He gave you an excellent answer. I had watched videos taken at symposiums about prostate cancer. The androgen deprivation therapy prior to radiation is believed to make the cancer cells more susceptible to the effects of radiation. Also, the side effects resulting from radical prostatectomy can be compounded with radiation therapy, and the combination can result in long-term side effects. They prefer the patient to have good urinary control prior to radiation treatment.
I had surgery about 17 months ago. My first PSA at about 6 weeks post surgery was < .04. That lasted for 9 months. It then went to .04. I went 3 months later and it is now .06. So, I go again in 3 months, and we will then talk about the future plan of action.
I'm not a medical professional.
I was disappointed when I saw my PSA go from less than to .04 then to .06. I am 17 months out of surgery. Any steady increase in PSA is always concerning. I plan on going on ADT for about 3 months then starting radiation. We'll see what the professionals think about my plan of action. I do not want to wait until I am .20 PSA. I will go at .10 as I had extra prostatic extension and Gleason 9.
Wishing you health.