How bouncy should a PSA bounce be?

Hi. Can't answer directly but have a look at my Profile for some clues? 

I THINK that if goes to +2 then further investigation required. Also, if possible stick with 6 mthly rather annual psa tests. Mine went from what could have been a bounce at 0.29, but given 2.9 1 year later clearly was not.

I hope your psa tracking team does a much better job than did my GP!

Good luck, Dave.

Hello Agent99 

There are lots of differing information on PSA levels and PSA "bounce" but I like to stick with what my team told me:

* Your nadir or lowest PSA reading should be 18 months after radiotherapy has been completed (in your case September 2026).

* After radiotherapy PSA levels can "bounce around" for up to 2 years but we consider intervention is needed when you have either 3 consecutive PSA rises or a rise of +2.

Looking at your profile you have had 4 rises (slight I know) so there's a trend there. I would be asking for my next PSA test in March 2026 and if that's up I would be asking questions of my team.

I hope the above helps.

Best wishes - Brian.

Every time I have a PSA test I get a letter with the results. The latest one said the result was satisfactory.

I'm due another test in 3 months time so we'll see how that turns out.

I assume you read the numbers not just the "satisfactory" statement.

Hello Agent99 

I had my regular diabetic blood test 2 years ago - all the results were marked up on my NHS App as "satisfactory for this patient".

I started my journey by almost having no kidney function and still have CKD 5 years on. My eGFR (kidney function) had dropped again so I questioned it. The GP practice were quick to take the action needed to stop the drop (a medication clash) but were happy to let it go without my intervention.

Ever since a resident doctor tried to discharge me from hospital as "I only had a UTI" when I had CKD and Prostate Cancer I have paid attention to all my results and question any pills/injections I am given.

Best wishes - Brian.

Obviously I read the numbers, otherwise how could I have reproduced them in the original post?

Hi Agent99 thank you for this interesting post.  I am more optimistic for your case, given your statistics. You are still very much in “bounce” territory (this is a common trait, post radiotherapy) and I will be following your case (I have potential bounce, with another PSA test due in a couple of weeks). I can well imagine the shock you felt when you saw the 0.79 followed by 1.7 three months later.  I, too, am on three monthly tests - I note that Carl28  is on annual tests which I find surprising.  I have also done my research and your 1.7 reading is by no means unusual for a bounce, especially as you are still in the period when the effects of radiotherapy is still Killing cancer cells (they die only when they try to divide and the body doesn’t recognise their damaged DNA).  Another difference between you and Carl and  Millibob is that your presenting Gleason of 3-4 is very different from their (my mantra is “histology is king”) as Gleason 5 is much more aggressive. In my opinion you have made intelligent choices throughout (based on the information at the time), including your time on AS.  You have a good medical team behind you.  Hold tight, my friend, and wait for the next reading in three months time.  Your story is helping me to prepare for an increase in my mid January test result.  We may be walking through this uncertain path together.   AW

Thanks for your encouraging words.

I wasn't panicking and was expecting an bit of a bounce, but surprised by the magnitude. Trouble is that it is so difficult to get reliable information from the internet. One article said a bounce of 2 - 3 was normal, with it taking up to 2 years to settle down.

I'm booked in for another PSA in March, so we'll just have to wait and see what happens.

Also don't forget u were on HT until middle of year so that can still be having some affect on readings, a bit surprised they were doing PSA readings so soon after the RT finished..

Readings next year should mean a lot more

All the best

Steve