PSA test frequency

I admit it...I'm a lurker. Shame on me, I know, I know.
<insert 40 lashes>

Just had a question... I've had a couple bumps upward in
my PSA results.
10/15 .14
01/16 .38

I've recently switched insurance, which put my urologist "out of network". I'm heading to see a new urologist (@ Mayo Clinic) but not until 03/7.


What are your thoughts regarding PSA tests in the interim, just incase I need to get in sooner? Only symptom I have is some discomfort/ache/burning sensation in the region. No urinary issues.
Original Gleason 8 score plus symptom above makes me a bit concerned.

Thinking PSA test every couple weeks?

Thanks!

Thanks! I'll relax a bit..

I'll also try to shake my forumphobia and post here and there.

You're right, March is right around the corner. Looking
forward to the Mayo. Hard to know what to expect on a
1st visit for the PC. I'll have a report when I return.

Thanks again,
PCW

Dear PCWarrior,

Welcome to the posting side of the forum --- it's an important first step, going from "lurking" to POSTING --- that's where the true support starts --- and the bonds of BROTHERHOOD begin to form here ---

You mentioned that you are on your way to Mayo Clinic --- I went to Mayo Clinic for the first time last October and underwent tests and scans there --- followed by a consultation with Dr. Eugene KWON, a noted urology oncologist and leader in the field of prostate cancer.

My entire experience at Mayo Clinic was positive, from start to finish --- it is an amazing place, and my tests, scans, and consultation with Dr. KWON were all well coordinated.

While there, I met people who had flown in from all parts of the country, as well as foreign countries. It was in those moments that I realized that Mayo Clinic is playing an important part in helping people from all over the globe --- just as other medical facilities are doing across this great country of ours --- and we have important testimonials from other members of this forum who will attest to the MANY great medical facilities to be found across the United States --- and outstanding doctors.

Meanwhile, for some detailed background on my experience with Mayo Clinic, you can do a search for the thread entitled ""Advanced Prostate Cancer: Mayo Clinic" that I first posted back in October 2015 and this might give you some background to help you prepare for your first visit.

Interesting that you are heading to Mayo Clinic in March --- I am returning for some follow-up tests and scans and a further consultation with Dr. KWON in March, as well. I have other friends here who are fellow prostate cancer "battle brothers" and they also have upcoming appointments at Mayo Clinic.

Wanted to welcome you to the forum --- and wish you well on your upcoming trip to Mayo Clinic in the month of March. I believe you will have a very positive experience there. Stay in touch with all of us here !

Sent with my best,

Iowa State "Cyclone"

This following video may not be for you at all but I'll present it just in case. I never used to think much of Echart Tolle, especially because he speaks so slowly but I find many of his little talks mean more since I've been dealing with cancer.

/www.youtube.com/watch?v=U07k4-8AiKA

PC Warrior,
Like Cyclone, I'm a Mayo regular as well.
I think you'll be surprised at the level of detail with the C-11 Choline scan. My experience with the scans showed lymph node and prostate involvement even at low levels of PSA (showing up as low as 0.18).

Good luck at Mayo. We'll be looking for updates from you!

You might want to contact Evan Yu at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center at UW to see if he has a PET scan you might qualify for. His number is 206-288-7595. He is very good and local.

- Allen

Thanks Allen. He's "out of network" but maybe that doesn't matter if it's done in the course of research?

Cigar, Well, I think I'm pretty much set on that date. My (former) urologist messaged me today saying that he thought that I'd be fine with the 3/7 appointment. He did recommend getting a new PSA before going into the Mayo to give them a little more information.
When was your last PSA? Any treatment plans in the works?

Allen,
I contacted them and sent over my info. Will let you know
if/when I hear back.

Thanks!
-Matt

Since you're "easy," some of the best clinical trials for PET detection are recruiting now at Stanford. Contact: Andrei Iagaru aiagaru@stanford.edu (650) 725-4711
They are trying some really promising PET indicators and have that new PET/MRI (instead of PET/CT) there too. There are lots of other clinical trials (at NIH, Johns Hopkins, Emory, etc.) - this is a very active field of investigation, and it's nice to be able to get it on a clinical trial where it is free and one is closely observed. On clinical trials, I think they will all want to see biochemical recurrence (nadir+2) first, but at this rate, you might hit that hurdle within a month or so.

Allen,
You're an amazing resource....thanks!
I'll investigate further and report back.

Thanks,
Matt

Hello Fellows ---

In case it helps, I had the CHOLINE-PET scan, authorized by Dr. Eugene KWON at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, just last fall.

I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield Insurance through my employer --- the "Cadillac plan" offered to employees ---

In my particular case, the cost of the CHOLINE-PET scan was COMPLETELY covered by my insurance ---

I was at Mayo Clinic over the course of 3 days --- lab work, detailed MRI of the prostate, the CHOLINE-PET scan, and my consultation with Dr. Kwon ---

For all those services, the total bill was $14,000, which I considered very reasonable for all the services and tests that were provided for me. For all of that, I only paid about $100, out-of-pocket, for one component of one blood test that my insurance considered "experimental" in nature ---

All the rest of the scans and tests, including the CHOLINE-PET scan, were 100% covered by my insurance, for which I was thankful --- I had assumed that I would be responsible for thousands of dollars in bills, but my insurance proved to be golden --- I have a lot of gratitude for that.

Dr. Kwon took special interest in my case while I was at Mayo, spent a great deal of time visiting with me, and his consultation fee was only $350 --- again, covered by my insurance.

Just adding to the experiences shared by others,
"Cyclone" From The Land Of Iowa State