Prostate Cancer Community

So, have you had your prostate removed? Or radiated? A PSA of 0.3 is very low, unless you don't have a prostate, and then if you do have a prostate, it is quite concerning. The only source of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is from prostate cells, and if your prostate has been removed or radiated, there should no longer be any mechanism of producing PSA, except for metastasis (spread) of cancer cells.
This rise is more than a doubling of your PSA, so your Urologist, no doubt, wants to track to determine your true PSA doubling time - it is called PSA velocity. It is a measure of how aggressive the cancer cells are, and will help to determine suggested courses of treatment.
TALK to your Urologist, and ask him these questions! Have him explain in layman's terms exactly what he thinks is going on, and what your options are. Don't let him make your decisions for you.
I am not a doctor, but I am a Prostate Cancer SURVIVOR! And I have learned a LOT about this disease in the 13 years I have been cancer free.

Thank you for your reply. Honestly, after reading your reply, I am more educated but also more concerned. I am doing another PSA in a little less than 6 months. Do you think I should schedule a consult before the 6 months comes?

You have not made it clear if you have already had treatment for prostate cancer or not.

What is your age? What was your father's age when he was diagnosed? Ask him if he knows what the Gleason Score was for his prostate?


Age PSA Level (ng/ml) 40-49 2.5 50-59 3.5 60-69 4.5 70-79 6.5
Your reading is extremely low.

Also the PSA reading can be affected by a number of things that "stress" it. That can includes an infection, sex or exercise with 24-48 hours of the test.

Unless you have already surgery to remove the prostate or radiation treatment then this is an extremely low number and should not be a concern.

Thank you BillH99 for your response. My age is 49. My father was diagnosed at age 70. My dad has Alzheimer's and it would be doubtful to know his Gleason score. I still have my prostate. Six years ago, my uro felt a divot and ordered a biopsy and a CT scan. Both were negative.

Every year he had felt the same divot with no change.

Lastly, is there a "prostate cancer" preventative diet? I have read conflicting opinions on the internet. For example, red wine. Some sites say don't do alcohol at all while others say red wine, red grapes, etc.

Not all PC causes a rise in PSA.

I would otherwise say to ignore the rise in PSA at that very low level. But you have a bump on prostate.

So I really don't know what to tell you.

I think, but really not sure, that I not worry about it, but get regular PSA and DRE's.

There was a test announced about a year ago that would detect even one cancer cell in the blood from PC. But it is not commercially available. But a number of universities where working on developing it.

You might want to contact the urology department of a local medical school or cancer center and see if they can offer any guidance.

Your situation does not fall into the common categories.


Lastly, is there a "prostate cancer" preventative diet?

Best I know a general "healthy" diet is the best. That is low saturated fats, but moderate levels of good fats. Limited amount of processed meats (sausages, lunch meats) and in general most commercial "processed foods". And fruits and vegetables and vegetables and fruits. And by the way more fruits and vegetables.

Red wine does have a lot of the healthy phenols that are in fruits and vegetables. So I guess that a moderate amount (1-2 drinks a day) might be helpful.

And studies have shown that controlling weight and getting exercise helps reduce the possibility of getting PC.

You are very learned and I appreciate that, as I am sure a lot on this board do. The bump on the prostate...he has called it a divot. On a side note, your knowledge engages me to ask why my uro does not share this kind of info with me. Is that a lot to ask? I guess I was so shook up that I let it go.

The test that would detect one cancer cell...does it have a name? Also, Dr. Oz (yes, him) says we all have cancel cells in our bodies. Do you buy that?

Lastly, on the diet thing, what does "limited" amount of processed meats means? And what are processed foods? Like a slice of Kraft cheese? Or Kraft Mac and Cheese? I am not bid on fruits and veggies but I am trying as of late.

What about you? Are you a survivor? An MD? How do you know so much and with authority?

I have an engineering background. So by nature I am detailed orientated. So I can read much of the scientific literature and mostly follow general concepts, although I don't know the anatomy and completely worthless when it comes to bio chemistry and the like.

And I am a bit compulsive.

So when I have a condition I research it.

Yes, I had prostrate cancer and had it removed a year ago.

Now I like have had excellent relationships with all of my doctors. I don't know if it was luck. Or if it is the way that I approach them. I am always wanting the details. Or example I get a copy of my lab reports and pathology reports.

And thus come back with knowing questions.

For example my urologist recommended a surgeon in the same practice. He said that he was very young, but started with him as as intern and even at that level was better than many with years of experience.

Now by the time that I saw the surgeon I learned that experience was very important for this procedure. And I even watched a training video of the surgery. And I had gotten the names of several other surgeons in town with many years of experience.

So when I met with the surgeon I already knew the basics of the operation so we skipped much of what he would normally start off with and he was impressed. So then when I started asked about more of the details and his experience level he was open with me and I felt comfortable using him.

And I ended up with excellent results.

