PSA Rise - cause for concern? - Worried about symptoms - Prostate Cancer UK Online Community

User

Posted 17 Jun 2015 at 07:37

My PSA was undetectable (< 0.02) for 18 months post RP but in December 2014 my result came back at 0.03......in March it had risen to 0.04 and in April had another rise to 0.06 (doubled in 4 months). The latest test earlier this month was 0.05. The specialist nurse told me there is nothing to worry about and they wouldn't consider a referal unless it reached 0.1 but I have read on the site that it is as much the doubling time you have to watch as the PSA result itself. I appreciate my results remain very low and I am greatful for that but as a G9/T3 patient I am really concerned about any changes however small.

Is the doubling of my PSA significant given the very low levels being reported?

User

Posted 17 Jun 2015 at 16:23

Hi Andrew. I don't know enough about PSA to comment but I notice you posted early this morning and there hasn't been a reply yet so "bumping" your post for you.

The only thing i could think of was the stricture was only dealt with at the beginning of the month so perhaps the raise is more related to stress in the bladder/prostate area?

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails

User

Posted 17 Jun 2015 at 16:58

Hi Andrew

You will of course worry for after all it is your life. You answer your own thoughts - doubling in time at low numbers is not so significant. However T3 G9 does add to the significance You will of course keep having those tests.

PCa journey comes with its twists and turns. Lets hope your next twist turns into a brighter outlook

Ray

User

Posted 17 Jun 2015 at 18:38

Hi Andrew

These are miniscule rises particularly with the last one dropping. Don't get me wrong, I would also worry if mine started creeping up. However, there have been a few posts on this subject.

Variances can occur at such small levels. Lyn posted her OH's oncologist stated that a reading between 0.02-0.05 (I think) can be the same.

I would wait gor your next test to see what's happening. They won't do anything with a PSA so low. My oncol told me if my PSA rose they wouldn't intervene until it reached the 20's...not that I would agree with that

Bri

User

Posted 17 Jun 2015 at 19:05

Hi Andrew,

I want to add to the comments given above by Ray and Brian, which I agree with.

One thing I would add to the mix for you to consider is that as your results are so specific, to 2 decimal places, are they the "Super Sensitive tests"? I would think it likely that there would be more leeway in the result for allowing for the machine used the dish used and the lab used etc. As I understand it for comparison, the samples have to be measured on the same machine, and I don't know what other factors might influence the result? Room temperature, for example?

My post-op results were given to 2 decimal places with one lab for the first year, but are now given to 1 decimal pace and thankfully are all at 0.1.

If I were you, I would be concerned, who wouldn't be, and I would ask for an explanation from your GP to put your mind at rest, if nothing else?

No one will mind your understandable anxiety about this matter.

atb

dave

All we can do - is do all that we can.

So, do all you can to help yourself, then make the best of your time. :-)

I am the statistic.

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User

Posted 17 Jun 2015 at 16:23

Hi Andrew. I don't know enough about PSA to comment but I notice you posted early this morning and there hasn't been a reply yet so "bumping" your post for you.

The only thing i could think of was the stricture was only dealt with at the beginning of the month so perhaps the raise is more related to stress in the bladder/prostate area?

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails

User

Posted 17 Jun 2015 at 16:58

Hi Andrew

PCa journey comes with its twists and turns. Lets hope your next twist turns into a brighter outlook

Ray

User

Posted 17 Jun 2015 at 18:38

Hi Andrew

These are miniscule rises particularly with the last one dropping. Don't get me wrong, I would also worry if mine started creeping up. However, there have been a few posts on this subject.

Variances can occur at such small levels. Lyn posted her OH's oncologist stated that a reading between 0.02-0.05 (I think) can be the same.

Bri

User

Posted 17 Jun 2015 at 19:05

Hi Andrew,

I want to add to the comments given above by Ray and Brian, which I agree with.

My post-op results were given to 2 decimal places with one lab for the first year, but are now given to 1 decimal pace and thankfully are all at 0.1.

If I were you, I would be concerned, who wouldn't be, and I would ask for an explanation from your GP to put your mind at rest, if nothing else?

No one will mind your understandable anxiety about this matter.

atb

dave

All we can do - is do all that we can.

So, do all you can to help yourself, then make the best of your time. :-)

I am the statistic.

User

Posted 26 Nov 2015 at 17:00

Well my PSA continued to rise and reached 0.13 earlier this month which means it's doubled since the summer and significant enough for Addenbrookes to refer me back to Oncology. I have been dreading the conversation - whilst thoughts about PCa are rarely far from my mind going back to Oncology to discuss treatment options again after 2 1/2 years really brought it all back in to sharp focus and I have been worried sick for the past month. Anyway the meeting with the Consultant went pretty well today - he was very reassuring and is still talking about RT as a possible cure albeit with 50/50 chance of success but I'll take those odds any day. Fortunately he is not in any hurry to start and is planning 4 weeks of RT to start in January which means I can relax over the Christmas holiday. I'll have an MRI in December which he does not think will show up anything or alter the treatment plan.

So the next part of my journey continues in January...happy new year!

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