Remission

[Coupe31]

In remission since May 2018. All PSA testing from oncologist has ranged from .04 to .05. Why not have my internist take my PSA yearly? Or is going to my oncologist for testing the better way to go?

[Sandy752]

My oncologist in Ontario, Canada lets me get my PSA done at a local lab. He only wants it done once a year a week before he sees me but I do it twice a year for my own comfort. I will soon be 79 and taking Lupron (every 4 months) for 10 years after radiation failed. Reading this week was .39, same as it was six months ago.

[dhccpa in reply to Sandy752]

Taking anything besides Lupron?

[Sandy752 in reply to dhccpa]

No just Lupron. And unlike today's standard practice I did not go on Lupron until 3 years after radiation when rising PSA showed the radiation had failed.

[dhccpa in reply to Sandy752]

Thanks

[Coupe31 in reply to dhccpa]

I'm not taking any ADT.

[Yzinger in reply to Coupe31]

that is so great.

[Tall_Allen]

Just make sure you use the same lab.

[Sandy752 in reply to Tall_Allen]

I do. At first oncologist said I had to do it at the cancer centre where he was based but after 5 years said I could go to a local lab. Thanks for all your good advice this year.

[Mgtd in reply to Tall_Allen]

Just want to echo Sandy752. I am sure that I speak for many when I tell how thankful we are for your insights and willingness to share your knowledge with the guys who are struggling to work our way through his maze.

Happy New Year!

[Lokicliff]

Congratulations on your continued remission! If I may ask, did you have a prostatectomy? What was your Gleason score? Husband starting radiation and ADT soon for rising PSA . Had RARP June 2023.

[Coupe31 in reply to Lokicliff]

Hello, Prostatectomy in 2010, IMRT with 4 months ADT in 2018. Gleason 3+4, positive margins 3+3. I am blessed!.

[larry_dammit]

I’ve been under care for stage 4 since August of 16. I go in for blood tests and shots every 28 days. This includes a Psa test. Lost my father in law who had his prostate removed and was on a yearly testing. When they found the cancer had increased he had 2 weeks.

[j-o-h-n]

Take it whenever you feel in the mood..... Also when taking it would you please be kind enough to add to your bio. All info* is voluntary but it helps us help you and helps us too. Thank you!!! (*e.g. Age, Location, meds, doctors and etc.)

Please keep your environment clean... gather up all of your Christmas gift wrappings and place them in your neighbors garbage bin.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 12/25/2023 3:08 PM EST

[TaylorMill]

FWIW, regarding questions about where and how to get PSA test done. I usually get the lab order from my oncologist first. A pone call will usually suffice. My hospital/cancer center/affiliated docs changed their practice's lab preference from LabCorp to Quest. I chose to keep Labcorp for history, and, at my request, doc will provide orders to LabCorp for me. Choice of lab is somewhat moot here if no concern about payment or history as I believe any lab will do a walk-in PSA test for you without a doctors order. I rarely do so and do wonder if smaller labs are in a position to honor insurance- I would assume they would.

Regarding the reference to cancer remission, my own MedOnc upon my first visit after RP, and with my classification as a pT3b pN1 IVA, made a statement that if there was evidence of spread outside the prostate that I would never be considered to be either cured or in remission. Since then, it does seem like some studies have started saying in cases like mine (stage IVA) that RP followed by extended ADT coupled with radiation can "cure".

[ron_bucher]

When my PSA was undetectable, I continued seeing my oncologist because I figured I would need him again at some point. I think the continuous care nature of the relationship helped when my PSA started rising again.

[Mascouche in reply to ron_bucher]

I agree. Once you are in the system, you should remain in it and see your oncologist periodically.