I started my SRT much earlier in the PSA rise (.091) So can't offer much but I do have a question or two...
If your PSA went to 8, without a prostate, that seems very high to me. Is this assumption correct or is your SRT a second round of radiation?
Secondly, you'd need dates to know how to assign meaning to the readings. PSA has a half life of 3 days according to my doc.
Thirdly, I belief trend is more important than level. So if you're at .32 and were higher at your last reading, great, it's going in the right direction. If your next blood test continues in that direction, all good.
I started my SRT much earlier in the PSA rise (.091) So can't offer much but I do have a question or two...
If your PSA went to 8, without a prostate, that seems very high to me. Is this assumption correct or is your SRT a second round of radiation?
Secondly, you'd need dates to know how to assign meaning to the readings. PSA has a half life of 3 days according to my doc.
Thirdly, I belief trend is more important than level. So if you're at .32 and were higher at your last reading, great, it's going in the right direction. If your next blood test continues in that direction, all good.
I'm curious why you weren't started on ADT after failure of your primary treatment and a Gleason score of 8. My understanding is that RT does not cause an immediate drop in PSA.
Have to agree with Russ777 - my surgical treatment 4 yrs ago did not do the trick and now PSA is rising.
I’ve been told by Sloan that I will receive hormones (don’t know how long yet) and about 40 radiation sessions. I was totally against hormones but I’ve come to realize that my Gleason 4+3 must be on the more aggressive side. Now I want to throw everything possible at it to KILL it. The hormones really weaken it, cut off its fuel (T) and makes the radiation more effective.
But just my opinion and I do agree with the others that PSA drops slowly after radiation and may take 18 months to reach nadir. Best of luck!
Have to agree with Russ777 - my surgical treatment 4 yrs ago did not do the trick and now PSA is rising.
I’ve been told by Sloan that I will receive hormones (don’t know how long yet) and about 40 radiation sessions. I was totally against hormones but I’ve come to realize that my Gleason 4+3 must be on the more aggressive side. Now I want to throw everything possible at it to KILL it. The hormones really weaken it, cut off its fuel (T) and makes the radiation more effective.
But just my opinion and I do agree with the others that PSA drops slowly after radiation and may take 18 months to reach nadir. Best of luck!
Good for you! NO ONE ( not even your spouse) can understand the anxiety associated with this disease and the consequences of whatever treatment you choose. Sure, none of us wants to lose what makes us men, gain weight, grow boobs, ugh!!! But the alternative is far worse so you gotta do what you gotta do, cover all the mirrors, wear Members Only velour tracksuits….I’m Kidding!!!!
Get at least 2 more opinions before you decide and provide these Drs with as much info as you can Re: biopsy results, Decipher or other genetic tests, PET scans. You will then be able to make a decision that you are comfortable with - keep us posted as the more we all learn, the better!
AL
Good for you! NO ONE ( not even your spouse) can understand the anxiety associated with this disease and the consequences of whatever treatment you choose. Sure, none of us wants to lose what makes us men, gain weight, grow boobs, ugh!!! But the alternative is far worse so you gotta do what you gotta do, cover all the mirrors, wear Members Only velour tracksuits….I’m Kidding!!!!
Get at least 2 more opinions before you decide and provide these Drs with as much info as you can Re: biopsy results, Decipher or other genetic tests, PET scans. You will then be able to make a decision that you are comfortable with - keep us posted as the more we all learn, the better!
AL
Hello,
I did nort hear any specific mention of “TRT” or other hormonal treatments regarding your salvage surgery and or radiation treatment. Prior to my Prostate Cancer diagnosis in August of 2022, I had been on “TRT” for about 11-12 years. I had to immediately discontinue my “TRT” to prepare for my “RALP” on 10/25/22. Due to my level of HYPOGONADISM, I am practically medically castrated on my own as my Total Testosterone levels plummet to between 20-90!
Being off my “TRT” literally turned me in to a complete “Zombie” within several months and adversely affected every area of my life. After my successful “RALP” and a total elapsed time of 5 months to place before returning to my “TRT!” Within several weeks of rejoining my “TRT” I was feeling extraordinarily better and improved in every area of my life.
