Rising PSA post RP

I finish my 33 Salvage Radiation sessions on 14th December and thankfully all has gone reasonably well. No serious side effects. Worst thing for me was the full bladder one must have whilst being microwaved by the Halo machine at the local hospital. You’re told to keep still when the radiographers leave the room ready for a blasting, but keeping still when the extreme urgency is telling one that you must pee is certainly easier said than done. Fellow sufferers were, of course, in the same situation and we often shared a smile and a laugh at our predicament. As Kevan told me, you do get to meet some great people during this process and the overwhelming feeling is to wish all and sundry every good wish in their continuing fight against PC. The staff at the hospital were superb and treated everyone with great kindness and professionalism. Thank you. The oncologist has given me a 1st March date to see her next, but she also told me that it would be better if I have my first PSA test, post SRT, in April, when I’m booked in to see the urologist. So, health permitting, I’ll try to stop worrying and enjoy Xmas and the New Year to the full. The same sentiment goes out to everyone who is battling to beat this nasty illness. A Merry Xmas and a Happy and HEALTHIER NEW Year to you ALL.

Just back from an extended stay in Spain (10 weeks) with my wife and a thoroughly enjoyable time was had by us both. Returned back in the UK on 28th February and was surprised at the icy conditions - brrrr! after recently experiencing the much warmer climes of the Mediterranean. Saw my lady Oncologist the next day who quizzed me on how I had been since finishing my SRT sessions on December 14. I was pleased to tell her that all had been relatively well with no real problems and, yes, I had over indulged at times and especially so over the Festive period. However, my next big hurdle is when I see my Urologist on 16th April. Prior to this appointment I will, of course, have had a PSA test which will reveal if the SRT has worked or not. Pessimistic me is not feeling over optimistic at the outcome but we live in hope.

However, she did ask me if I might be prepared to take part in a 5-year trial named ADD-ASPIRIN CLINICAL TRIAL. Apparently, a clinical trial is soon to begin where the humble aspirin is administered to PC (+ breast & bowel) sufferers to see if the drug might actually prevent the spread of the nasty illness. Selected PC patients will be given daily one of the following three treatments ... 1 x 30mg aspirin tablet, 1 x 10mg aspirin tablet, 1 x placebo tablet. After reading the accompanying literature I am a little reluctant to go ahead because one of the drugs I must not use whilst on the trial would be Iboprofen, a 400mg daily tablet I take which has helped my with my previous painful muscular problems. The fact that I might randomly and unknowingly be selected for the placebo tablet as an alternative to my Iboprofen is not in the least appealing. I have been informed that I am under no pressure whatsoever to take part in the trial, but being a person who would like to help in any trial then I am a little unsure as to how to proceed.

Any suggestions from anyone out there would be greatly appreciated, but I do realise that it will my decision in the end.

Hope all is as well as can be expected with fellow users on this very worthwhile site ...

Thanks, Lyn - once again I bow to your superior knowledge. The way the Add-Aspirin trial was explained to me I honestly felt it was a trail blazer. You have also educated me on the SRT. When I asked my Oncologist on 1st March what happens next should SRT have failed, she said they would, of course, continue to monitor my PSA and only if there was a dramatic rise would they then consider possible hormone therapy. As she said, so far it has been rising slowly and the longer they delay the therapy then the longer time it also gives me in combating the illness because, eventually, the cancer cells finds away around the hormone treatment.

How often would you expect to have PSA tests post SRT, one urologist said three monthly another said six monthly. My first two psa tests have been dropping.

Thanks Chris

Enjoy the good weather and forthcoming summer.😎.

Husband had his 2nd PSA test following his RARP last week so fingers crossed that's still good before we see the Consultant on 3rd May.

Best wishes

Ann

Edited by member 16 Apr 2018 at 10:47  | Reason: Not specified

Fantastic news - congratulations

All the best

Kevan