how long to stay on surveillance

My situation is similar to your husband's. I will stay on AS for as long as possible. Hopefully for the rest of my life, or at least until better treatments are available. 

I will not have any more biopsies. I'm relying on annual MRIs not to show significant deterioration,, and PSA not rising by more than 0.7 a year on average.

I was on AS for 4 years and the change that motivated me to start treatment (RT) was the fact that the tumour was growing near to the prostate capsule edge , if it breaks through there is obviously a greater chance of Mets.

Steve

That’s a personal preference, which can be taking following consultant advice.

This could also depend on

• how close to the edge it is and the risk of spreading
• how quickly it appears to be growing
• your husbands age and general fitness.
• what the recommended next treatment is,
• brachytherapy was not recommended for me due to age 50
• radiotherapy if localised or surgery
• chemo if spread.

Thank you everyone for the quick responses.  I made a typo in my note, should have read, "he will NOT have another biopsy or MRI".  The surgeon is relying on the PSA fluctuations and internal exams.  We see the surgeon again next week.  Of course, the hope is that he can remain on AS for as long as possible.  He is 52.  

Why no biopsy or MRI is there a medical reason or his preference?

I had biopsy discovered it was close to edge with consultant requesting another biopsy in six months. Mine was close to capsule edge and couldn’t be confirmed if broken.  Unfortunately it had spread but glad I went for early surgery whilst relatively healthy and fit.

That is why I chose surgery thinking if I’m postponing the inevitable I’d rather crack on.

It’s a personal choice but worth talking through and trying not to get scared and burying head in sand won’t help either.  Talk through with specialist nurse consultant re specific pros and cons.

also remember to take time for each other and yourself.

all the best for the journey no one wants to be on.

John

I would think that MRI is still important to tell where the tumour is going, u won't necessarily tell that from a psa.

Could be worth finding out at this stage where in the prostate the tumour(s) actually  is and the size in mm.

Steve

The surgeon indicated that future biopsies would not be required as it is known that cancer is present in 6 of the 12 cores taken.  His last appointment in May, his PSA was 6.8 and yesterday 9.6.  NOt sure what the surgeon will say about next steps at his appointment next week.  

That's quite an increase in not many months, when was the last MRI done and what did it show??

Steve

That was my thought as well regarding a significant rise in 6 months.  The MRI was 2 years ago, confirmed the presence of cancer with a Gleason of 6.  I am going to request another MRI at his appointment next week.

That's good , I wouldn't be agreeing to any treatment until an MRI was done , don't forget that's just my thoughts, others may disagree.

Steve