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2yr Post Surgery PSA Test Results

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Posted 3/14/2022 7:37 PM (GMT -5)
My PSA was undetectable up until 18 mths post surgery. My 1st test was 2 mths after surgery on Jun '20 and then every 3 mths since.
It became detectable at 0.07 at 17 mths, 0.15 at 20 mths and just this week 0.21 at 23mths. My doctor has asked me to get a PET Scan this week and then we'll get together to discuss the next step, which I'm assuming will be radiation and hormones. Any thoughts on what's coming? I was hoping to go a lot further than 2 yrs before needing salvage treatment.

If I do radiation and hormones, what can I expect as far as side effects? Are there any studies on the success/curable rate that I can read? I know there's a ton of experience and knowledge with the members and I'm looking to tap into it again. Any insight would be welcomed.

Thanks
Dave
Posted 3/14/2022 8:01 PM (GMT -5)
Dave, with the G9 post surgery pathology, this isn't entirely surprising. The PET scan is looking for the hot spots. Assuming they find them, your next move is probably ADT for a while, and then spot radiation to take care of the leftover bits. If you're fortunate, they will all still be in the prostate bed/pelvic region--which means that a few zaps will be all you'll need.

Hang in there.
Posted 3/14/2022 8:55 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Dave. With your extraprostatic extention, positive lymph nodes, high (30%) tumor burden, and G9 (4+5) final Gleason score, I assume adjuvant therapy was brought up at the time of your RP. The upcoming PET scan may help decide the width of the RT field, the total radiation dose, and the timing of any ADT for your salvage therapy.

I'm sure you'll get suggestions from Forum Brothers with first-hand experience on dealing with any adverse effects of further treatment.

Please keep us posted on your scan results and the plan you and your docs decide on. All the best to you!

Djin
Posted 3/14/2022 9:08 PM (GMT -5)
Dave - chances are you will get salvage radiation which will probably will include the lymph nodes given your history. Hormone therapy goes with this and for some period afterwards. Scans may help but your PSA is still pretty low to show much.

I had adjuvant radiation and it just kills a couple of months. I don’t think anyone has come up with a way to shorten the duration quite yet since it is a mop up procedure with no specific target. I had some minor side effects during and immediately after treatment but all resolved fairly quickly. I can’t speak for hormone therapy or extended radiation to the lymph nodes but I am sure they cannot make the experience better. Others with your exact situation should be around pretty soon.
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