PSA up again!

HI DR

Yes it is a concern and something that we all worry about , an increase in PSA after treatment. First thing, has any specialist commented on this rise? 

Now has gone above 3 probably time for a scan .

best wishes

Steve

Hi Steve, thanks for the reply.

No, I have heard nothing from a specialist.

Thankfully I have recently had a full body bone scan which has shown nothing apart from problems with a trapped nerve in my lower back, this I pushed for because I was told that if the cancer spread into the bones I would have pain in my back. Well I suffer with pain most of the time with pain due to this trapped nerve and wanted them to make sure all was well.

Still worried that my PSA still keeps rising., but I am told new PSA test in 3 months.

Ok, well good about the bone scan . I presume PSA thru your GP.

I would start pushing for a PET scan/MRI because possibly bone scan may only help with bones, not too sure on that one though.

If next PSA up again ask your GP to refer u back to your cancer centre or perhaps u can call them directly.

Hope all goes well, don't forget there are still treatments out there if needed but hopefully they won't be needed

Steve

Hi Devonroy

Sorry to hear about your anxieties. If they were my husband's psa readings I would be worried too. Are you actually speaking with the consultant or one of his junior doctors? If you can't speak to the consultant or can't stop worrying about the decisions he is making for and about you I would suggest trying to speak with your GP and seeing if you can get a second opinion. 

We took a horrible consultant's inappropriate advice at face value which meant the commencement of treatment was delayed for a long while. We both wish we had acted on our 'gut instincts' ie our anxieties.

Hi Devonroy,

it looks like it’s started to roughly double per year from March 22. So by next September you could be looking at around 6.5. I think you are right to be worried, I guess they are closely monitoring it by saying 3 month test next, because if it is “doubling “ yearly it could be roughly 4 by then. I imagine that’s the plan and then they would then act upon it ? Definitely be an idea to be talking to your consultant about your worries and ask what course of action will be taken and when. 
Best wishes 

L

Hi Roy

My understanding from our oncology department is:

1. You reach your nadir PSA level 18 months after RT has been completed (Yours would be 0.10).

2. If the PSA rises by 2 while points above the nadir then it's to be checked (That would be 24.03.23).

3. If there is 4 rising PSA readings in 2 years it's to be checked (That would be 24.12.18).

I can see why no action was taken when you got to point 3 because of the low PSA but at point 2 for what my humble view is - it's worth asking the question why nothing's being done.

I agree with Mrs Devonroy and I think you need to contact the oncologist.

I hope the above helps.

Best wishes

Brian.