Anxiety over PSA

Hi Anna42 , the problem is that until we get results we are all guessing.  A rising PSA is probably an indicator that there is a spot that has escaped, but I don’t think it necessarily means he has moved to castrate resistant.  Sending you hugs and good luck for tomorrow.

You are over worrying and that’s fine. Just fine. Nobody can stand the background noise of PC for long before there’s a blow-off. It happens to everyone.

The numbers are not humans.

To be blunt the PSA is only as good as the cancer lets it be. It’s a tricky sucker the PSA thats for sure. I started at 90 and within a month it was under one. Three years along the path I don’t even care what it is.

But for you and what you’ve been told it is significant as it is for everyone, also that you have three number running in the same direction is important. This will always be picked up by you, He and the medical staff. That’s for sure.

Two things.

1; let the medical staff know your on their backs. You’ve noticed, noted and responded. You are worthy of a direct response of checks and explanations. You are the self advocate so keep it up.

2; you need help with your anxieties. We all do. You do to. I’m having counselling as I have before. This is more a top up. You really need to look after yourself better. It’s a very long path this PC path and you’ll have to cope with stuff on a daily basis for years and years. The better you can look after yourself the better your hubby will be able to lean on your shoulder and hold you hand.

So the news is news and you’re jumping. This is the place where you’ll be given any amount of support you need. We hear you. We are here to help you. In time you’ll be helping others. Take it easy on yourself and self advocate to keep the system rolling in your favour.

Sunday is the wost day for anxiety. Monday you can get in the face of the carers you need so be kind, and they will be kind to you.

Good luck.

Hi Anna42, I m not sure how I can help with your anxiety, but just to say I am very anxious before every PSA test, scan ect that my partner has every 1-2 months. I usually try to calm myself by saying can't worry about it until we get the results but doesn't work very well. Sending you huge hugs and really hope for a lower than last time PSA.xx

Hello Anna (Anna42 ) 

I can understand you worrying with what you have already been through. 

The PSA test is just an indicator and although it's used by oncology departments it's common for them to say below 1 is undetectable. I would say the triplet therapy has worked well and his PSA is now settling down and may well be up and down BUT you are dealing with vey low numbers.

I would suggest IF there is a rise in today's PSA you can go back to the oncologist, tell her the continued rises are causing anxiety and is there a possibility he could have a PSMA-PET scan. The only issue there is the cost to the NHS (about £3000).

Do let us know how you get on later.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks all for your kind words and support. His PSA went up from 0.1 to 0.45 in 4 weeks, so sadly we now know something is going on. I’m trying to line up an appointment with the oncologist but she’s agreed to press ahead with a PSMA PET scan soon. Now I’m just praying that this is a small spot of activity that we can radio and put the whole thing back to sleep again - as seemed to happen with you David. 

Hi Anna42 , I was lucky in that my spread to bones that showed up was a single target area, which did turn out to be accessible after much deliberation.