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DiscussionPost prostatectomy: What do rising PSA levels mean?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: May 26 4:55pm | Replies (188)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "@kujhawk1978,@dandl48, @colleenyoung, Thank you. Reading through your comments made feel better. I am waiting and praying..."
His doctor is "not wrong..." .3 is a low PSA, the challenge is if and when to treat. That requires data, multiple PSA tests over time to show a continuous upward trend, determine doubling and velocity times and enable imaging to locate recurrence...The contra to that is as PSA rises, it is more difficult to achieve a "cure" in say, SRT There is also a theory that says metastases are responsible for seeding new metastases that while initially no bone or organ involvement, the new metastases may now spread into the organs or bones, marking a new and more dangerous phase of the cancer. So, some say strike early and hard, reduce or limit the additional spread of metastases. Others say that is a false theory since some studies say it can take up to 8 years to see metastases thus just because you treated early doesn't mean you changed the course of the cancer. That's why clinical data is important, both past and present. In my case, GS 8, only 18 months to BCR and rapid doubling and velocity times were indicative of aggressive cancer and so we acted and treated aggressively. Those with less aggressive cancer as supported by clinical data may want to actively monitor and have decision points to implement treatment. If your husband's doubling and velocity time were 12 months or greater, hey, may not be any reason to treat. If they are three months or less, well, may be time to act. It's a heterogenous cancer, not homogeneous, inform yourself, obtain clinical data - PSA, Alk Phosphate, Imaging, symptoms, then make a shared decision with your medical team based on age, health, quality and quantity of life preferences.