Any advice for a specialist in NYC to monitor my post-RP PSA?

[Ribotom]

I'm moving cross-country to a new job in New York City soon, so I am going to need someone to monitor my PSA. I had a RP a bit more than 3 years ago. My PSA was always <0.06 for the first two years, and over the last year or so the numbers have wavered between <0.06 and 0.03. So, still "undetectable" (ie <0.05), but I've been advised to get the PSA checked every 3 months.

So, can anyone chime in to recommend a specialist to help me monitor my PSA? I assume a urologist is in order, unless my PSA does increase. Or maybe even just a GP?

Also, my preference would be to continue to get uPSA numbers ("0.0x" or "<0.0x") rather than the less informative "<0.1" that many practices are now doing. In my case, there's no danger of additional PSA anxiety from the more sensitive (though noisy) test.

[addicted2cycling]

You can monitor PSA yourself through --

questhealth.com

[Tall_Allen]

I have it done by my PCP every year.

[allie2020 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Me too, my PCP puts in the order for my uPSA test every six months. I see the results quickly in the patient portal and results are sent to my Urologist.

[Cooolone]

In NY, you cannot self test absent a doctor script for the test. So it is interesting that this Questhealth supposedly has a doctor provide the script on site? Anyways...

As for the Question, I would align with the best... Seeing as you've already been diagnosed and treated for PCa. And that in my opinion is getting to MSKCC and consulting with an oncologist there.

Stable PSA now, sure, but who knows what the future holds right? In any event, consulting doesn't necessarily mean you have to stay with or keep that particular oncologist, bit the good thing is MSKCC has a host of them, all specializing in different fields.

As for their testing, they test to the second digit, ie, 0.00ng, ultrasensitive testing goes to the third digit which they do not do as it has no diagnostic benefit. Also, they only show <0.05ng as the lowest threshold in their tests (undetectable).

PSA anxiety is real, but honestly should not have such profound effect upon our consciousness that it becomes a weight. It is, what it is... And if things change then we address it at that time. Doesn't help or do anything to worry about what might never be. Remember that 2/3 of PCa patients treat once and are done (not saying cured, lol). And without knowing your pretreatment diagnosis it's just a guess, but your history is vary favorable as you've shared it (PSA).

Good luck in your search!

Best Regards

[Lightjunkie]

Good luck with the move! I’ve had great care at MSKCC so far.

[Don_1213]

You may also want to consider Columbia Physcians - teaching MD's at Weill-Cornell and Columba- NY Presbyterian medical schools. They run a combined practice up around 161st Street in the cancer center. I've had excellent treatment from everyone I've seen there unlike the treatment I got in NJ.

nyp.org/ - these physicians are often the ones teaching the physicians at places like MSKCC - in my opinion you won't do better anywhere.

[Travelinman]

I have combined two teams over the years -- one at MSKCC and on at Mount Sinai. I highly recommend Dr. Bobby Liaw, my oncologist at Beth Israel - Mount Sinai. I've been seeing him for eight years. He was highly recommended by my surgeon / oncologist at Mount Sinai prior to my prostatectomy. And, I stayed with Dr. Liaw even when I followed up years later with salvage radiation at MSKCC. I see him in two weeks for my own PSA follow-up. He's on West 15th Street, though you could also set up virtual meetings with him.

[j-o-h-n]

Dr James Eastham MSK oncologist. If they can't take you I'm sure they will refer you to a good urologist at msk......

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Thursday 08/24/2023 5:23 PM DST