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PSA doubling times and what that means to me

Harly
  • 1 reply
  • 35 subscribers
  • 139 views

Hi

i I was diagnosed with prostrate cancer last year,

Gleason 10 n1 m1 with most of lympth nodes up to my chest been affected as well as my spin and bone marow

PSA at the time was a low 26, so I am a low secreater with a highly aggressive form of prostrate cancer.

i have had tripple therapy of chemo, oral chemo and hormone treatment.

the oral chemo and hormone took me down from 26 to 6 then chemo took it down from 6 to 0.4.

unfortunately since stopping intravenous chemo in may I have become hormone resistant.

i know my life expectancy at this stage is pants but the way this is moving is concerning even to me.

my cancer has risen consistently since may double between blood tests were I am now 31PSA over double from last result 3 weeks ago.

at my last consult they have managed to loose bone scan and ct scan, but MRI does show progression in spine (just had palative radiotherapy on timers) restart chemo tomorrow.

i dont like things sugar coating and feel at the rate this cancer is moving I will be lucky to see Xmas.

i know doubling times are normal measured in months an years not weeks!!

thanks for the help

  • Hi Harly,

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. I hope you are finding it supportive.

    My name is Fiona and I’m one of the cancer information nurses.

    I’m sorry to read about the progression of your prostate cancer. Hearing this news can cause you to feel a range of emotions. We often find that talking to someone can help in situations like this. You are very welcome to call the Support Line and speak with one of our nurses. We are here every day from 8am to 8pm on 0808 808 0000.

    Talking about your feelings can help. We offer free counselling which you can read about here.

    When hormone treatment stops working there are different treatment options, like the chemotherapy that you are due to start. These treatments can help to control the cancer and manage any symptoms.

    It’s not just the PSA that is considered in advanced prostate cancer, but also any symptoms, and the results of any imaging tests, that help your specialist decide on the appropriate treatment.

    Prognosis can’t be predicted exactly. However, you can speak to your specialist about this if you feel that you would want a better understanding of what your situation is.

    I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.

    Best wishes,

    Fiona P,

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref: FP/KS

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