Worrying on my psa result

[santosjr59]

My Pathology report after operation was Gleason 7 (3+4) . The result of my psa every 6 months were .03, .04, .06. I was worried since it seems it is progressing. Though my uro told be me that it is still insignificant but still it keep me worrying.

[Hidden]

There are 200+ definitions regarding BCR. One among the most popular is "3 consecutive PSA rises". You are now at two.

Do not wait another 6 months for the next one.

With your data after 2-3 months, if BCR has occurred, your PSA will be 0.07-0.08.

Your uro told you what he said possibly for two reasons:

a) Going by another of the 200+ definitions, BCR is signaled at PSA > 0.1. This definition goes back to the days when the PSA test sensitivity was lesser and results were quoted with one decimal figure, so less than 0.1 was equal to undetectable. Some seem to adhere to this definition even knowing today's higher test sensitivity.

b) According to some papers your initial PSA of 0.03 was on the borderline of "persistent PSA", aka surgery failure (I have read for > 0.03 and >=0.03, 0.04 is definitely persistent )

I did a rough calculation of your PSA doubling time (DT) and it comes ~12 months, equally borderline. A number of papers quote DT <10-12 months as a marker for additional treatment.

Disclaimer: I am an engineer by profession

[Tall_Allen]

Was there any adverse pathology (positive margins or extracapsular extension)?The latest clinical trial data showed that waiting until PSA reached 0.1 or had 3 consecutive rises had the same benefit as immediate treatment even if there was adverse pathology. So you can feel safe seeing if you have another rise.

pcnrv.blogspot.com/2019/09/...

[Magnus1964]

If your PSA continues to rise it my be time for radiation. But your PSA is still low so do your homework and don't panic.

[dadzone43]

PSA = Persistant State of Anxiety.

Don't ignore and try not to obsess.

[Jeff85705]

You're good as long as it stays under 0.10. PSAs in the hundredths , like yours, are within the range of error. So many variables. Don't worry until it reaches ABOVE 0.10. 0.20 is considered chemical recurrence. Stay calm and carry on, and keep getting tested every 6 months.

[santosjr59 in reply to Jeff85705]

Thanks Jeff!

[j-o-h-n]

Count to 10, get naked, then jump into a hot tub with a beautiful lady and before you can say santosjr59 you'll have forgotten about your PSA.... (take videos for your collection)...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Tuesday 11/05/2019 7:58 PM EST

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

Thats (somewhat modified) #2 on my all time list of RULES FOR My SONS:

1. Never shake a man’s hand sitting down.

2. Don’t enter a pool by the stairs.

3. The man at the BBQ Grill is the closest thing to a king.

4. In a negotiation, never make the first offer.

5. Request the late check-out.

6. When entrusted with a secret, keep it.

7. Hold your heroes to a higher standard.

8. Return a borrowed car with a full tank of gas.

9. Play with passion or not at all…

10. When shaking hands, grip firmly and look them in the eye.

11. Don’t let a wishbone grow where a backbone should be.

12. If you need music on the beach, you’re missing the point.

13. Carry two handkerchiefs. The one in your back pocket is for you. The one in your breast pocket is for her.

14. You marry the girl, you marry her family.

15. Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface and paddle like crazy underneath.

16. Experience the serenity of traveling alone.

17. Never be afraid to ask out the best looking girl in the room.

18. Never turn down a breath mint.

19. A sport coat is worth 1000 words.

20. Try writing your own eulogy. Never stop revising.

21. Thank a veteran. Then make it up to him.

22. Eat lunch with the new kid.

23. After writing an angry email, read it carefully. Then delete it.

24. Ask your mom to play. She won’t let you win.

25. Manners maketh the man.

26. Give credit. Take the blame.

27. Stand up to Bullies. Protect those bullied.

28. Write down your dreams.

29. Always protect your siblings (and teammates).

30. Be confident and humble at the same time.

31. Call and visit your parents often. They miss you.

32. The healthiest relationships are those where you’re a team; where you respect, protect, and stand up for each other.

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

Great !!! And of course Rule 33... Don't forget the 32 rules.......

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Wednesday 11/06/2019 10:35 AM EST

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

Oh, they forget.... forget like a fox!!!!

Does my heart good however while working on the grand kids and hear them say I know, Dad told me that!!!

If I could just get the wife to listen, then my job is done!!!

Jc

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

Now's the time to trade in your kids for your grandkids....

Say the magic words "14 Karat, Diamonds, shopping, shoes" and watch her light up like a Christmas tree..... (she may even kiss you)....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Wednesday 11/06/2019 12:21 PM EST

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

I keep telling her “you listen with your ears, not your mouth” but it just gets louder!!! Got to try another language! I’ll learn Portuguese!!

Jc

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

Try Smackuguese.....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Wednesday 11/06/2019 12:53 PM EST

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

I don’t know!!! She’s 1/2 Portuguese, 1/2 Polish and 1/2 German!! She’s a big woman!!!!

[j-o-h-n]

Hmmmm a Spitfire...... 1/2 + 1/2 + 1/2 = 1 1/2 = a big big woman!!!

I'll pray for you....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Wednesday 11/06/2019 6:24 PM EST

[santosjr59 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Thank you Johnn!

[jronne]

my post is similar

healthunlocked.com/advanced...

Any advice, opinion or insight would be greatly appreciated

Questions regarding the when(s), how and where(s) of SRT as my uPSA levels have started to rise post-op RP after 2 years.

A big issue is finding the right health insurance plan in case I need treatment in the coming year which is the issue for guys under 65 and medicare. This means I need to know a few options going forward and if the health insurance plan covers them. Hoping for no treatment in the coming year.

A friend of mine just got treated at Stanford with ADT then SRT with a post-op RP uPSA level of 0.05 after 4 years. Blind shotgun prostate bed and lymph node radiation since nothing showed on MRI imaging.

Is blind shotgun radiation preferred over waiting for higher PSA levels, positive imaging locations and targeted radiation?

My uPSA was first detectable at 17 months (with b vitamin supplements being used).