Post RT and HT - how do they know?

Hi Kj

Yes you are making sense.

U will need to wait until HT  is over and then continue with PSA tests to be sure.

Good news for you is PSA only .  .14, great.

I presume that you are on HT for some more months.

I think for now you can relax

All the best

Sreve

Thanks Steve - Yes, planned HT for 2 years, 20 months remaining. Consultant was happy with the drop to 0.14

I knew what I meant, just wasn't sure if I had missed something.

So looking at your stats, quite low, Gleeson 6, T2.

I wonder y u are on HT for 2 more years, u would have thought less would be ok.

Just my thoughts, remember I am not a specialist.

Anyway, all looks good

Steve 

Hi KJ911 good question.  I don’t think there is a test to identify that you are ‘cured’ but the absence of any further PCa being found (from PSA, MRI or PET scans) indicates all is well.  The RT remains working for many months, so as time goes on, the absence of any upward increase in your PSA is good news and gives confidence that the HT can be withdrawn.  Gleason 7 isn’t aggressive by my standards!

Originally Gleason 6, but bulging in the periphery of the gland and second biopsy !!! changed to 7. Treating it as aggressive - because that is what they tell me. Both the Urologists and Oncologist, thus the Arbiraterone. Both said it could not be removed as they considered me to be in the 5% that could have a return.

I don't really care, I just want it sorting. I would love to think that I id not have to remain on the hormone (2 years) and the Arbiraterone (2 Years)

PS RT on surrounding lymph nodes also

Hello KJ911 

So the rule of thumb is 18 months after radiotherapy is where you should reach your nadir (lowest) PSA reading - this is because the HT and RT keep on working after you have completed the courses.

You will then be on regular 3 or 6 monthly PSA tests.

You will only require further intervention if:

* Your PSA exceeds 2.00 (two whole points) above your nadir reading or

* You have 3 consecutive rises in your PSA.

These is something called "PSA bounce" which can happen once you complete your treatment but your oncology department will be aware of this.

Best wishes - Brian.