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8 weeks post-Prostatectomy with PSA still detectable
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Dec 15, 2010 - 4:14 pm
I don't know what the implications are at this stage. My psa was .07 at 6 weeks and today at 8 weeks it only went down to .06 I am a gleason 4+3 and I want to do everything possible to live a full life. I am 50 and very healthy other than this. Any words of wisdom?? |
Joined: May 2009
The words of wisdom are to
The words of wisdom are to 'relax' and enjoy. I know its hard to do. I'm also a Gleason 7 and I'm at 16 months post davinci. Pulling 0's.
It sounds like your doc is using the 'ultra sensitive' PSA test. There are pro's and con's of the ultra sensitive test (my local urologist doesn't like).
My surgeon at Vanderbilt told me that a .2 would be considered a recurrance so I would relax.
Best wishes to you as you continue to recover.
Larry (Age 56)
Joined: Dec 2010
Hard to relax
My surgeon hasn't called me yet, as I just got the psa results this morning.
Joined: Aug 2006
sklein
Obtain a copy of your pathology report from surgery and read it several times. Do this before you see the doctor. Then at your meeting have him answer ALL questions you have about this document packed with information about your situation. From there you will have a much more informed idea of your current status as well as the beginning of any future issues. It is most unlikely that any treatment decisions are imminent for you. A few months at the earliest, and perhaps never.
In the meantime find your nearest prostate cancer support group and attend. These guys (and women) could provide mental health time for you and your partner (if interested).
Remember, though, that any advice they may proffer is amateur and without scientific support. Concentrate on the anxiety relief angle while there.
Joined: Dec 2010
Glad to hear all is turning
Glad to hear all is turning out. Best to you in your recovery.
Joined: Nov 2010
Congratulations on your results
Hi Sklein
Congratulations on your results. The decrease to 0.06 in 8 weeks is an excellent prognosis. It is considered by the majority of doctors as a remission. I believe you will see that low level for a long time. There is nothing to be worried about.
Relax and enjoy the season with Champagne.
Merry Christmas
VGama
Joined: Dec 2010
Hi sklein
I just had my first PSA 3 months after surgery. My PSA is 0.02 and I'm worried as well.
I read stuff in the web that others had 0s, I don't know what to say. I had a 3+4 score and a 8.2 PSA before surgery but the biopsy of the prostate after surgery showed 3+3 and all of the samples taken outside the prostate were clean. Best whishes for fast recovery to all of you out there.
Joined: Nov 2010
“Zeros”
Hi Asty
“Zeros” is the meaning given to a threshold established by doctors and institutions, to define success of a treatment. After radical prostatectomy, a PSA is expected to get to a lower level less than <0.1. Many doctors use a threshold still lower on the range between 0.03 and 0.06. Zeros is just that meaning, a number of 0s falling within a threshold.
You and Sklein got to that successful level. Your downgraded Gleason score from 7 to 3+3=6 is still a better diagnosis. You should try to get the pathological stage after RP ( ex; pT1apN0M0 ) for future follow-ups.
Have a good Christmas.
VGama
Joined: Oct 2010
8 Week RP
I would like to congradulate you upon your success and I know that things are going to get better for you soon with a PSA of .06 at 8 weeks is good. My test were after my six week RP were at .29 at six weeks and my doctor waited 4 weeks later and the next test was at .01 so be encouraged and I know that you are going to have a good recovery and a Merry Christmas. God Bless you
Joined: Aug 2010
psa levels
i had a radical 7 years ago. gleason was 3+3=6 and psa was 7.4 at the time of surgery. since then i've had my psa checked every six months. started out at .01 and over 7 years has risen to 3.3. i have had nothing done except for the radical. my feeling is watching waiting. try to relax and enjoy life.