New user! PSA rising after T restoration

[BroncoRick]

Full treatment story in bio but in short, after BRACHY, external bean radiation and 2 years of successful T suppression (PSA=0 for 2 years) now 10 months into T restoration my PSA is above 2.0. I have a PET scan scheduled in two weeks but was disappointed that my BEST CASE is shutting T back off the rest of my life (if scan finds anything elsewhere, if count is low, spot treatments).

Feels like a "cure" for my cancer is no longer an option but rather I can only "manage" it now? Can't I jump to chemo now rather than just T suppression? Most other treatments start AFTER T suppression begins to fail (PSA rising even with T shutoff) and I feel I'm healthier to take chemo now rather than 5 years from now when T suppression begins to fail.

Are there other treatment options other than just waiting for hormone therapy (T suppression) to fail?

[Tall_Allen]

I think you're getting ahead of yourself. A biochemical recurrence is not the same as a clinical recurrence. You have to investigate reasons for the PSA rise. I recommend you get a Posluma PET scan -- there are fewer false positives in and around the prostate caused by urinary excretion of the radioindicator. If negative, keep tracking PSA every 3 months to see if it keeps rising or if it falls (probably then attributable to some prostate inflammation).

[TylexGP]

Hi Bronco,

I agree with TA. Also have you had any genetic testing? Just helps you to see if there are additional treatment options if you do develop a clinical recurrence. We are very similar in DX and treatment. My PSA has come up some currently 0.12

[BroncoRick]

Thx Tall & Tylex, the PET scan is scheduled for Feb 26. Perhaps that why the doc is waiting to shutoff T until after scan result. I did have genetic testing 3 years ago when first diagnosed. Only big takeaway is they were looking for one marker (BCNA?) linked to prostate cancer and I did NOT have that one marker.

[j-o-h-n]

Greetings BroncoRick.... Would you please be kind enough and tell us the name of your ONCO and your location and the name of your treatment center? All info is voluntary but it helps you and helps us too. Thank you and keep posting!!!

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[BroncoRick in reply to j-o-h-n]

Hey John, I'm new to the forum and aren't comfortable sharing names yet. I will share I'm using an HMO so the ONCO name is probably irrelevant as in the HMO they tend to run the same playbook. I did get a 2nd opinion at a dedicated cancer center in Denver on the initial treatment plan and are debating whether to take the new treatment plan elsewhere for review but first step is to wait for the PET scan results.

[j-o-h-n]

Thank you for your reply.....and we understand when to be shy. Just keep posting cause you've come to the right place for information and comradery. Regards from all of us.

p.s. Getting second (or more) opinions is always a plus.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n