My MSK Precise / SBRT Journey -- Four Months Post Treatment

[Hope4Happiness]

Because of COVID, I had my first formal follow-up appointment at MSKCC in NYC four months (instead of three) after my final SBRT treatment in November 2021.

My current PSA reading is 4.8 -- My PSA reading right before treatment was 8.7. The doctor was looking for about a 50% drop in PSA at this point, and I'm in range.

I am currently experiencing no urinary, bowel, or sexual side effects. My ejaculate, of course, continues to lessen.

Overall, a lot has stabilized since my post at one-month post-treatment: healthunlocked.com/prostate...

My plan is to just keep monitoring PSA -- another reading in June, and if all looks well then, six-month readings after that. If all continues well, I will probably have a biopsy sometime in early 2024 just to confirm that everything is stable down there.

Overall, I am currently quite happy with my treatment decision -- So far, I think I've been spared quite a few side effects.

[Tall_Allen]

Who recommends the biopsy? I've never heard of such a thing unless PSA> nadir+2 and even then, an mp MRI would be first.

[Hope4Happiness in reply to Tall_Allen]

Hi there Tall_Allen -- thanks for checking in.

I met with one of Dr. Zelefsky's interns, and she stated that would be the course just to get a closer read on the situation at that time. It might have had something to do with my age because I'm still under 60 years old.

I'll be meeting with Dr. Zelefsky in June -- I'll surely get more details then.

[Tall_Allen in reply to Hope4Happiness]

It is an intrusive procedure, and is never done routinely, but they may require it if they are doing a clinical trial of their new linac. (I was 57 when I had SBRT)

[bogiemooki]

Great to hear! You've got me literally looking forward to my MSK Precise, which starts April 13th with the fiducial & SpaceOAR.

[WilsonPickett]

Congratulations. You sound like a fortunate and excellent specimen. My symptoms have continued into the third month post trratment. Might have something to do with the fact that I’ve had prostatitis most of my life, and no one said that radiation would do anything about that. But I think it’s made it worse. Still beats Cancer.Zelefsky said the same thing to me about the biopsy after two years, which I found surprising.

[NYC_talker]

Congrats! Sounds like all is going great! And glad you're not experiencing side effects.

[Aodh]

Glad to hear that you’re doing so well.Best wishes.

Hugh

[MackworthGuy]

Optimistic news and good to hear since I’m staring down the barrel of similar treatment. Thanks for sharing your continued experience.

[kayak212]

Congratulations. Im 9 months post SBRT and have had no noticeable side effects since my treatment ended other than initial fatigue due to chronic disease anemia. My PSA went down from 19.3 to 5.1 to 4.2 in successive quarters and my next PSA check is in late April. I am 82 and feel very happy with my SBRT without ADT treatment choice. Good luck. BTW I have found that rigorous exercise, even though not easy, has really helped me overcome the early fatigue so i cant suggest that strongly enough.