Appointment with Oncologist

Hi Cuthbert 

I presume u have only had one PSA check since surgery?

Obviously still very low but  you need to have another PSA check to see if upward trend.

Because very low possible nothing would show on a scan , if you are having a problem with the hospital you can always ask your GP do do a PSA for you

Regards 

Steve

Hi Steve,

Had a PSA test on 23/10/23 which had risen from 0.04 to 0.09. Further PSA check 06/12/2023 and told on 12/12/2023 it had risen again. Appointment with my surgeon 07/02/2024 who suggested I have a PSA check which I did on the day. The PSA check had risen 0.2. and a referral was made to the Oncologist stating possible salvage radiotherapy required. Prostate removed 27/01/2022. Hope this information helps. I have a copy of the referral letter to the Oncologist from my surgeon dated 22/02/2024.

Ok so increased to .2, obviously something going on , they need to do a  PSMA scan in order to find any tumour.

The only thing is,  it is still low so time on your side. Don't think u mention your Gleeson ,I assume low.

In a way puzzled they didn't do RT and not surgery because T3b means in the seminal vesicles, although too late to query that  now.

Keep pushing to see the oncologist as soon as possible because you need to know about when they can do the scan.

All the best

Steve 

Steve,

I spoke to both the surgeons and radiotherapy team prior to electing for surgery. I decided on surgery as they appeared to suggest that to be the best root for me when considering my underlying heath issues. Thanks for your advice.  

Ok , fair enough, I didn't realise u had other issues Cuthbert.

I wish you all the best and keep posting on here.

Steve 

Hi Steve,

Have a look at my profile, I have noted my PSA rises over the last year and my recent PSMA PET Scan that did not show anything at 0.23. No need to panic as your PSA is still very low.

My Oncologist will do another PSMA PETScan once I reach over 0.4. 

All of the best

Munster

Hello Cuthbert  I know any delay can cause anxiety. May I suggest you try the following:

* Contact the Oncologist or their secretary and tell them of your anxiety and that you are free to accept any cancellation at short notice.

* Have a word with the hospital PALS (Patient Advisory and Liaison Service) - tell them of your worries, anxiety and holidays booked and see if they can speed things up.

Sometimes a friendly, gentle push will get you somewhere.

Best wishes - Brian.

This is an interesting thread.

Munster - after RARP and salvage RT, they now wait for PSA 0.4 in the expectation that they can spot the breakaway cancer on a scan, and hopefully zap it with targeted RT. You appear to be in good hands. 

Cuthbert - your case is similar to Munster’s but you’re a little way behind him - there’s no need to panic, as your PSA is still low.  They are hoping the breakaway cancer is in your prostate bed / pelvic area, so I’m pretty sure you’re headed for salvage RT.  There’s a very good chance that the SRT will finish it off. 
AW

Thanks Munster for that information which is reassuring. Update I have spoken to the Oncologists secretary today who told me I was on the list and likely to receive an appointment in May. Also a call to the Urology Nurse Specialist who assured me despite it being months that my PSA level  are still OK for my situation.

Steve,

I have established today from the Oncologist secretary that my appointment will be in May. I also spoke to the Urology Specialist nurse who explained I didn't need to worry about my current PSA level as it is below 5 therefore my appointment in May ought not to be detrimental to my Cancer growth.