Hello, I’m Philip and new to the group.

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I’ve read the comments and find them helpful and so thought I’d ask for some advice / information. My brother died of Prostate cancer aged 67. I got it about 3 years ago aged 73 with a PSA reading of 12 and a Gleason score of 8. It was described as “ advanced and local” which I understands mean it hasn’t travelled to other parts of my body.

I’ve had 20 consecutive days of radiation followed by 12 weekly hormone injections of Zoladex for 3 years. My last one is due at the end of December. I have 6 monthly PSA tests and a 6 monthly very short telephone chat with my consultant.

The good news is my PSA is down to 0.06 and my consultant describes the cancer as “ suppressed” but has added that it may come back. He says that when treatment ends it is normal for the PSA to start to increase in the future but not high and then level off to indicate that all is ok. (Because the cancer is suppressed he usually suggests me being looked after by a prostate nurse which I reject - I prefer a consultant)

My questions are

can I ask for 3 monthly PSA tests, as opposed to 6 monthly, so I can keep a closer watch on it?

is there an indicative PSA number which sets the alarm bells ringing ? ( probably not as we’re all different)

if the PSA goes up too high indicating bad news then can I ask to start on radiation again followed by new 12 weekly hormone injections, or just 12 weekly hormone injections?

Or can I, should I, ask for other tests- if so what?

I am hoping to get some info before my next consultant chat in a month so I know what I can reasonably ask for.

I would welcome anytime comments or experiences of others who may have been in a similar situation.
Thanks- I’m feeling better having set out my position!!
Philip

Ido4 over 2 years ago

Hi Philip, welcome to the group. Sorry you have been diagnosed with locally advanced prostate cancer. It looks like your PSA has dropped nicely and treatment has worked well so far. The definition of biochemical recurrence for someone in your position would be your PSA nadir(0.06) +2. So if your PSA rises to higher then 2.1 then you would need to look at restarting hormone therapy at an agreed PSA level. It is normal for some of your prostate to regenerate after radiotherapy so an increase is normal over time.

In relation to radiotherapy you wouldn’t be able to have radiation in the same area again as you have had the maximum exposure permitted already.

Here’s hoping your cancer remains in remission for a long time.

Best wishes,

Ido4

Lindley over 2 years ago in reply to Ido4

Many thanks for such a quick reply and the info provided. I’m the kind of person who likes to know the options etc and to take responsibility for my health. I feel lucky as my parents died from heart problems at 60 and my brother at 67 and I’m the longest living in my family at 76- but I’d like a bit longer!!

Ido4 over 2 years ago in reply to Lindley

Here’s hoping you have a while longer!

Ido4

joeven over 2 years ago

Its obvious that your worried about the rise in PSA, what I would do is keep to the six months, if by chance it starts to move, then go to three months, usually it takes two years before anything happens after treatment, especially with a good reading like you have.

stay safe

Joe

Lindley over 2 years ago in reply to joeven

Thank you Joe for your advice which I’ll take. I had visions that my last injection would keep my PSA low to the end of March and it would start to increase after then .So I’m feeling happier -the wine will taste better tonight !!
Philip

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