Sorry to sound ignorant, but PSA can be similar to the pre radiation even 3 months later? I'm due for the test mid June and as I've had a major scare with another cancer, it's already bothering me! I had 60 Gy in 20 fractions, previous PSA was 7.4 last July, Gleason was 7 = 3+4 graded Intermediate Favourable. Two cores on rhs showed cancer out of seven, six on lhs were OK. I am not on HT or chemo etc. The specialist said I would be 'fine,' but I am a bit sceptical about things after my previous scare.
Hi Steve. They weren't too bothered about the 7.4, in fact it was referred to as 'normal.' Thr dre detected a growth, and it was localised. Nobody mentioned the term capsule edge or said it was getting bigger, in fact I think it was described as small. I'll have to read my notes again tomorrow! I hope the PSA is lower in June. I worry about test results, but at least they are usually given to me the same day. I'm 73 btw.
Thanks for your interest. No, I asked about an MRI but not offered. My PSA increased from 6.3 last April to 7.4 in July. Maybe that increase plus the nodule felt, led to the biopsy? The nodule was described as a right sided small pea-sized nodule. The biopsy report said perineural invasion not identified and no extraprostatic tissue identified. Tumour was unilateral, tissue involved 10%. Which to my limited knowledge sounds reasonable?
So it's now a matter of waiting until June for the next appt and a PSA test. I was mildly surprised that I didn't have one about October to see if the increase continued. But, I'm just a retired elderly man with too much time to think about my various ailments. At least the 5 year mark passed for the bowel cancer and I'm ok. Just a pity that this one arrived to take its place. Must not feel sorry for myself, it could be a lot worse! Thanks again.
I had my second 6 monthly consultation with oncologist nurse on 1st May 2019
Before treatment my psa went up from 1 to 4 with Gleeson of 7 and 9.
After radiotherapy I was on three monthly injections but had nasty side effects and am now on bicalutamide daily and tamoxifen 2 tabs in seven days.
My first 6 monthly consultation after treatment showed psa of 0.17 and latest psa on 1st May 2019 is not detectable.
Am told that my next consultation is in October and that treatment will finish in May 2020.
Is the treatment finishing in may of 2020 on the assumption that if psa remains undetectable I am cured, or is two years post radiotherapy the end of treatment no matter the results?
So how did this all start? Psa went from 1 to 4 over what period of time?
Did u have a MRI after this or was it straight for biopsy and them treatment?
If the psa is undetectable now and you are on HT for 1 more year then things are looking good and hopefully should stay that way.
With PC it's much too early to say that u are cured in May 2020.
At that stage , when the HT is over, psa has to be monitored to check that it doesn't start moving up again.
I finished my treatment 2 years ago and at the moment my psa is still going down. I didn't have HT and my psa hasn't reached undetectable and might never reach it.
I realise that future psa test could show
an increase but if on the fifth anniversary of treatment finishing it is still low I will probably breathe a sigh of relief .
Thanks for replying. Psa went from 1 to 4 in a one year period and I then I was sent for an MRI and full bone scan .No other symptoms.
Then a 65 needle biopsy followed by insertion of beads into the prostrate, It was suggested at St Lukes Royal Surrey that brachetherapy was the solution, but as one of the cancers was near the outside of the prostrate this treatment was decided against., and instead I had 28 days of daily enemas and radiotherapy. On completion of the radiotherapy I was placed on three monthly injections, but this was discontinued because I developed heart attack symptoms and spent three days in A and E whilst they did all kind of tests before admitting that the anti testosterone injections was the cause.
I am happy that my psa could not be detected at my last consultation, but agree that telling me all would be well in May 2020 was a bit of wishful thinking without the results of a psa to be done in October 2019.
I have hot flushes and was on medication for that. However this medication has now been stopped and it has been suggested that I undertake 8 weeks of once a week acupuncture of the ears at Royal Surrey. I get fatigued , and have to do pelvic floor exercises to help with visits to the toilet. Mood swings are also a problem for my other half!!
