Delayed effect of radiation

[Jvaughan0]

Has anyone experienced a delayed effect between received SBRT and a lowering of PSA? My MO says it is a real thing, but he didn't go into detail.

[Tall_Allen]

Yes, the cells don't actually die until they try to divide, which can be delayed. They are like zombies.

[Jvaughan0 in reply to Tall_Allen]

How long does it take for these walking dead to try to reproduce? My PSA has dropped from .2 to .1 in six months, but the love affair is still going on, even with a lupron nightcap.

[Tall_Allen in reply to Jvaughan0]

It took me 3-4 yrs after prostate radiation. The stupid cancer cells wake up when they are good and ready.

[lokibear0803 in reply to Tall_Allen]

I assume at that point, you had the beloved radiation bounce. Could you describe what that was like — e.g. ==>

— was the rise in PSA sudden and sharp or more gradual?

— did you reach a plateau that lasted for a bit of time?

— how long did it take for the PSA to finally start going back down?

— how long did the bounce dynamic last altogether?

Any details along this line are appreciated. I do understand it will be different for all of us, so I also welcome any insight you have into what general pattern can be expected.

As always — many thanks in advance, TA.

[Tall_Allen in reply to lokibear0803]

There is no general pattern. Remember I had primary therapy using radiation, so my bounces are much bigger. I had a few bounces, sometimes lasting for 2 quarters, sometimes for 1.

[beachguy43 in reply to Jvaughan0]

I did not reach nadir for four years and then had an immediately turn around the other direction. PSA has been up and down for 15 years. Mostly up but always moving.

[CalBear]

I had a short spike during radiation followed by a large drop about 4 months after. I recall my RO mentioning a small bump up during the treatment is normal.

[Jvaughan0]

My RO is forgetful. He needs someone to take notes. My MO is a just-wait-and-seer. He is an excellent note taker as long as he is listening to himself. My PO (prisoner of) is a teaser. Cancer keeps coming back no matter how many times I say it is not welcome. Before someone advises me to change doctors or assumes I need resolve, I will say probably not. Some days I'm simply amazed by life's abbreviations. Thanks for sharing.

[Don_1213]

I think it's important to mention this was salvage SBRT, and you've had other radiation treatment in the past, following an RP in 2014.. yours is not a simple case.

Folks - worth reading his bio before answering. I have no answer to his question except "yes - it can take some time.."

[Jvaughan0 in reply to Don_1213]

Time is both friend and foe.

[j-o-h-n]

youtube.com/watch?v=8tI1_Kl...(Not working as expected?)

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Wednesday 07/13/2022 6:34 PM EST