Is this rise in PSA significant?

Hi ZanderW .

Boy have you been through the wringer over the last couple of years.

At the moment it is too early to say if anything is happening with the slight increase in PSA. Your husband did very well to get such a low PSA after treatment. The normal criteria for further investigation after radiation is if there are 3 consecutive rises, a rapid doubling time,  or if the increase is 2 above the nadir, so in your husband's case this would be 2.02. There is also a phenomenon called the PSA bounce where the PSA can go up a little bit after treatment and then just settle at a slightly higher level. As your husband is Gleason 8 then the doctors will be keeping a close eye on him due to the intermediate risk, but an initial PSA of 7 is a good indicator that the cancer was caught early. It is also 8 months since your husband's last Decapeptyl injection so his Testosterone levels should be coming up. I don't think the doctors will be concerned at this stage, but will monitor things with regular 3 monthly PSA checks.

It is perfectly natural that you should have a slight wobble when you see an increase in PSA - we all get a little anxious as we wait for the next set of results and worry at any change. My husband also suffers from depression so I do understand what it is like having this extra health issue to deal with and the extra pressures it puts on you. I feel that I have to be the upbeat one all the time but that can be exhausting, and you do need somewhere that you can vent and express your concerns. This is where the forum is so good as there is always a listening ear and support. Don't forget that if you have any questions you can also ring the Macmillan support line.

Hi ZanderW

I am so sorry that your husbands PSA has started to rise.

 I think that I would feel exactly the same if mine started to do the same.

If it was myself I would think of the options I had.

I don’t know if you have already done any of the following, so apologies in advance if you have.

You could.....

Phone his specialist nurse that was designated to him at the of start of his treatment.

They will advise you and may even speak to the oncologist an£ get back to you

You could phone the oncologist secretary, explain your concern and they may also relay this information.

Also contact you GP and ask them to let the oncologist know of the recent PSA.

(This may take a little longer if letters are involved)

I do hope that you do get help soon and my thoughts are with you both.

Take care

Spud

”You don’t know how Strong you are 

until being Strong is your only choice’

Bob Marley 

Hi Zander

I think it's too early say really because he's been on HT for 2 years so coming off that may well see a bit of an increase although it is still very low.

The important bit is the next couple of readings as obviously an upward trend would be a cause for concern.

Hopefully the next PSA test will be fairly soon  .

Best wishes 

Steve

Thanks Alwayshope, you are so right always being upbeat is exhausting.  I think I see 'normal' life on the horizon, so am having a bit of a wobble.  Next PSA has been arranged for June

Make sure you look after yourself, find time to do the things that you enjoy. It is a long journey and you have to watch out that you don't 'burn out' . There is help for you as well as your husband if you find things getting on top of you - just ask on the forum and you will be pointed in the right direction. Sending you big hugs.

Hi Zander you’ve cenrtainly been through the wringer ,stay positive we’re all with you on here and as you say trying to stay fit is a big factor as is a positive mind although that isn’t easy at times