Welp, my invincibility finally ran out

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PlantMystic@reddit

Im so sorry. My hubby went through this, had his removed and so far so good. Still cancer free. I hope things work out for you. And yes, get that blood test!!!

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eugenesnewdream@reddit

May I ask, what is the test and is it something standard performed at men’s physicals at a certain age? My husband just turned 56.

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The PSA blood test looks for elevated levels of prostate specific antigens. This can be a sign of cancer or non- cancerous conditions. If levels are elevated than usually an MRI and biopsy are conducted. The biopsy, if cancer is confirmed, will be graded.

Often it’s a slow growing cancer, but sometimes can be, like mine, aggressive. Being diagnosed in one’s 50s would be considered early onset. Good news, treatment advancements have been very effective. Bad news, treatment sucks ass.

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PlantMystic@reddit

Yes. This. We have a friend who had the cancer and it spread. He is younger than us I think. He is going to get radiation which is terrible. My hubby wanted his removed to get it outta there. It is hard, but cancer sucks.

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ku_78@reddit

Yes, cancer sucks and prostate cancer is a real mindf**k for men.

I was on the surgery path but then a PSMA PET scan revealed metastasis to nearby lymph nodes. So I went the radiation and hormone treatment route. Nothing like being a middle aged man going through menopause. I now tell my female coworkers, “You have no idea how hard it is to be a woman.”

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PlantMystic@reddit

Hi. It is called a PSA test. In my opinion, it is a good idea to get a baseline score to go off of. Even if he does not have symptoms it is still a good idea. My hubby had problems at a relatively young age and ppl gave him the brush off b.c he was younger. Once he had the test, they listened to him, had it removed eventually because the biopsy is horrid.

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ResultBrilliant4975@reddit

PSA blood test

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Signal_Contract_3592@reddit

Why would someone say you deserve this?

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rrrrrrez@reddit

Yeah, that’s pretty fucked up.

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MistrBiggie@reddit

Because Aholes exist, no other reason

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Intrepid-Entrance460@reddit

I (57) get annual blood work done due to hyperlipidemia and being on a statin. My PCP added PSA to the list of tests, bless her! My PSA spiked over the summer and went through normal testing to see what's up. Just a bit enlarged and the #'s came back down to sanity. However, this experience got my younger brother (53) to get checked out. His numbers shot from \~2 to over 22 in less than a year. A few tests later, and earlier this week he had a biopsy done and now waiting on results.

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marticcrn@reddit

Breast cancer here. Not really any cancer in my family without clear causation.

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honeybadgerdad@reddit

Glad you found it early. Good luck.

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ku_78@reddit

r/prostatecancer has been a wonderful support experience for me. Hang in there. We’re here for you.

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hikeonpast@reddit

Sorry about your diagnosis. It’s great that it was caught early.

Come join us over at r/ProstateCancer. It’s a supportive and well-informed group of folks and a good place to start as questions, concerns, and frustrations come up.

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Live-Note-3799@reddit

Was coming here to say this.

We’re a strong am accepting community over there. I was diagnosed at 46, Gleason 7 aggressive prostate cancer. Has the whole thing removed, 40 weeks of radiation and two years of ADT. So far so good been almost 4 years since my surgery and I’m still getting clear bloodwork.

This is scary shit, but caught early is treatable.

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ImmySnommis@reddit (OP)

Thank you, definitely will. Sometimes I forget there is a subreddit for, like, everything!

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hikeonpast@reddit

There absolutely is a sub for everything, and the smaller ones tend to be a lot less toxic than the big ones.

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ofthrees@reddit

my father in law was dx'd with prostate cancer incidentally during a routine bloodtest at 74. stage 0. they offered watch and wait or surgery - he chose the latter. he still runs rings around me.

i was dx'd with sinus cancer 18 months ago. here i am. my friend was dx'd with colon cancer a year ago while i was going through rads - her tumor was so large that at first they thought it was stomach cancer; after surgery, she's back at work! while going through chemo every few weeks.

i've experienced worse stories - i'm widow due to one of them - but my experience otherwise is that we're resiliant as fuck. you got this. i'm so sorry you've joined the club, but you've got this!

sending all my best your way.

