approximately 80% of positive PSA test results are false-positive when cutoffs between 2.5 and 4.0 μg/L are used)."

..."There is convincing evidence that PSA-based screening for prostate cancer results in considerable overtreatment and its associated harms."

Just FYI...

Good luck Nik. I wish you courage through all of this. If it is cancer, the surgery has the best cure rate if it has not already spread outside the prostate. The MRI could tell you that. We (USA) had a crooked Bond Trader Michael Milken who was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer 24 years ago and is 70 years old now. If he can do it, why not you, since you're one of the good guys. Take Kalliope and your dog.

Nik, I am so sorry to hear this. I hope you get good news tomorrow. I've been through the waiting for the biopsy results too, and time never went so slowly. I hope Kalliope goes with you, but I understand what you're saying - maybe just the dogs. Trish

I would like to add my best hopes and wishes to the many others before me. I've been touched so often by your generosity and kindness to the members here. Elizabeth Lawrence, the American southern garden writer wrote, "No one can garden alone." And no one should be alone with the worries you've described. It's good to see you have a worldwide network of love and concern, as you should.

Sending good thoughts your way Nik. 3 weeks is a long time to wait. Once you know the results, either way you will be able to start an action plan and that will feel productive and healthy instead of waiting.

I have had biopsies of other areas in the past and and wanted to meet with the doctor alone for the results as well. I understand where you are coming from. It's a very personal thing. I love my hubby to bits, but I needed to process it for just a moment on my own before I shared it. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.

Sending more good thoughts your way.

Heartfelt best wishes to you, Nik. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I hope you get the best case results today. Thinking of you and your lovely family.

Sending positive thoughts and best wishes for you, Nik.

Nik, I will be hoping for the best for you, too.

Hoping you get good news.

And if not, there is good treatment available these days.

Crossing my fingers that the news is good.

You've been on my mind all day, Nik.

Thanks all, I'm touched. Things are not looking at all good. I'm scheduled for CAT and bones scans in the next couple of days. Will update after. I was quite ready for this, not that it helps very much. Now I have to manage my loved ones and schedule things that need to be done and arranged while I can. Sorry for not being able to bring you better news. I shouldn't have got you involved in this.

Nik, I am so sorry. Please share updates as you learn more and whenever you are comfortable doing so. This forum is your community and your health is our care and concern. I continue to hold you and your family in my thoughts. Carol

Nik, please NEVER regret involving those who care about you (that goes for Kalliope, too). I think I can speak for all of us that we are honored that you feel comfortable enough to confide in us. We're scattered around the planet, but that doesn't make us any less your supporters and friends. If you face a hard journey, we'll try to be here for you, whatever good we can do for you.

There will days you neither feel physically or mentally like keeping in touch here, but when you do feel up to it, we'll appreciate knowing how you're doing.

John

Nik, I am so sorry. What a worry for you all. And I hope you will keep us updated, when you feel up to it. Trish

Nik - the book "Prostate Monologues" by Jack McCallum (avail on Amazon) comes VERY highly recommended by my relative who has this issue. May not be relevant for you, but it can't hurt. It was written by a sports writer who got prostate cancer, and is written in plain English (or, I should say, American English), not medical jargon. He is a good writer, unlike many doctors who write on this subject. He did a huge amount of research, and interviews of doctors and patients. Mostly he relates his and other specific men's different stories, situations, and outcomes. All different. Sometimes the book is very funny, other times not. My relative found it very helpful to him. His copy has already been passed on to a friend who also has prostate issues. I was surprised how useful my relative said he found it - thought you might too.

Sending good wishes to your and yours -

Jackie

So sorry Nik, health issues are scary. You seem to be living your life in a beautiful way, and that will come back to help you. I look forward to your posts for many years to come, Lisa

So sorry you have to deal with all this Nik. Give your dogs more hugs than ever. We all feel for you and are pulling for you.

Praying for you. Please know there are many supporting your journey thru this. Nothing is impossible. As a survivor myself, the walk is one only you will travel, but let the love and support of family and friends carry some of this load.Stay strong.

I have found nature and gardening and roses to be some of the best medicine on this earth.

Nik , just wanted to let you know we will be praying for you and you have a rose family all around the world that care so much about you!! Please know how loved you are .

Oh Nik, I still don't think you have it at age 55, you're not old enough for that. I will keep praying you don't have it, and you're going to be fine. After those tests, you'd be riding your sports bike, flying like a bird, catching the wind, soaking up the sun.....you're a biker, a fighter, a brave one. You're going to be just fine!

