Unexpected Increase in PSA

Hello Geoff

Welcome to the group, although I am so sorry to find you here.

Your Oncologist has decided to take some action as your PSA has risen above 2 and he's taking the normal course of action to ensure that there is no spread so a bone scan and PET scan would be routine.

The continued use of antibiotics is frowned on these days and the tests will give conclusive results - so it's best to know where you stand.

Sadly the waiting for tests and results with a potential cancer diagnosis naturally does cause worry and anxiety - but it's better to know if there is an issue. 

Our Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm 7 days a week) can give you help and support with your anxiety - please do give them a ring.

Remember Prostate Cancer is normally a slow growing cancer and 98% of men diagnosed with it die WITH it not OF it.

Best wishes - Brian

Hi Geoff and welcome 

So the PSA has been hovering between 1 and 2 for 4 years between 21-25, that looked ok and it was similar figures for me after RT in 2017.

Obviously the latest PSA does show an increase but U can have a bounce back after RT is over although not sure how long after.

Probably the most important thing is to have another PSA done fairly soon just to double check, You never know it could have come back down

Best wishes 

Steve 

Thanks, do you know the % of Biochemical Failures that  end in positive scans

Geoff

Thanks will do

Hello Geoff (GeoffJ) 

Indeed I do. So between 20% and 35% of men who are treated with Radiotherapy or have Surgery to Remove the Prostate (surgery cases are highest) will need further treatment.

Most of these end up on a "curative pathway".

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks

Geoff,

Have the tests and scans, the PSMA is particularly useful to see what, if anything, is going on. It's not easy to think you might have recurrence but delaying further investigation is not the answer in my experience. You've nothing to lose.

I went nearly 8 years from initial prostate treatment (RT / HT) and watched my PSA increase from 0.57 to 2.07 over 2 years until being referred back early last year. I was still feeling absolutely fine at the time but there was obviously something wrong so I took the tests and scans rather than delaying. I don't like the treatment I'm now on, but believe it's best to take every advantage you can if it's necessary.

I have form with cancer (read my bio if intersted) and won't take any chances at all with this disease. It's served me well for nearly 11 years now.

All the best to you.

Derek.

Thanks for the good advice Derek, I am becoming resigned to the fact of biochemical recurrence