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mmeamber@reddit

My smooth sailing days just ended in my 49th year - aggressive type of breast cancer. Reach out if you want to chat! At least it was caught early.

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warrenao@reddit

Jeez, what a pain in the ass. Hang in there, and a good reminder.

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Smoking_In_The_90s@reddit

I see what you did there.

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Trick-Astronaut-65@reddit

I'm 61. Diagnosed with prostate cancer at 58. 9mm lesion. Urologist says they won't do anything about it as long as it doesn't grow or change. My PSA tests are normal. I get an MRI a couple times a year to check on that bastard but no changes so far.

Beware of the biopsy. That is a stone cold bitch. Insist on sedation.

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Scotch0ntheRocks@reddit

I’m just turning 58 and had a biopsy last year, and go for an MRI tomorrow in fact because my PSA is still high (13). But that biopsy was pretty brutal. Funny part was the doctor came in with several way too young female med students that looked more horrified at the idea of helping than I was with the group project concept lol. But getting punched in the prostate 16 times was insane without management.

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bizzylearning@reddit

No one deserves this, but many of us wind up with it. You caught it early -- that's HUGE. Still scary, I know, but also, hopefully encouraging. Thinking of you.

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Turbulent-Ad5121@reddit

You caught it early. You got this. Sending you good vibes. It’s scary as fuck. Take some time. Listen to your docs. Don’t panic.

I know it’s not the same but… diagnosed with testicular cancer at 23 here. One testicle removed. Diagnosed again 7 years later. (Incredibly rare.) Other testicle removed.

I upgraded and got a larger pair. (I can laugh about it now.)

Cancer free for 21 years now.

If you wanna chat, shoot me a message. I know it’s not the same, but I imagine the panic and fear is pretty close. You’ve got lots of folks in your corner and medicine today is not the medicine we had 30 years ago- in the best way.

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bizzylearning@reddit

Congrats on having an all-clear that's old enough to drink on its own!

When I was diagnosed with cancer, they had me do a mammogram to see if there was breast involvement. I joked with the radiologist that if it was malignant, I was considering hydraulics and ground effects on the rebuild, maybe an airbrush art style tattoo across the hood.

She did not laugh. I, however, had nothing to lose by laughing. We do what we can, right?

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mightymighty123@reddit

How does it work? You go to your annual tell your doctor to check it or make appointment with urologist?

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hikeonpast@reddit

The way my PC was discovered was an annual PSA blood test by my primary care doc. He started adding PSA to my annual labs in my late 40s.

I had a jump in year-over-year PSA readings that didn’t go away with re-testing. Next came a referral to a urologist, biopsy, and then cancer diagnosis at 52.

I had zero symptoms, and the annual “magic finger” test did not indicate anything was wrong.

Because it was caught early, I had more treatment options to pick from. That was overwhelming at first, but allowed me to pick a treatment with lower risk of side effects.

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Foulmouthedleon@reddit

Glad you caught it early. I’m sure you’ll be OK. Out of curiosity, what is “the” test for prostate cancer? I’ve had a few screenings (finger up the arse) is there something more or is that about it? That’s to say, how did you find out about it?

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Phobos1982@reddit

There’s a blood test, PSA screening. Should get it every year once ya hit 50, if not earlier.

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Foulmouthedleon@reddit

Ah, OK. I had my PCP do this test on me literally (oddly) one year ago today. Got a 1.7, so that didn’t seem to raise any eyebrows.

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Phobos1982@reddit

If you do pop hot, get a follow-up test or two. One year I had an 8 but my DR recommended extra tests and both turned out cool.

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Daddys_a_Geek@reddit

Finger and PSA levels in blood test, then MRI, then biopsy.

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Boone1997@reddit

I’ve recently done all four of these. One of the “markers“ was higher than my urologist wanted. Luckily all is OK. But definitely scary. Getting all the blood work done a minimum of twice a year moving forward.

