Rising PSA years after radical prostatectomy

PSA 9.8 then Xtandi PSA 1.7 then 2.3 and now 3.0 three month intervals

Should I be concerned

Hi,
There is so much variability in the world of PSA numbers. Then we try to analyze a lab result to the nearest hundredth. Results can vary from lab to lab, the time of day of the test, what you did yesterday or even the day before. Results from your normal labs do a regular test, not a sensitive one. Therefore their PSA test only reports down to 0. If your level is below that, then it’s reported as undetectable.
Sincere my surgery in Jan. 2022, I’ve been tested every three months with a variety of reports. At 74, I’ve decided to cling loosely to my death, for there-in you find life. Best wishes with you PSA management and health.

<p>Rising PSA years after radical prostatectomy</p><p>Radical Prostatectomy surgery was in July 2020. PSA test results were less than .01 through Feb 2022. Then, Jan 2023 .04, Mar 2023 .05 and Aug 2023 .08</p><p>My Dr said (text message only) my two choices are radiation at the prostate area or wait until I am at .2 and then do a PED</p><p>I thought his response was way too cryptic and I am now searching for more information on my own.</p><p>I am healthy 63 year old male</p>

<p>Rising PSA years after radical prostatectomy</p><p>Radical Prostatectomy surgery was in July 2020. PSA test results were less than .01 through Feb 2022. Then, Jan 2023 .04, Mar 2023 .05 and Aug 2023 .08</p><p>My Dr said (text message only) my two choices are radiation at the prostate area or wait until I am at .2 and then do a PED</p><p>I thought his response was way too cryptic and I am now searching for more information on my own.</p><p>I am healthy 63 year old male</p>

Your numbers are low, so you fall in the category of early detection = many options. Definitely do your research and self-education and put focus into biochemical recurrence. Generally speaking, at least one prostate cell (or already cancerous prostate cell) remained in your body and it is slowly growing and shedding the antigen to give these PSA results. With this new found knowledge, you will be much better equipped to make an informed decision as to whether you need a new doctor, but in general you will need a health team.

Depending on the pathology from your surgery, Gleason score, decipher test, and genetic testing, that will create a solid foundation for next steps. Usually next steps would lean into imaging (bone/mri/ct), and while a PSMA PET scan will certainly give you the best input, your insurance may require a sequential approach. Some online videos of PSMA PET scan indicate doctors like to wait until the PSA is higher so that the test has more of a marker to find.

The cancer cells could be in the prostate bed area, it could have spread to one or a few regions elsewhere. You are in an excellent position to go the route of education, advocate, and make a decision, remember, you are at the point of many options, and the most important option is to live life to the fullest.

Sending all good thoughts.

<p>Rising PSA years after radical prostatectomy</p><p>Radical Prostatectomy surgery was in July 2020. PSA test results were less than .01 through Feb 2022. Then, Jan 2023 .04, Mar 2023 .05 and Aug 2023 .08</p><p>My Dr said (text message only) my two choices are radiation at the prostate area or wait until I am at .2 and then do a PED</p><p>I thought his response was way too cryptic and I am now searching for more information on my own.</p><p>I am healthy 63 year old male</p>

<p>Rising PSA years after radical prostatectomy</p><p>Radical Prostatectomy surgery was in July 2020. PSA test results were less than .01 through Feb 2022. Then, Jan 2023 .04, Mar 2023 .05 and Aug 2023 .08</p><p>My Dr said (text message only) my two choices are radiation at the prostate area or wait until I am at .2 and then do a PED</p><p>I thought his response was way too cryptic and I am now searching for more information on my own.</p><p>I am healthy 63 year old male</p>