Never Ending Urine Tests

Tico14
Tico14 Member Posts: 43 Member
in Prostate Cancer #1

I've never seen this posted before and have a concern I can't figure out.

I had a RALP six years ago. My PSA was very low, but I didn't care I just wanted the cancer out of me. The surgery went fine but I am probably incontinent for the rest of my time above ground. Every six months I go in for another urine sample and "consult" with my urologist/surgeon. The results are always the same, PSA virtually undetectable.

If at some point I develop bone or some other type of cancer, would the same urine or blood test show that?

If it doesn't then the urine tests I've been going through seem like a waste of time.

Thanks.

Comments

  • Clevelandguy
    Clevelandguy Member Posts: 1,188 Member
    #2

    Hi,

    I have my PSA checked every year by my Internist during my yearly physical blood test. I too did the Urologist visit every so often but cut down the doctor visits by half by letting my Internist do the testing.

    Dave 3+4

  • Tico14
    Tico14 Member Posts: 43 Member
    #3

    Cleveland,

    Not a bad idea, the only problem at least initially will be the probable change in levels as they're using two different labs, but I may just go that way.

  • Marlon
    Marlon Member Posts: 118 Member
    edited November 3 #4

    It's the rate of change that is significant. If PSA levels start to go up, I believe the next step is a PET scan to see where any cancer cells might be. They could be anywhere. And that determines treatment options.

    Have you tried physical therapy for the incontinence? If not, ask your doc for a referral.

  • Clevelandguy
    Clevelandguy Member Posts: 1,188 Member
    #5

    Hi,

    My Urologist made me pee in a cup to look for bacteria, mine never found anything doing it every six months for a few years. I would think you would know if you had a bladder infection or some other form of UTI, then go to a visit with your Urologist. Your right Marion as far as I know you can’t test PSA from a Urine sample.

    Dave 3+4

  • Rob.Ski
    Rob.Ski Member Posts: 172 Member
    #6

    I get PSA checked annually now with blood test at Walgreens. No doc visit required. The doc just emails me the order and I go to lab. Is the urine test for incontinence? I have not heard of urine test for PSA. Are they attempting to treat incontinence?

  • Tico14
    Tico14 Member Posts: 43 Member
    #7

    Sorry, all. My urologist collects a urine sample in addition to a blood draw every time I go in. How I left that out of my OP I have no idea. But same question. Will the blood show another type of cancer if one is present? (I think he takes the urine every time to check for blood). As for the incontinence, nothing works for me. An AUS is not going to happen either.

  • Rob.Ski
    Rob.Ski Member Posts: 172 Member
    #8

    Blood test is looking for PSA which is generated by prostate tissue, Not really looking for cancer. Rising PSA is indication . Biopsy is the cancer check. Not aware they are looking for other cancer types when checking PSA.

  • marcandersun
    marcandersun Member Posts: 1 Member
    #9

    I think urologists, especially those in private practice try and support billing for the current visit; and subscribe medications such as tamsulosin so future visits are needed.

  • Marlon
    Marlon Member Posts: 118 Member
    #10

    PSA is Prostate Specific Antibody. It's an indicator that you have prostate tissue. If you have had surgery to remove your prostate there shouldn't be any left. So if PSA starts showing up after surgery, then it's an indicator that prostate cancer cells may have migrated outside your prostate. Men who have had radiation treatment still have a prostate so they're expected to have some PSA.

    After your prostate is removed, Tamsulosin is pointless.

  • Tico14
    Tico14 Member Posts: 43 Member
    #11

    Don't get me wrong, I'm not in conflict with anything you've shared with me, but I think I'm more confused now. RALP was done as the result of a jump in my PSA, resulting in a biopsy that showed cancer. The RALP removed the gland that produced the PSA. If the first couple of tests showed them there was no PSA, why continue to look? Seems like a money grab and a waste of my time.

  • Marlon
    Marlon Member Posts: 118 Member
    #12

    It only takes one cell , somewhere . . .

    I'll be getting my latest results this week, and I'll ask my doctor if there's a time period after which you're considered safe.

  • Rob.Ski
    Rob.Ski Member Posts: 172 Member
    #13

    Sometimes it can take 10 or 15 years before it shows up again. There are no guarantees we are cured so, we keep checking.

  • Old Salt
    Old Salt Member Posts: 1,505 Member
    #14
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1718737#Comment_1718737

    No, a PSA test is specific for prostate cancer.

  • Clevelandguy
    Clevelandguy Member Posts: 1,188 Member
    #15
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1718745#Comment_1718745

    Hi,

    Rob.ski is correct, the only indicator that Prostate cancer has not returned is to monitor via PSA testing. I’m 10yrs out post surgery, I get my PSA tested every year during my routine yearly blood test, easy peasy.

    Dave 3+4

  • Marlon
    Marlon Member Posts: 118 Member
    #16

    I had my second post-surgery visit today. Non-detect. My doctor said that if continue to be non-detects for a year, they would back off to every six months and then to annually. He did say that having multiple non-detects in the early tests would indicate a reduced chance that it will pop back up, but not be certain enough to say no chance.

  • Old Salt
    Old Salt Member Posts: 1,505 Member
    #17

    That’s great news, Marlon. The follow-up protocol is pretty standard.

  • Steve1961
    Steve1961 Member Posts: 622 Member
    #18

    ate you getting a urine test or a blood sample ..you stated you give a urine sample ..what for ..you need to get a blood sample to check for psa id a am not mistaken ..yes urine sample would be to check for diabetes if i am not mistaken

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