Disappointing PSA Results
*** A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY READERS ***
I WISH FOR YOU GOOD HEALTH, PROSPERITY AND A LONG LIFE
As I mentioned in a previous entry, I was due to see my urologist last week. Well, I did and was most disappointed with the result. My PSA has risen from 6.9 to 8.3, since my last test, three months ago.
With all that I have been doing with life-style changes, particularly with regards to diet and in following a fairly strict regimen, taking a whole variety of antioxidants and supplements – some of which are reputed to kill prostate cancer cells – I had gone to the appointment feeling confident of being able to astound my urologist with a considerable lowering of my PSA level, certainly not get a higher level.
To add to my disappointment, the urologist, when reviewing available options suggested an operation to remove the prostate contradicting his previous statement that he wouldn’t operate because, with a Gleason score of 9, there is high probability that the cancer has already spread to other organs in close proximity and even, farther afield. I reminded him of his earlier statement but he didn’t appear perturbed, simply adding it was just one of the options.
I then showed him a date chart of my Frank Haematuria (hemorrhaging with urination) episodes to-date. Although I have had two internal examinations (Cystoscopy/retrograde Pyelogram) to find the cause, no cause has ever been given. My own contention, that the bleeding probably emanated from my prostate (working on the basis of the prostate being compressed or otherwise agitated when sitting at the computer, or driving, for long periods) had been discounted by him. He simply had had no answer previously. Now he suggested that the last internal examination (Cystoscopy) would likely have initiated the bleeding. That statement totally ignored the fact that I had bled many times before either of the Cystoscopy’ probes, and, that since the last, I have hemorrhaged more than 14 times, the last as recently as the 8th December. I considered it futile to pursue the matter with him.
My wife and I left the consultation having made a decision to put off a decision as to our next move until mid January and, with any confidence we might otherwise have had in the urologist totally shattered. What this meeting did, in fact, was convince us even more that going down the conventional medicine path would undoubtedly increase the risk to my health and without any assurance that it could ameliorate it. To add further to this belief, recent media reports highlight the fact that 20% of all surgery carried out in Australian hospitals actually initiates additional problems for the patient, requiring further hospitalization or other treatment.
Meanwhile, my blood pressure continues to give cause for concern. My September average was 143/88, October 138/88 and November 137/85. For four weeks during the October early November period I had not taken the prescribed Karvea blood pressure tablets simply to see if, with all the supplements I was consuming, I could come off it permanently. The result indicated a marginal benefit with the tablets.
At the start of December I came off the tablets again with the intention of staying off them but it looks as if that was an unwise decision.
My December average, up to and including the 23rd is 150/89, with a lower, exceptional, reading of 115/68 and highest of 177/102 (23 Dec). It does seem that the readings are definitely on the upward trend so I have had no choice other than to go back on to the Karvea tablets. I will start with 150mg and then move up to 300mg in about 2 weeks time. I will discuss this with my family doctor sometime this week.
Interestingly, in my most recent research I discover that Soy products are definitely not recommended, in fact, are regarded as downright bad for you so I have removed all types from my diet. http://www.mercola.com/article/soy/index.htm
and at: http://www.doctorsaredangerous.com/
Furthermore, I note that ‘Maca Powder’ the superfood from Peru, is taboo for men with prostate problems, including cancer.
I’m not altogether sure why that is the case but will look into it further. So I have stopped taking Maca, with considerable regret as I have found it to be a very excellent product.
I am now wondering (well, you do don’t you?) if either of these products have had a deleterious effect on either my blood pressure or my prostate, or perhaps both? More on that as it comes to hand.
In my next blog I will have a look at my present regimen and review some changes I have in mind.
Post Note: This one paragraph on Soy products, comes from an earlier article published by the ‘Cancer Cure Foundation Site’ and noted in my own blog No 13 dated 19 August 2006. The full article can be read at: http://www.cancure.org/home.htm
“Soy products like tofu contain several types of phytoestrogens — weak, nonsteroidal estrogens that could help prevent both breast and prostate cancer by blocking and suppressing cancerous changes. There are a number of isoflavones in soy products, but research has shown that genistein is the most potent inhibitor of the growth and spread of cancerous cells. It appears to lower breast-cancer risk by inhibiting the growth of epithelial cells and new blood vessels that tumors require to flourish and is being scrutinized as a potential anti-cancer drug. However, there are some precautions to consider when adding soy to your diet. Eating up to 4 or 5 ounces of tofu or other soy a day is probably ok, but research is being done to see if loading up on soy could cause hormone imbalances that stimulate cancer growth. As a precaution, women who have breast cancer or are at high risk should talk to their doctors before taking pure isoflavone powder and pills, extracted from soy”.
Further, I have read that Tofu, because toxins in the nut are removed during fermentation, is safe to use.
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