Also, Dr. Oz (yes, him) says we all have cancel cells in our bodies. Do you buy that?

Yes.

As I understand it every cell in the body is dividing and forming new cells while old ones die off. And each time a cell divides there is a slight chance that the DNA can be corrupted. The more "stress" on the body the more of these corrupted cells are formed. These stress can come from radiation, toxins, poor diet, etc. But even in a very perfect conditions it will still happen to a small amount.

Most of the time the body detects these defective cells and gets rid of them. But on occasion either too many defective cells and/or not enough defender cells to clean them up and the keep growing out of control. That is when it become cancer.

I am sure that there are lots of more details and I might not be completely accurate in all cases. But this is the general concept.

The test that would detect one cancer cell...does it have a name?

This is the news story about it.
http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/health/medical/cancer/2011-01-03-blood-test-cancer_N.htm

Besides the universities listed I know that some other are also. Kansas University announced that they where going to use it, I believe for PC.

And what are processed foods?

That is a good question. And I am not sure that there is a good answer. Almost all food is processed to a certain amount. Even if it is just peeling a carrot.

What we are really talking about is highly processed food. But again no real definition. One that I have heard is don't eat any food with ingredients that you can not pronounce.

In looking for a recipe this morning I came across this website.

http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/real-food-defined-a-k-a-the-rules/

http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/10-reasons-to-cut-out-processed-food/

They talk about anything with more than 5 ingredients. How I think that is a little too restrictive. And while I think that sugar and white flour are not the healthiest foods small amounts are OK.

I have not looked at the site in details to say how good I think that it is, but their general concept is OK.

what does "limited" amount of processed meats means?

I don't have a good answer, but for me it would be no more than 2-3 servings (3 oz each) of ham, lunchmeats, sausage a week.

More follows

Like a slice of Kraft cheese?

"Named" cheese, such as Cedar, Swiss, Coby, are good. But cheeses in general have lots of saturated fats. So you want to limit the amount and/or use the low/reduced fat version. I like the very strong cheeses and find that I can use very little of them and still get a good flavor boost.

Things like Processed Cheese (Velveta), American cheese, and cheese foods are more likely to be unhealthy.

Or Kraft Mac and Cheese?

I have not looked at the package. But I suspect lots of processed cheese and white flour in the pasta. Probably not the best.

In general it is the package "convenience" food that would be highly processed and less healthy.

Google Healthy Mac & Cheese and found a number of ones that are much better. And couple have veggies added.

http://www.eatingwell.com/healthy_cooking/quick_healthy_cooking/mac_cheese_made_healthy

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/quick-recipes/dinner/healthy-mac-n-cheese/

http://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy-meal-makeover-mac-n-cheese/package/index.html

And from a PC support group I found this recommendation for healthy eating.

http://www.ustoo.org/Early_Detection.asp

Firstly, congrats on being a survivor and being well educated on the subject. Again, very important to those of us at the cusp of this reality.

I reread your response twice. I asked another responder about scheduling a consult prior to the 6 month recheck of the PSA. What do you think? My uro called it a "yellow flag."
If it went up, can it likewise go down? I have made some major changes to my diet since the PSA results. 2 pounds in 2 weeks. I wasn't obese, but I could stand to lose 10 pounds. Even doing a daily fiber cleanse.

Lastly, conflicting info on the internet about red wine and vitamin B. Your thoughts or research?

A high PSA reading just means that there is stress on the prostate. It can be caused by many things. From BPH to inflamation of the prostate, besides PC. But also from external physical stress such sex, bike riding, or other heavy exercising in the day or two before the test.

So, yes it can fluctuate.

Personally I would not get a 2nd opinion, at this time, unless it was with a PC specialist at a med school or cancer center.

Lastly, conflicting info on the internet about red wine and vitamin B. Your thoughts or research?

I have not seen anything specific about either in PC.

But in general all of the research on added vitamins for heart and cancers in general have shown that unless you have a diagnosed deficiency that added vitamins don't have any benefit and sometimes have worse outcomes. That it is best to eat a wide variety of foods to get the vitamins.

And for red wine I have seen that research has show that it can be part of a healthy diet. And I have not seen anything that indicates that it is bad for PC.

I also have heart disease and have a glass alcohol, mostly red wine, with dinner each night.

I forgot to mention. Lycopene is suppose to be very good for you.

That is what makes certain foods red. Tomatoes is high in it. And cooked it has even more.

Also watermelon has a lot.

I have had more tomato-based products in the last 2 weeks than I had the previous 49 years! Again, went to the internet last night to review Vitamin B. I stopped my B-complex vitamin 2 weeks ago because of the warning on supplements with folic acid. I am trying to find out about nuts and other foods high in folate.

JLGetch,
I am recently diagnosed with PC and am beginning the treatment process. I would greatly appreciate an experienced wing man as I try to navigate this sometimes overwhelming environment. Your experience and assistance would welcomed.
romel2020