A New Chapter

Hi,

Today (Tuesday) I had my 6 month review with my oncologist.  She was satisfied with my progress as my PSA had only risen to 0.356 from 0.136, when I last saw her in December.  The disappointing news was that she thought the effects of my Hormone Treatment (stopped last August) may last for anything up to another 18 months, as a recent testosterone test showed my levels were only 0.3, when the normal range is anything between 7 and 31. 

The side effects of the HT are still very much still with me and I'm sure it's the reason why I lack the motivation to do things sometimes.  Having said that, I would still recommend RT and HT as a treatment option as some seem to have much greater problems following surgery.

At least I'm still here and have a lot to be grateful for.

Steve

Edited by member 14 Jun 2017 at 01:14  | Reason: Not specified

Hi,

I have not posted for a while but wanted to update my situation.

I had my latest PSA results this week and was a little shocked by the increase in the figures. 

I usually have the test done every three months and have found that the figure has risen in every test since my low point of 0.027 in December 2015.  It has been a gradual rise, with the figure reaching 0.356 in June this year.  With this test, I expected the figure to be around 0.5 but was shocked to learn that the figure has gone up to 0.910 this time.  At that rate of rise, the figure could be close to 1.50 by the time I see my oncologist in December.  She did say in June that she would consider restarting hormone treatment if the figure went over 2.10 as it probably meant that the curative treatment may have failed if that happened.

I feel as if, all of a sudden, I might soon be facing the prospect of the cancer being incurable.  I feel very uncertain about my future survival, in much the same way as I did when I was first diagnosed just over three years old.

Steve

Edited by member 08 Sep 2017 at 14:09  | Reason: Not specified

Hi Steve, Sorry your readings are rising like this. Are you now going to arrange seeing your oncologist or a specialist nurse before December?

As Arthur has said I am sure the oncologists will have a treatment plan in mind. Hopefully whatever they decide to do will knock your PSA back into submission. On another note thank you for your reply to the message I sent you a few weeks ago. It was very much appreciated and helpful. I did reply but was told your private message inbox was full!

All best wishes, Ian. 

Sorry to hear of the PSA rise. If the rise is as you expect in December I would suggest asking for a PET/CT Scan or similar to pinpoint the area of concern, but let hope it is a blip.

All the best

Roy

Disappointing to hear about the rise but as others have said there will be options. Take care of yourself and stay positive.

Thanks Chris

Hi Steve,
I would start asking for monthly PSA tests, not sure of your Gleason score your Onco will advise you when / if you should look at going back on HT,
I was on 2/3 monthly tests and my PSA was going up to 1.70 when it suddenly went down to 1.40 , they then said we will put you on four monthly tests as your PSA has gone down, I did think then that is the F@@@@@G kiss of death and I was right four months later PSA 3.02 and had a scan spread to bones , be careful
Barry

PS I am now lining up early Chemo six sessions {based on Stampede results} and back on HT but it was hard work getting Onco to look at this treatment path.