Surgery was 1 year ago

[Paulo1968]

All,

My surgery was exactly 1 year ago.

PSA tested 2 days ago and it came at 0.03. 3 months ago I had a PSA of 0.01, so not very happy with this increase! In a few days I will see my doctor.

Completely continent and no pads for 9 months now. Very occasional small leakages when drinking more wine than usual or coffee but always happens at nights.

I am not as I was before the surgery in regards to erection, but I can get it enough hard for penetration even when sufficient stimulated . So really happy too with this part. It does not last very long though. I continue though to take a 5 mg daily cialis pill.

Almost all good ... if it hadn’t been for the quarter PSA increase.

You take all good care

[Dionysos]

Boa tarde Paulo,

Very sad to hear about the increase of psa. Level. I had the same surgery with a similar outcome in June 2017. My last test in March came still back less than 0.01. I also have no guarantee it stays like that. I hope very much that the rise is only a fluctuation. Um forte abraco, Henk.

[baw1955]

Paulo. Thank you for sharing your left and right brain thoughts at this point in your PCa journey. It helps me a great deal. My prostate was removed in Oct 2018. First post surgery result was <0.006. Next test scheduled for May. You remind me, and others, we may never be cured. And that thought is overwhelming. But also, the journey can be long and fruitful if we act.

[Tall_Allen]

It’s still low. Was there any adverse pathology?

[Paulo1968 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Hi Tall_Allen, it was a T2 but I add a 1 mm positive margin in the apex, which my doctor said this is irrelevant given the size ... all the rest was clean, including 18 lymph nodes.

[Tall_Allen in reply to Paulo1968]

In that case, it’s the pattern you have to focus on: 2 consecutive rises over 0.03 or an increase over 0.05 per year.

[Paulo1968 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks!

Does that mean if it goes once in a year over 0.05 but gets down the odds are ok?

[Tall_Allen in reply to Paulo1968]

No. I should have said an increase of 0.05 per year when it already over 0.03. So a minimum of 0.08 in the next year for you.

[Paulo1968 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Got you, thanks!

[Bcgkelly]

I’m sorry to hear that you have had an increase particularly as you have being doing so well recovering from surgery.

[rmarikos]

The ultra-sensitive PSA tests can be all over the place. Most doctors do not recommend them. the standard test <.1 is all one needs to know. The ultra-sensitive are usually used for prostate cancer recurrence to monitor. The latest from the Prostate cancer research institute states that grade 6 does not metastasize and no longer even considered to be cancer. Recurrence is considered above .2 PSA and only one-third progress . those that do it takes an average time of eight years to metastasize. There is a big problem with over detection and over treatment

[Paulo1968 in reply to rmarikos]

Thanks rmarikos for your post. It has been reassuring. My case though is of a Gleason 8 and yes I am over worried about statistics and what the numbers should tell us. I am trying to put that behind till the next test.

[rmarikos]

My case was a Gleason 6 considered to be low risk. I am still worried every time I get the PSA Test. I have changed my diet and life style completely. I think That can empower one to survive this cancer. A Gleason score is just a number I know your worried about statistics that my not apply to you. It's been 12 years for me and PSA is <.1. Wishing you the best .

[Paulo1968]

Wow, 12 year is a great accomplishement, but again a Gleason 6 is of lower risk.

I am happy for you and wish you continuos good results for many year to come.

[SpenceNYC]

Thank-you for sharing your experiences. I had a prostatectomy in June 2017 and since then my PSA has inched up. Today I was told it is .13. My radiation oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC recommends starting radiation at this point. I am seeing him next week and will decide a course of action.

[Paulo1968 in reply to SpenceNYC]

Hi

Sorry to hear that Spencer. Where is radiation targeting at this point? The Prostata bed? Didn’t you do any scan or exam?

[SpenceNYC]

I did a pelvic MRI a couple of months ago that showed nothing, but the numbers keep rising. Seeing the DR next week, which is when I will know what the radiation is targeting. Thanks for responding.