Radiotherapy after prostrate removal

Hi Kerrie.

A very warm welcome to the group. After a prostatectomy it is expected that a negligible PSA should be achieved. The post prostatectomy review should have given you an idea of how successful the procedure was and to confirm your Gleason score. Unfortunately your husband's figures show that something may have been left so the intention is to zap it to try and put it to bed completely. I have attached an article which can explain things better than I can. Please come back if you have any questions.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10310328/#:~:text=Radiation%20therapy%20after%20radical%20prostatectomy%20is%20the%20standard%20of%20care,supported%20by%20high%2Dquality%20evidence.

Thank you so much, I had to really engage my brain to digest but now I believe there could be two different types of radiotherapy offered.

he has his blood test tomorrow, normally we get the results back the same day, we’re hoping for a drop in numbers as he had the flu when he had his last test but I think that’s wishful thinking.

Hello Alwayshope

ive just posted another query but just to say that my husbands PSA rose from 0.26 to 0.37 in less that a week.  He’s now due to start radiotherapy, hopefully starting this week.  We are seeing the oncologist tomorrow for the results of a PET scan and a treatment schedule which should be a 5/6 week course of radiotherapy and maybe hormone treatment.

kindest regards

Hi night bird, my husband had a prostatectomy Jan 23 unfortunately the psa was .25  a few weeks later . He then had 33 sessions of radiotherapy in Oct 23 and hormone injections, 3 monthly. Psa now .05  He’s 64 , very fit and exercises every day. 
Next psa in 6 months. 
best of luck to you both x

Hope you got things sorted out with the oncologist today Kerrie and you know what the next step is.

Hello Bash

I’m very happy to hear that your husband is doing well. We got our results yesterday, his oncologist had already booked him in for another scan so he could be measured and marked for his radiotherapy.  He started his hormone tablets last night and will have an injection in 14 days time, his will start with 28 sessions next week. 

We were told to have a normal life during treatment - I guess everyone is unique but I will push him a little to walk every day, we have two dogs so there’s a good reason.

Best of luck to you too x

Good morning 

1. I’ve just replied to Bash below with an update.  No surprises with the results but very happy that it was a productive day.  He’s already been marked up and started his hormone tables last night.  Treatment starts next week, 28 sessions.  My husband will be much happier once it starts.
2. thanks a lot.    
   not sure why I have bullet numbers

Good news Kerrie.

Exercise is important but don't push him too hard towards the end - tell him to listen to his body. Come back with any questions and someone is bound to come back with their experiences. My husband had 33 sessions and his main problem was fatigue build-up. Let the radiotherapy team know of any and all side effects, we found them brilliant at offering suggestions and medication when necessary.

Also make sure you look after yourself as it can be tiring for you as well.

It is such a relief once the radiotherapy gets started . My husband found the worst thing was drinking the litre of water before the treatment and holding it for 45 + minutes.  It all seems to be over in no time though. He definitely lives a normal life, no one would know he was unwell . X

Hello Kerrie,

I have had 2 years clear following robotic radical prostatectomy. The surgeon did explain when I asked I had a 50% chance of needing further treatment. My PSA levels have started to increase to the levels that my surgeon is suggesting a radiotherapy referral. To be fair my surgeon is getting a further PSA  test before referral to the oncologist. My stats are Gleason 4+3 T3b. My PSA readings are now 0.1 prior to my last two they were 0.04.