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11 anniversaries since diagnosis of stage 4 prostate cancer
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Sep 2 6:11pm | Replies (113)Comment receiving replies
My understanding is that medically - metastases will not grow when your PSA is 0.6 or less. Therefore, what seems to have been medically accepted answer is < 0.100 for those with a prostate. However, if you someone who has had a proctectomy, my understanding is a PSA < 0.01 is undetectable. But, most studies/trials such as ARSENS and some other use < 0.2 This all seems very subjective to me, so I have accepted anything < 0.100 for myself since I still have a prostate. I also look at Alkaline Phosphates since the cancer went to my bone only. When I get my 3 month checkup as soon as I see my Alkaline Phosphates with very low values such as 37, 38, 39, or 40 I know everything is good.
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I also watch my ALP closely, but — in case anyone's nervous — as a layperson I understand that it's a non-specific indicator, so rising ALP doesn't necessarily mean your cancer's spreading
My ALP was initially borderline-high after spinal surgery (and the drilling and insertion of rods to keep my spine from collapsing), then came down to lowish normal as the bones healed. ALP can also spike with normal bone stresses and fractures, celiac disease, liver disease, or even pregnancy (not too relevant here 🙂).