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TranslatorMoney419@reddit

You will be even more invincible when you get on the other side of this speed bump. As you mentioned, detected early, follow through with treatment plan. If you’re not comfortable with doctors or hospitals-change them ( if possible). Not minimizing your diagnosis, it’s a sucker punch. Probably a roller coaster ride of anxiety and emotions. You’ll pull through stronger. As one of my oncologists said to me, most cancers will be nothing more than an inconvenience in 10 years if research stays on track. I got my wake up call ( metastatic melanoma) about 2 years ago. Has been a blessing in disguise. Life changing for sure. I wish you the best with everything, and nothing but good vibes.

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LangdonAlg3r@reddit

My dad is into year 10 of his 2-3 year survival prognosis with stage 4 prostate cancer. His time is definitely running out now, but there are worse cancers to get I guess.

Cold comfort OP, but just wanted to say something.

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seanh999@reddit

I will be 5 years out from getting mine removed in June. I opted to have mine removed being 55 and hoping I would have another 30 or so years. I had a great surgeon and a “perfect” out come with neither of the two major complications. There are a lot of us out here stay strong get tested and now join the Movember team and grow your mo

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Chironrocket3@reddit

Just got nailed with this myself last fall. Strength.

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wellscar@reddit

My PSA was elevated end of 2025. Did various tests and now scheduled for a biopsy week after next. Suspect I’ll be joining you in losing my invincibility. Best of luck to you. Fingers crossed for us all.

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simulated_copy@reddit

What was your psa?

Was it a slow rise?

Or once you got t3sted it was high?

Or big change year over year?

Best of luck!

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ImmySnommis@reddit (OP)

I had a spike to 7 in '23 but it went back down to normal.

This time two separate tests were 6.7

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simulated_copy@reddit

Gotcha!

I had prostatitis couldnt pee burning like 20 stop and starts to finish

Was 5.2 from a baseline of 1.5 for years.

After antibiotics back to 1.6 but still pretty terrified.

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grateful_john@reddit

I know a number of prostate cancer survivors. Caught early it can be dealt with. All men will get it if they live long enough.

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bobbylx@reddit

You got this! Stay strong brother!

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MissShandy@reddit

oof, I feel this, had my invincibility run out last year, diagnosed on this very day in fact. One brutal year later and I’m doing better every day. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you. also, people who tell you this is the day you deserve can make like the cancer and gtfo. I’m full of beans today, send them my way to get set straight. Take care.

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NHmountain-man@reddit

Hang in there man, you got this.

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LonelyMachines@reddit

hopefully I'll stay on the right side of the dirt but the smooth sailing days ended in my 56th year.

As others have mentioned, it's slow moving and the treatments get better every year. Don't worry yet.

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Dgskydive@reddit

The good thing about prostate cancer is, you'll probably die of old.age before it gets ya. My step-dad had it. His Dr was British. He said thay in the UK they wouldn't even have treated it.

He didn't up doing radiation treatment though

Funny story. He worked at a nuclear plant. One day after a treatment he went into a sensitive area and when he tried to leave. A detector picked up on the radiation from his treatment and locked down the entire facility. Lol. They thought they had a leak!

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aspiring_npc@reddit

I have mine checked regularly as prostate issues run in the family. Glad you caught it early. Godspeed!

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BasicallyLostAgain@reddit

Lost mine at 51, nothing to be done, was expecting it. Sucks.

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BadkyDrawnBear@reddit

Check out PCPEP. My husband is a prostate cancer survivor and was an early participant of the program. This program in the dogs bollocks, the people who run it really know what they are doing.

https://pcpep.org/

You've got this brother, and we're here for you.

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Lost_Taste_8181@reddit

Good luck, brother!

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MiserableCancel8749@reddit

As one PC survivor to another, here are some things to do: 1. Don't rush into treatment. Seriously. PC is a slow mover, you have time to make a seriously researched decision. 2. Get evaluated by both surgical teams and radiation oncologist teams. Research the options. 3. Don't let the surgeons badmouth the radiation teams, and don't let the radiation teams badmouth the surgeons. 4. Get multiple opinions. It's surprising how many men go from diagnosis to surgery in a matter of weeks, without ever even asking about the options. Every treatment has both benefits and negatives. If you're Gleason score is 8 or above, then get yourself to a top end cancer center. Now. Don't mess around. Even high end prostate cancer is manageable for years today, in ways that it was not even a few years ago. If your Gleason score is down at 6, take a serious look at Active Surveillance. It may be possible for you to delay treatment for years--or forever--but vigilance is mandatory.

