PSA results after radiation only treatments

Your results can vary, bouncing around a little is not unusual. Unless it consistently goes up three times in a row it is not considered to be an issue.

Yes, better that your anxiety and fear come out in written form than allowing it to eat away at your body. Keep expressing yourself, it also encourages/helps others…

2010 Proton Radiation at Loma Linda, a pioneer in proton radiation therapy. 2.5 months of weekday sessions.
Prior: Gleason 3 plus 3; PSA: 6.43 Two biopsies indicating slow growth cancer in one of the lobes. Scan validated location and growth. For about 7 years, PSA was under 1.0 (usually much less); then about 2017 began to rise to the current 4.10. May 2024 showed PSA 4.63, so there has been some reduction in PSA. I had an MRI which showed the possibility of cancerous cells, but nothing absolute. The key decision markers are increasing the velocity of PSA. Testing now every six months. Prostate cancer is so very common in men, especially in their 60's and 70's. Most men will die not because of prostate cancer, but of something else. The strategic thought here is the velocity or the increase in PSA over a specified time.

You should be getting a PSMA PET test to see if there is cancer anywhere in your body, including the prostate.

I don’t see you mentioning get a PET test, and with the high PSA you have that is really the standard for finding out if you have a problem.

You're in a good place with excellent providers. Did you have a PSMA Pet Scan? My PSA went 0.24 x 2 after prostatectomy 8 yrs ago. Scan was neg but RO radiated the prostate bed x 35 times. That was 1.5 yrs ago. PSA was not detectable after and has remained there. I did not receive any medication, Urologist said if anyone was a candidate NOT to receive it, it would be me. You're in good hands

@bettwils16
Not sure if your reply was to me but will answer.

When I got my biopsies back (MRI/Fusion) I was referred to R/O. R/O wanted to do radiation and hormones. R/O recommended additional test the Decipher and bone scan. Decipher came back low risk not intermediate risk opinion from biopsies. Bone scan came back negative.

Second R/O I went to for second opinion agreed with diagnosis and treatment but wanted to add PSMA. That too came back negative. Thus no medication. The medication does not kill the cancer only slows the growth.

One thing I found unique to UFHPTI was there research on supplements. Their research showed that specific supplements do in fact protect cells from oxidation and damage. Problem is that same protection goes for the cancer cells as well as normal cells.

I am a supplemental freak and had to stop taking specific supplements until 6 weeks after treatments ended. During treatments I was asked to add straight cranberry juice to help keep down urinary infections. Was horrible taste so they let me take a capsule.

Supplements: Completed proton radiation therapy in mid 2010 at Loma Linda Children's Hospital..now the name has been changed. Loma Linda was one of the pioneers of proton radiation therapy for children with brain cancer.

It has been 15 years since completion and a couple of years ago my PSA began to rise. As most know, PSA increases can mean many things; but, moreover, with age, PSA "naturally" increases.

With 15 years of research, reading, and other activities, one becomes relatively "informed" about this disease. Along the way, I found an article or two that recommended LYCOPENE, which states on the label: "supports prostate & heart health." It is sold on Amazon by Puritans Pride (but there are others). Do your research or ask your physician. Does it work? Changes in PSA or velocity are indicators of the growth of the disease. My PSA was beginning to rise after 15 years. For the year I have taken this supplement, not much change, Always do your own research. Eat healthy, maintain an exercise plan and know as much as possible about this disease which affect one out of seven men in America. Cheers/RH-Florida

@westernflyer
Was on Lycopene for heart health so good to know helps prostate also. I totally agree with your suggestions of; eat healthy, maintain an exercise plan. I would add hobbies that can reduce stress and anxiety.

Regarding you mentioning Puritan Pride. You can go on their web site and get some great deals. Right now they are offering buy 1 get 2 free or buy 2 get 4 free. I have been using PP since 1990s. I also use Life Extension, Qunol, which have some great values if you become members.

As you mentioned should always coordinate with your doctors before taking supplements.

@jc76 My nadir PSA was 1.4. I was at 1.05 a month ago and I too, get tested every 3 months. MY RO told me that if my PSA went up 2 points there might be a problem. She also said I would have to consider another form of non-radiation treatment, if I did need treatment again.

Ben, my friend completed Cyberknife one year ago….doing great. His RO told him that if his PSA rises to retreatment levels, he could still do brachytherapy. This was at Sloan as well.