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ADT and rising PSA
I could have added this to my previous discussions of “PSA Wrong Direction” but felt this is important enough for its own thread.
A couple of things I’ve learned since I started that first discussion in December:
1. If you are on ADT, your PSA is NOT SUPPOSED TO RISE!
If your PSA starts going in the wrong direction, even if it is a minimal increase, as mine was, DO NOT listen to the conventional wisdom of…
“It’s probably just a “minor bounce” or “lab variance” or “inflammation from radiation”. We’ll check it again in a few months”.
If you are on ADT, your PSA is NOT SUPPOSED TO RISE!
INSIST on monthly PSA testing immediately. Had I done so last December, the flare up on my spine would have been caught sooner, treated sooner, and I might still be able to walk normally and sleep through the night. Instead, it’s six months later and I don’t even start treatment until next week. It’s a $60 test. DEMAND it. If it turns out to be nothing, no harm, no foul. But if you can catch something earlier, maybe it can be treated before it hurts.
PSA:
4/21/25 - 30.11
6/7/25 - start ADT
7/9/25 - 0.55
8/26/25 - 0.19
10/2025 - IMRT
12/3/25 - 0.23
3/17/26 - 8.80
4/1/26 - 10.29
5/18/26 – 14.90
And…
2. Prostatic Adenocarcinoma is a very slow growing cancer…until it isn’t.
That is all…Don’t make my mistake.
Enjoy your day!
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I'm so sorry to hear that. Did you end up completely paralyzed, or can you still walk with a cane or walker?
Also, are you taking an ARSI (like a -lutamide or Abiraterone) together with the ADT? It can make a big difference.
@northoftheborder - Hi north...not paralyzed thankfully. Cane required some days, some days I can manage without it. I just have to remember to walk with reduced stride, you know, like the old man shuffle. Getting up out of a chair is becoming a challenge at times. Have to right the ship before that first step. Getting zapped next week so hopefully it'll knock out the pain, and I can start to recover.
I've been on Orgovyx and Nubeqa since June 2025 so have always had an ARSI with ADT.
Thanks for asking!
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1 Reaction@mjp0512 If you're seeing a physio, consider asking for exercises to help develop your hip abductors and adductors. They helped me a lot with balance when I was learning to walk again, especially once I started trying without the cane.
After spinal damage, you don't necessarily ever get all your nerves back, so you end up overtraining some muscles to compensate for the ones that no longer work as well.
Best of luck!
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3 ReactionsHi, Brother!
Hang in there, praying for your health!
Did I understand correctly that your PSA didn't drop to an unnoticeable level? That's one.
And two, have you tried taking some mushrooms? That's two.