This is a very personal assessment and decision to include and or return to “TRT” following your Prostatectomy. Speaking for my self, I am already practically dead when discontinuing its use it. Secondly, it’s easy enough to track and monitor by getting your PSA, TESTOSTERONE, tests (total & free) every 2-3 months to consistently track any movements. My PSA the day after my surgery was < 0.014 and thankfully has remained exactly the same (undetectable level) since 10/25/22 through 1/28/24. Every patient is different and has to consider his comorbidity and other associated health conditions before deciding upon which course or combination of medical protocols to incorporate into his recovery efforts.
GODSPEED to you and everybody.
Best wishes always,
Phil
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I started my SRT much earlier in the PSA rise (.091) So can't offer much but I do have a question or two...
If your PSA went to 8, without a prostate, that seems very high to me. Is this assumption correct or is your SRT a second round of radiation?
Secondly, you'd need dates to know how to assign meaning to the readings. PSA has a half life of 3 days according to my doc.
Thirdly, I belief trend is more important than level. So if you're at .32 and were higher at your last reading, great, it's going in the right direction. If your next blood test continues in that direction, all good.
Best of Luck to you!
His Gleason score was 8.....not PSA.
I'm curious why you weren't started on ADT after failure of your primary treatment and a Gleason score of 8. My understanding is that RT does not cause an immediate drop in PSA.
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1 ReactionPSMA PET was clear. Both urologist and RO said it will take months for PSA to go down.
No ADT will not disguise the true effectiveness of IMRT
....this is what happens when I comment before that first full cup of coffee......DOH!
Have to agree with Russ777 - my surgical treatment 4 yrs ago did not do the trick and now PSA is rising.
I’ve been told by Sloan that I will receive hormones (don’t know how long yet) and about 40 radiation sessions. I was totally against hormones but I’ve come to realize that my Gleason 4+3 must be on the more aggressive side. Now I want to throw everything possible at it to KILL it. The hormones really weaken it, cut off its fuel (T) and makes the radiation more effective.
But just my opinion and I do agree with the others that PSA drops slowly after radiation and may take 18 months to reach nadir. Best of luck!
Been there, done that!
I will seek opinions from others as I am not comfortable with just waiting. Thanks
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1 ReactionGood for you! NO ONE ( not even your spouse) can understand the anxiety associated with this disease and the consequences of whatever treatment you choose. Sure, none of us wants to lose what makes us men, gain weight, grow boobs, ugh!!! But the alternative is far worse so you gotta do what you gotta do, cover all the mirrors, wear Members Only velour tracksuits….I’m Kidding!!!!
Get at least 2 more opinions before you decide and provide these Drs with as much info as you can Re: biopsy results, Decipher or other genetic tests, PET scans. You will then be able to make a decision that you are comfortable with - keep us posted as the more we all learn, the better!
AL
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHello,
I did nort hear any specific mention of “TRT” or other hormonal treatments regarding your salvage surgery and or radiation treatment. Prior to my Prostate Cancer diagnosis in August of 2022, I had been on “TRT” for about 11-12 years. I had to immediately discontinue my “TRT” to prepare for my “RALP” on 10/25/22. Due to my level of HYPOGONADISM, I am practically medically castrated on my own as my Total Testosterone levels plummet to between 20-90!
Being off my “TRT” literally turned me in to a complete “Zombie” within several months and adversely affected every area of my life. After my successful “RALP” and a total elapsed time of 5 months to place before returning to my “TRT!” Within several weeks of rejoining my “TRT” I was feeling extraordinarily better and improved in every area of my life.
This is a very personal assessment and decision to include and or return to “TRT” following your Prostatectomy. Speaking for my self, I am already practically dead when discontinuing its use it. Secondly, it’s easy enough to track and monitor by getting your PSA, TESTOSTERONE, tests (total & free) every 2-3 months to consistently track any movements. My PSA the day after my surgery was < 0.014 and thankfully has remained exactly the same (undetectable level) since 10/25/22 through 1/28/24. Every patient is different and has to consider his comorbidity and other associated health conditions before deciding upon which course or combination of medical protocols to incorporate into his recovery efforts.
GODSPEED to you and everybody.
Best wishes always,
Phil
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
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