Husband's PSA is now .18 post RP 8.5 years ago
He is a very reputable well established urologist and considered to be one of the very best, so go figure.
We had thought after all these years of good PSA's we stood a strong chance of being out of the woods and now we almost feel like we did 8.5 years ago when Paul was first diagnosed. We do not want to waste valuable time and do nothing if there is any chance this could shorten his life.
There are other concerns as Paul is a type II diabetic which is managed well without meds now, is a stroke survivor, and is on Plavix. Not sure how he would do with radiation or if he may effect his quality of life with permanent side effects if there were any damages to his bladder or/colon.
So many questions running through our heads on what we should do or should not do and if or when. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Julie
Comments
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No, the subject never camegleason9 said:Have you discussed Lupron as an alternative?
No, the subject never came up when the doctor called. However, immediately after Paul's RP back in early 2001, Paul was put on Lupron for a short period and then taken off of it. Radiation had been discussed back then as well but at the time was recommended to wait and see how his PSA did and then act accordingly if need be. I believe the doctor's hesitancy with radiation at that time could have been due to the fact Paul was a diabetic and was still on meds for it at that time. We have a consultation appointment scheduled with the urologist in a couple of weeks so we can address out concerns, so maybe we will learn more by then and know more about what all to ask the doctor by then and will include asking about Lupron, etc. Thanks.
Julie0 -
Stable PSA
The thing that jumps out at me is that, even though he's had a rise in his PSA, it's been stable for 4 months. There are lots of definitions of "recurrence," but as far as I know, he doesn't (yet) meet any of them. Something like half of guys whose PSA reaches 0.2 after surgery never have it rise beyond that.
I would think that you need to establish a "doubling time" for the PSA, and again as far as I know, they don't start that calculation before you reach 0.2. You might have a look at
http://www.mskcc.org/applications/nomograms/Prostate/SalvageRadiationTherapy.aspx
and also the "Treatment Decision Tools" link in the left column of this page.
Good luck.
Larry0 -
Stable PSAlshick said:Stable PSA
The thing that jumps out at me is that, even though he's had a rise in his PSA, it's been stable for 4 months. There are lots of definitions of "recurrence," but as far as I know, he doesn't (yet) meet any of them. Something like half of guys whose PSA reaches 0.2 after surgery never have it rise beyond that.
I would think that you need to establish a "doubling time" for the PSA, and again as far as I know, they don't start that calculation before you reach 0.2. You might have a look at
http://www.mskcc.org/applications/nomograms/Prostate/SalvageRadiationTherapy.aspx
and also the "Treatment Decision Tools" link in the left column of this page.
Good luck.
Larry
Larry, thanks for responding and for your encouraging input; it was very helpful.
Julie0
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