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Increasing PSA level

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User
Posted 16 Dec 2023 at 20:49

I had news this week from my Surgical Specialist Nurse telling me for the second test in a row my PSA levels are increasing. Tests in Oct 23 and 06/12/2023. The nurse had also told me after the previous test I may need to consider radiotherapy if December test increased. Following my appointment this week an further appointment was made with my surgeon for next week. Unfortunately due to the junior Dr's strike this appoint has now been cancelled. This is worrying to me and my family as we want a forward plan ASAP. Please note: I fully support the junior Dr's claim for higher wages and firmly put the blame our current Government for not settling this dispute. My concerns with radiotherapy are that I am already been treated for symptoms akin to IBS via my GP and I understand radiotherapy in certain patients can cause IBS type issues.  

User
Posted 16 Dec 2023 at 23:08

Cuthbert,I had what I think are typical bowel issues after salvage RT, loose motions, erratic motions, mucus ,wet trumps etc. I also had blood in the motions which was checked out and confirmed no cancer. 


Once the side effects had calmed down after quite a few months my bowel habits were far better than pre SRT.


Thanks Chris 


 

User
Posted 17 Dec 2023 at 12:59

Thanks Chris that sounds promising regarding your recovery. Now keen to crack on and get a treatment plan in place sooner rather than later. 

User
Posted 30 Dec 2023 at 11:22
Hi Cuthbert1,

The being in limbo is worrying isn't it and often over shadows everything else.

It may well be they propose a scan first before undertaking radiotherapy (RT) with or without Hormone Therapy (HT). When / if it comes to having RT they would be mindful of your IBS and seek to avoid the bowel as much as possible typically making sure your bowel was empty before each treatment.

It might be you can have a Hydrogel Spacer injected to protect the bowel. It is sometimes used when RT is the primary treatment. Not sure though when RT is the secondary treatment after have had radical prostectomy (RP). Something to ask when you do get your treatment plan underway.

Good luck
Mike
User
Posted 30 Dec 2023 at 12:26

Hi Cuthbert,


The side effects of RT seem to be different for everyone….it really depends on your plumbing! I had 20 sessions of RT in the Prostate and Seminal Vesicles and only had minor side effects, occasionally losing control of bowel movements a couple of times whilst out walking,  but these subsided quickly. I should have had 39 sessions to treat the pelvic area as well but the Onco was concerned about high risk of collateral damage to the bowel. So, things might have been different but then again I now have the worry that I did not have the optimum treatment given my diagnosis.


HT also seems to affect men differently, some have few side effects, others (like me🤣🤣🤣) seem to get everything going!


All the best for your treatment!


Derek

User
Posted 30 Dec 2023 at 12:39
Hi Derek,

It used to be the case that 39 fractions was the norm and there are still some cases where is still given. 20 higher dose fractions seems to have largely replaced the 39 protocol. I am aware that in a few cases provided where RT was given extra dose can be administered after either but I have never heard of 39 and 20 fractions being given. Was that indeed what was contemplated even?
Barry
User
Posted 30 Dec 2023 at 20:35

Hi Barry,


My PSA was 36 at diagnosis T3BN0M0. I was given 2 choices:


20 sessions to treat the Prostate and Seminal Vesicles
39 sessions to treat the Prostate, Seminal Vesicles and the Pelvic area


Although they would not decide for me, the impression I got from the Onco was that he was pointing me towards the latter treatment because he though there was a chance of spread which had not been detected in scans etc.
It was at my CT Planning scan that they discovered that a portion of my bowel was in the wrong place for treating the pelvic area and there would be too much risk of permanent damage to the bowel.


Cheers,


Derek

User
Posted 03 Jan 2024 at 00:03

Thanks for taking time to reply. Still in limbo regarding my consultants appointment.

User
Posted 03 Jan 2024 at 00:05

Thanks for finding the time to reply. Useful knowledge. Still awaiting my new consultant appointment date following cancellation due to the Dr's strike.

 
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