Monitoring after radiotherapy for 2 years

Hi Srabb

Yes unfortunately after my treatment finished in 2017 the monitoring still goes on just in case the cancer returns, it hadn't yet so a good sign.

You do get used to the 6 monthly tests which could go up to one year after a while.

Your original stats weren't high and I presume cancer contained in the gland which means less likely to come back

Best wishes 

Steve 

Hi SRabb,

It's standard practice to monitor someone after treatment which I personally think is reassuring so nothing to be too concerned about. 

In my case it's up to 5 years monitoring with 6 monthly PSA tests.  If anything is picked up during that time that needs further investigation then it's comforting to think they will be on it like a tonne of bricks to whack it again.  In the meantime I just tend to get on with enjoying my life doing the things I want to.  I would be lying if I said I didn't think about what my PSA will show each time I have a test, but my philosophy is why waste time worrying about something that hasn't happened yet.

Best Wishes

Brian

SRabb Completed my 20 last Monday and Oncology appointment last Tuesday. I am to continue on the hormone injections and Abiraterone (plus steroid) until March 2027, once that is completed, they will control the removal and we shall see what my reading are like. Only then will they know if this has been successful. 

I will be monitored every 3 months until then mainly to ensure I am ok with the drugs.

I look at it that they have done every thing that they said that they would do. There is nothing more to do unless anything radically changes. I have no PC symptoms, only RT side effects. So take stock, the frantic race has abated, gain control again and live life.

I completed my RT in mid August 2024, continued HT having my last implant of Prostap 3 on 23rd October 2024. I then had a PSA test mid January 2025 and at the subsequent meeting with my cancer specialist nurse was told that the policy of three monthly tests had been changed to six monthly. My next test was late June 2025 with a result of <0.03ug/L I am now expecting another PSA test and telephone consultation mid January - mid February 2026.

Previous indications were that this would continue at six monthly intervals to five years from the end of my RT unless my PSA figures were raised to concerning levels which like you would be 2.00ug/L

Following that time I was advised to ensure regular six monthly PSA tests at the request of my GP with the results passed directly to me to enable me to flag up any increase to my oncology team.

However all hospital trusts seem to be working to different schemes and will no doubt continue to do so, I just live in hope that my figures will remain low.

Rod

A rather protracted diary of my journey from diagnosis to date is in my profile which you can read by clicking on my avatar top left of this entry should you wish.

Hi SRabb - yes, I agree with my friends Grundo  and Buzzers . Once you get on to an annual PSA check, then you’re being checked as often as a man who hasn’t ever had prostate cancer (effectively screening for it).   So you could say, having had radiotherapy, you are safer than the untested man in the street (ie the majority of men).   AW