Choosing Radiation Oncologist - rising PSA post prostatectomy

You may have to ask directly if that particular Rad Onc is familiar in treatment for prostate cancer and is current with latest guidelines since there are variables involved in dosing and frequency of radiation.

Also, next week's PSA results will help in knowing if the rise is consistent or lab calibration issue.

Best wishes...

Best of luck! Different oncologists have different strengths and skills, but the best one will be one who's willing to listen, explain, and include both your husband and you in every stage of the treatment plan, rather than just proclaiming it to you. They should also be able and willing to talk about the latest developments in prostate-cancer treatment, and what is in the pipeline for the next couple of years

Ideally, you and your husband should return to Mayo Rochester for radiation oncology treatment. There are many doctors there who specialize in RadOnc for prostate cancer. My husband has been treated by several of them over the years, and there are several newer doctors in the department whom we haven't met yet. If you can't return to Rochester, you should definitely ask the head and neck radiation oncologist in Phoenix how experienced he or she is in treating prostate cancer patients and how current he or she is in the latest techniques and machines. Good luck and keep us posted.

If psa continues to rise get
Get a Psma pet ct scan!

For what it's worth .... Steven E. Schild, M.D is my radiation oncologist at Mayo Clinic AZ. I've been very pleased with him. He's the Chair of the Radiation Oncology Department with his focus on Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Metastases, and Cutaneous Tumors. He is one of the few physicians who has worked at all 3 main Mayo Clinic Campuses.

So appreciative of all comments and suggestions! Thank you everyone, it's comforting to have this treasure of supportive and engaged warriors!

My initial 90 day PSA was .19 in Nov 2022, after what I believe was very successful Prostatectomy in Aug 2022.
No question that it was an emotional blow, even though surgical path report foretold this eventuality; upgraded PCa to G 9 w/ EPE.
Rad Onc initiated Salvage radiation 39 IMRT sessions to pelvic floor and pelvic lymph nodes following PSMA PET scan, together with 4 mos ADT. See SPPORT trial.
Salvage Tx Feb - June 2023. Not a pleasant experience, however my 6 mos post salvage tx PSA was < .02 in Nov 2023, and then again in Feb & May 2024. Aug test upcoming.🤞
More importantly, I feel pretty well and have enjoyed 2 two week trips to Europe Nov 2023 & April 2024, with another planned for Oct 2024.
My point is that your husband and you will get through this second treatment and there is much to enjoy.
And, at the top of my list are my 2 children and 4 grandchildren.
Sincere best wishes.

Many thanks for this encouragemen, and, very timely. We have first appt today with the urologist. Thank you!

@jwoy, how did the appointment go? Where will your husband be getting radiation treatment?

We saw hus local urologist last week, recieved good info and felt reassured. He scheduled John for a PET scan (today) and a Radiation Onc on 8/14 to get their opinion. As the Urologist explained a PSA at .25 is a concern because its rising but is still low and his advice is to recheck in 3 months to measure doubling time. But based on what shows on the scan the radiologist may advise some radiation or to also watch the doubling time. We will see what they suggest on the 14th. Our preference is to stay close to home for treatment. The urology team expressed confidence in the Rad Onc MD he is scheduled with. Will know more in a couple of weeks.