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Love4Lungs@reddit

I'm sorry about your diagnosis. I still remember the day I was told I had lung cancer. That was ten years ago, and I'm still fighting on the right side of the dirt!

I'm sure you have a lot running through your mind right now. Will you or a loved one handle research? That can be really helpful when gathering questions for your oncologist or other treatment provider. Conversely, don't become too engrossed with Dr. Google, as you risk encountering information that is outdated or could be likened to doomscrolling. Another thing that's been really beneficial to me-- second opinions. A doctor worth their weight won't have any problem collaborating with another physician so you can have the best care possible and the most options presented to you. I don't know anything about prostate cancer, but to provide an example for myself, I obtained second opinions when my treatment was at a crossroads and I felt the second opinion provider had more information to access than my local oncologist.

I'm wishing you the best of luck in your treatment. It's tough but it's worth it and there's a lot of palliative care available to offset the side effects you might experience.

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ImmySnommis@reddit (OP)

I'm very fortunate - my daughter is in urology and has been absolutely pummeling me with information lol

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Nervous-Rooster7760@reddit

Damn. Best of luck with treatment and glad you caught it early. Mind sharing how you found out? Was it via PSA levels

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ImmySnommis@reddit (OP)

PSA.

It was weird too. Had a spike to 7 back in '23 but went back to normal right away. Last test was 6.7 sustained. The MRI was next for confirmation.

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Nervous-Rooster7760@reddit

Appreciate you sharing.

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KeeblerD@reddit

Get your bloodwork done annually. Specifically ask them to do the PSA test along with the normal stuff. Don’t just look at the number but also the trend over the years. If it’s steadily going up, talk to your doctor about more tests. If my dad waited until his PSA was at the “actionable” number he’d be dead. Instead they caught his prostate cancer early and he’s doing fine.

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thor_strong1@reddit

I think it’s called PSA velocity.

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SmokedLimburger@reddit

Fortunately for me, my kidney stones ensure blood work twice a year and annual prostrate exams. So, if I ever get it, I’ll hopefully catch it earlier, too. I hope for your speedy treatment and recovery!

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MamaMayhem74@reddit

I've been through two cancers (colon, breast). No one deserves cancer. I don't care if you're the worst sonofabitch on the planet, I still woudn't wish it on you.

Show up to your appointments, do what you can, and most importantly - remember to live. I wish you the best outcome.

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Armthechihuahuas@reddit

I'm sorry you had to experience that but glad you're still here. 🧡

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Suspicious_Time7239@reddit

You'll be right as rain in no time. Unfortunately it's so common but the treatments work! Be gentle with yourself.. and fuck anyone that makes you feel you somehow deserve it. That's bullshit.

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ImOvrIt1969@reddit

I get my psa checked every 3 months. Don’t want to go down that road. God speed to you.

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Awe3@reddit

Thank you. You caught it, good. Now do the good fight and listen to your doctors. Yes, we need to make it Okay to go to the doctor. Our fathers and grandfathers made it seem you could “man up” and survive anything. They were strong stubborn and, frankly, stupid men. We love them regardless. Bless them. But we know more now. We can do more with that knowledge. You can’t fight disease with headstrong stubbornness

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SaltyBlackBroad@reddit

My husband was diagnosed at 55. Stage 3. He's still alive and you can beat this. His oncology team did 30 days radiation and he carried his chemo in a little ball that he carried in his pocket. YOU GOT THIS.

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Sloth_grl@reddit

It generally has a very good survival rate. 100% in 5 years and 92% in 10

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Objective_Ad729@reddit

I work with a man who had stage four and he’s still here after 15 years. He’s does all the scans, treatments and medical stuff, but also does tons of herbal, eating clean, ect…. he swears the vitamin transfusions have been keeping him alive. Sorry for your news, but there is hope!

