I'm interested in conversations about and I want to talk about
Know exactly what you want?
Show search

Notification

Error

PSA level and Cabazitaxel

User
Posted 19 Jun 2019 at 13:54

Hi everyone

My husband Sean (age 53) was diagnosed with advance PC with mets to the bones and liver in December 17. 6 rounds of docetaxol and continued Zoladex every 3 months. PSA dropped to 3 at the end of his chemo in June 18.

It rose back up to 29 by Jan 19 and he went back on chemo, this time Cabazitaxel, and he is having 10 rounds of this. He's just completed his seventh round and the latest PSA test has come back at 31, after being 29, then down to 19.

Obviously we are both really concerned about this. We don't see the consultant for another few weeks. I know this isn't a good sign in terms of his cancer progression, I just wondered if anyone had experienced similar.

It's so difficult to deal with isn't it? I feel like I don't know what to do with myself other than trying to remain positive and calm. He is very calm on the surface, but I'm unsure what he is feeling inside.

Thanks

Elaine x

User
Posted 22 Jun 2019 at 15:27

Elaine,

I'm just bumping this up for you, but a suggestion...

Do you have an assigned oncology specialist nurse (possibly a Macmillan nurse)? If so, call them and have a chat (or arrange to pop in and see them). They might be able to help with more information, or possibly get you an earlier appointment, or refer you to someone who can provide support. Another possibility is call the PCUK nurses, number at the top of this page.

User
Posted 22 Jun 2019 at 16:04
Sometimes the PSA rises during chemo and some oncos ask patients not to have PSA tests during or for a short time after, because the levels can be misleading.

Think of it as the cells screaming as they die.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 22 Jun 2019 at 17:00

Lyn, is the screaming what could be happening in my case? Lymphedema by the way is a huge problem. 

User
Posted 22 Jun 2019 at 20:42
Hi Bazza,

from 19 up to 90 is a bit of a stretch, even if they are screaming loudly, but it does make any attempt to calculate your doubling time unreliable.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

 
Forum Jump  
©2024 Prostate Cancer UK