Nik, I wanted to say I am thinking of you and please share what you feel comfortable sharing, if you even feel like sharing. My friend had us all promise to tell his story so that others get tested. Something everyone who knows a man can encourage

Nik, as others have said we're a family and we're glad that you're willing to trust us with this real concern and struggle that you and your family are facing. You've been part of our rose family for a long time, and we want to know what we can do to help. Sometimes having a group of people to talk to who aren't too close to the situation can help get perspective on issues like this, and that's a role we're very happy to play. We can provide advice and perspective, but most of all we can listen and sympathize.

This isn't off topic at all, because what this forum is ultimately about is what we love and find brings us peace and joy in our lives. Obviously roses are one thing we share in common, but more importantly we also share a value in people as being more important than all that. That's why we're here for you to sound off whenever you can about whatever you wish. If there are things you don't want to share that's OK too. Just know that we're thinking about you and Kalliope and wishing you joy and peace amid the worries and struggles.

Cynthia

Thinking of you and your family. Lots of love and hugs.

Daisy

Very definitely thinking of you - all day. And will continue to.

Cath

I will pray for you , I sure hope your doing well..stay strong

Just now reading this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Keep gardening, it helps.

Your dogs are delightful and that baby is a cutie pie.

Nik sending my prayers to you and your family. I know this is a hard time for you and I know your scared. Your family is there for your to lean on and so are your rose forum family. Stay busy in your garden and get as many sweet baby and dog kisses as you can, it's good for the soul :).

It’s been at least 15 years since my dad’s best friend (who was in his
fifties back then) was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. His prognosis was very bleak at the
time. Fast forward to seven years ago,
when my dad passed away unexpectedly in his sleep, it was that best friend who
arrived first at my parents’ house after receiving the news. Mom says he still calls and stops by
frequently to check on her. There are those who beat the odds every day! Faith, positive thoughts, super foods, surrounding
yourself with things you love and those who love you will all go a long way in
helping you through the challenges ahead.
Please remember we are here to listen when you feel the need to vent. If you were closer, the line of rose friends
waiting to give you hugs would be very long!
We share a bond only fellow gardeners can understand.

You and your family have been in my prayers and will continue to be.

Nik, if you do have cancer, I very much hope you have the more common variety of prostate cancer which is very slow-growing. More men die with prostate cancer than die from it. The aggressive form is rarer, and I do hope that you don't have it, but even if you do, I have faith that you can get through whatever you have to deal with. You have a lot to live for.

Meanwhile, I'm having another CT scan myself soon... my doctors are still trying to fine-tune my diagnosis after 4 months of tests and treatment. I am glad that they are willing and able to question themselves, and aren't stubbornly insisting that they are infallible, but I do hope they figure out what's going on soon.

Much love to you all,

Virginia

Nik, you are in my thoughts and in my prayers.

Molly

Nik, I'm so sorry that the news is not what we all hoped. The tests should give you a lot more information about what you're dealing with. Please let us know the results, and I hope you can feel the affection and good wishes that are coming your way from our hearts.

If you want to talk about it people are here to listen. If you just want a nice distraction, it's spring and we'll have plenty of roses to share.

Nik- my best wishes, thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep thinking about the tomorrows that our plants bring us.

Just read this post - sharing concerns with friends makes the burden a bit lighter. My best friend's husband was diagnosed with this - he is fine now. There are so many medical advances now......Enjoy your grandbaby, dogs, gardens.....Wishing you the very best.

Judith

Wow! This has by far been the most 'popular' thread of the ones I've started! Kind of ironic isn't it?

Thank you all for your support. I've read each and every one of your comments. My doctor's first opinion based on biopsy results is that it is not operable at this stage. In the next few days I will probably know if there's anything that can be done to really help my medical condition and prolong my life while keeping quality of life decent or if there's not much hope due to metastasis. My father died of lung cancer with bone metastasis at the age of 65 and that was a more than nasty experience both for him and for us. I don't intend to let myself be subjected to this or impose this on my loved ones. For some reason I always thought that 65 was my life limit too but it seems I may have miscalculated.

What I would ask from you at the moment is to PLEASE let this thread slip down the houzz thread list, so I can calmly continue browsing these rosy pages when I feel like it.. You are more than welcome to PM me if you feel like contacting me for this matter. Also my email is 'razisn' followed by the 'at'-sign followed by gmail 'dot'-sign com (without the quotes and the spaces) and you're welcome to contact me by email.

Thanks all for your kind and supportive words. I do feel like you're part of my extended family.