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tk42967@reddit

Safe travels my dude. I hope everything turns out well for you.

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Fritzo2162@reddit

It's scary, but you have to remember it's the most common and treatable cancer in men. You got this. It'll be under control before you know it.

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CampClear@reddit

Fuck cancer! That being said, my father in law and my brother in law both have prostate cancer and thankfully, like in your case, it was caught early and is not aggressive. Prostate cancer is highly treatable when it's detected early. Good luck!

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RC_CobraChicken@reddit

Just spent my last 2 and a half years dealing with it. Best advice, don't wait, pursue treatment, look at all options. In my case radiation (SBRT specifically) was the answer. My first 3 month follow up showed my PSAs down to 3 from my previous high of 8.8. Next follow up is in a couple weeks.

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PurpleTangerine78@reddit

My “hard stop” also came at age 55. Age 55 will forever be my “before and after” point. I’m ok now, and hope you will be too.

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D05wtt@reddit

Yes get tested regularly. My father (now 93yo) had it about 7 years ago. Went thru all the treatments and have been seeing the urologist twice a year every year since. It was caught early. High survival rate if caught early and treated. Then a few years later, he had his first colonoscopy and they found some tumors. He had surgery and had 8 inches of his colon cut out. So, that’s the other thing us men should do…get our colonoscopies.

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mandoaz1971@reddit

Bullshit, it will only make you stronger my friend👍❤️ Wishing the best

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Full-Honeydew-4898@reddit

Good news it has been caught early and best wishes for you and the family. Yes everyone in your 50s please get checked. I had a stroke last year at age 56, lucky for me it was A small one, but have to take a blood thinner for life. Plus a lot going on with family and friends .

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jwlkr732@reddit

No one deserves cancer! Good luck with your treatments.

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bobadrew@reddit

Good luck!

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DefiantPenguin@reddit

First off: Fuck cancer. I wish you a speedy recovery. Im sorry you’re going through this. Second off: “Smile if you love men’s prostates.”

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Riddybop@reddit

I know a lot of people like to say you're lucky that you caught it early or that it's small so not so bad but those diminish the fact that you were diagnosed with cancer. I'm sorry you're going through it and wish you the best.

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chaseinger@reddit

day I deserve

wut?! nobody deserves cancer. good luck out there my guy.

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Comprehensive_Sir49@reddit

Luckily when caught early, it's very treatable. Good luck to ya. You got this

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ulfaen@reddit

Hang tough bro. You got this!

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Flaky-Debate-833@reddit

You got this

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MrBlahg@reddit

Good luck. Lost my prostate to cancer last year, could be way worse.

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Fatherbiff@reddit

Fuck Cancer.

Be positive my man. 3cm? Meh.. that’s nothing. Keep invincible and tell Cancer to go fuck off every day.

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NoMayoForReal@reddit

My dad had prostate cancer, caught early (25 years ago so roughly your age) had surgery, radiation a few years later. He just celebrated his 81st. Good luck.

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glennis_pnkrck@reddit

My grampa got it at 72, got 6mos of treatment and regular checkups, it came back when he was 93 and still wasn’t what killed him.

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Unusual-Economist288@reddit

I’m a few years into my battle with this shit - diagnosed at 54. Came back after surgery so had radiation. It’s still “detectable” so we’ll see. What I can tell you though is it really hasn’t impacted my life much, even during treatment. So far. Good luck with yours and here’s hoping you have a great and lasting recovery.

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mden1974@reddit

My dad was diagnosed 25 years ago. They didn’t do surgery until about 15 years ago. Far from a death sentence brother. Far far from it

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-Granby-@reddit

Good luck man.

I'm so scared of this. 48 years old and no insurance. Lots of people in my family died of cancer too. I rotate between being paranoid and scared and depressed and thinking about the what ifs of it all to not really thinking about it and being calm.

I wish you well my friend.

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ImmySnommis@reddit (OP)

Exactly my response. Summed up my feelings succinctly