Dads cancer

Lesley (Lesleymak77 )  after the RT, your dad will have regular PSA checks to see how effective it has been. Remember that the RT goes on working for many months, so don’t expect it to happen immediately.  At this stage, there isn’t anything to worry about, although generally just before you get results it is hard not to be anxious.  Remember he is on a curative pathway.

Is your dad still on the Tamsulosin?

I’m not experienced in radiotherapy but my pal has had a declining PSA after his radiotherapy for just over a year. So there is a reason for cheer for long after the sessions stop.

The PSA is a fickle friend and not to be trusted all the time. Yes it’s my best indicator of my health but my clinicians often discount it for more accurate accounts of my cancer, like scans etc.

Obviously you will need new data to examine what’s really going on inside your Dad which takes time, and you will be worried and have questions to be answered but keeping a cool head for now is your best defence to getting dragged down in what ifs.

I’m sure there are many answers coming your way from more experienced forum members very soon which will give you a better steer on the details, so fear not.

I hope everything goes well, take care the both of you.

Hi 

thank you for the reply, it is early days I know

 it seemed to ease slightly the worry while he was having radiotherapy for some reason, not sure why and he seems the same as he always was 

it’s just the dread of the unknown 

thank you for taking time to listen 

take care 

Lesley x 

Hi Lesley,

to set your mind (partially, anyway) at rest. Let me tell you my history.

April 2024  PSA 16. 

Diagnosed as Gleason 4 + 5 = 9

Deemed to be "curable"

Started HT 14 Jun 2024. Continued since, every 12 weeks, on Prostap.

20 sessions of RT Oct/Nov 2024. PSA at start 0.9.

20 Jan 2025 first PSA after RT = 0.06. Told HT will now be for 2 yrs (down from 3 originally )

04 Sept 2025 latest PSA = 0.02

Your Dad's numbers may/will be different, but this is the sort of progression you might be looking for.  The RT continues working long after you have had the actual treatment. Once you get a diagnosis it becomes a bit of a slow "plod" with HT and through the RT - don't expect anything to happen overnight. (Pun not intended !)

Hi LM

You don't say if the cancer was contained in the gland which does make treatment easier.

After RT PSA can vary especially if still on HT.

You don't give any PSA figures but the big test will come when HT finishes and getting a PSA done about 6 months afterwards will give an indication about how treatment has worked 

Best wishes 

Steve 

Hi Steve  it had just broken through the prostate but not gone any futher  he’s original pSA was 10  with two years of hormone treatment and 20 sessions of radiotherapy  if that makes sense   Thanks for the reply 

Hi thank you for replying 

that is very helpful, they gave a lot of information to begin with, but not so much to go on afterwards that sounds very similar to my dads treatment 

he has to have 6 monthly hormones for two years 

hope you are well 

many thanks 

Yes, makes sense, doesn't sound too bad.

When he gets his first PSA test , probably a few months away let us know , we can give further guidance then

Best wishes 

Steve 

Thank you I will do 

and thanks for the advise 

I try not to google things anymore 

Hi Lesley I'm in the same position as your dad I finished rt and 8 weeks ago and they say I don't need anymore hormone treatment I have a psa test on Thursday and I'm worried as well