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First PSA test after radiation for intact prostate?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Dec 1 7:00pm | Replies (24)Comment receiving replies
My oncologist and radiologist have not specified a schedule for PSA testing following the IMRT completed 4 months ago, but expect it at the clinic visits every 2 to 3 months. The radiologist ordered a PSA halfway through the radiation treatment, and I have taken the initiative to have monthly tests, out of pocket if required, until a nadir is evident. Then I believe the schedule will be every 3 months according to the doctors' orders.
Replies to "My oncologist and radiologist have not specified a schedule for PSA testing following the IMRT completed..."
@overage
Most R/Os will do a PSA before beginning your radiation treatments to get a base line.
Doing a PSA half way in through your radiation treatments is not something UFHPTI or Mayo Jacksonville does. Why? Because your prostate is getting bombarded by radiation and going through damage and irritation. A PSA would not be a gauge of how well radiation treatments success until months after treatments end to see of PSA is going down from the baseline taken before radiation.
This comes from my UHPTI R/O, Mayo R/O, and my Mayo PCP not a medical statement by me. But I had asked about PSA test prior to my radiation and was told the above.
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@overage
Some people take up to three years before their PSA hits bottom after having radiation. Getting monthly test is nice, but maybe every three months would be sufficient if PSA continues to Go down. Be aware that it can bounce around a little so don’t be shocked if it goes up a little and back down in a little over time.