How long do I have?

I have completed my consultations with two oncologists, one at Carbone Cancer Center, the other at a fly by night newly established radiology unit. My dilemma is that, according to my primary doctor, my Health Care Provider, Dean Care, may not give me a referral to use the oncologist at Carbone. I can change providers in September with the new plan effective Jan 1. My PSA is .07, up from .05 in October. If it follows this rate of trajectory it should be around .20 or so next year. Is this correct? Does it make sense to wait? At what point does the cancer leave the prostate bed? Thanks to everyone. I have a pretty bad urologist. He called me in and handed me a flyer and told me to go talk to these people. It took all of ten minutes! Perhaps I am getting ahead of myself.

Your subject title scared me!!

Mel

Howard, I'm pretty sure your next Psa score will help you decide. I would assume the RO's are recommending sooner than later, but that would depend on your pathology. The new radiology units may be using the most current machines available, with qualified docs, so I don't know that I would rule them out. Definitely not if your next score shows a jump. I found that the RO's do little other than write the program. Not to minimize that, but once they've determined the dose and direction they typically have little more to do with you. It's the technicians that get you thru it. If the treatment plans are the same, using the same equipment, I would probably not wait for Carbone. I grew up in Madtown. I'm assuming you live nearby due to your reference to Carbone. They have a great reputation. Go Bucky.

I meant how much time do I have before radiation is a must. I believe that I will eventually need it.

PSA was 5.6 before surgery (Nov 2014)
.08 two months later, <.05 on March and July 2015, .05 in Oct 205 and .07 Jan 2016, so it looks like its going up.
6 out of 12 cores positive for PC
Tumor contained 5 percent, negative margins all around.
3+4 =7 All scans clear.

My question related to how much time do I have BEFORE radiation is a must. I think that I will need it given the last two PSA exams.

Thanks Halbert

Yes, I agree. The next two PSA tests will clarify the situation. My oncologist said that the PC will eventually declare itself.