Its still only a number

User

Posted 13 Oct 2015 at 19:33

Hi all,haven't been on for a while,tried to revive an old post from last year but it wouldn't let me,so the history is, after a radical prostectamy by means of da vinci in July 2013,my psa was undetectable at <0.01,last Summer it went up to <0.06 a mri scan was had,nothing found and then subsequent test's it went back to <0.01 until now,its up to 0.12,what a merry go round,another test and appointment in early December with another MRI in between.Its only a number,yeah right.

User

Posted 14 Oct 2015 at 05:32

not sure if you are pleased or angry, yep it is just a number but it is what our lives are all about hospitals and numbers obviously the lower the better, mine was 0.19 and I will settle for same after my next check on Tuesday, but I will have to see what the chemo has done also as have my 2nd dose next Thursday, the worst number we could be given is when our numbers up

nidge

run long and prosper

'pooh how do you spell love'

'piglet you dont spell love -you just feel it'

User

Posted 14 Oct 2015 at 07:20

Hi Barrie,

Those numbers are still very low which is good. My history and post op PSA results are similar to yours. I am less concerned about the numbers though, finally got my head around what is worth worrying about and what is not. Hope you get to that stage?

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 14 Oct 2015 at 09:10

Hi Barrie
I remember your post about the fluctuating PSA last year. Hopefully come December it will have dropped again.
Fingers crossed for you mate

Bri

User

Posted 14 Oct 2015 at 13:51

Barrie
I'm sure you've checked this but have they got this right eg did a receptionist give you the numbers. It just seems rather unusual to have risen so significantly in four months

Bri

User

Posted 14 Oct 2015 at 20:47

Hi all again,Brian the consultant had the figure up on a computer screen when I walked in.

Its confused them again after being undetectable since August last year.

Nidge not angry at all just see things as they are.

Dave,not unduly worried,but saying that we wouldn't keep going back for them if not important.

User

Posted 05 Dec 2015 at 20:17

MRI scan all clear and the PSA is down to <0.01 again,its got to be the lab which is producing the higher number.

Next test in 4 months again.

Edited by member 05 Dec 2015 at 20:18 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 05 Dec 2015 at 20:42

Hello Barrie. Well it's only a number but this time a confirmed good number. Let's hope it stays that way

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

User

Posted 05 Dec 2015 at 20:57

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

MRI scan all clear and the PSA is down to <0.01 again,its got to be the lab which is producing the higher number.

Next test in 4 months again.

That's very good news for you Barrie....

Very strange why you are getting these fluctuations in PSA levels.... no matter what Lab is used, surely if calibration is within limits and even allowing for variation and repeatability errors it should not make that much difference? .....unless there is someone not carrying out the correct testing procedure of course ..... very difficult to nail that one down.... What are the medics explanation?

Main thing is that you are now down to < 0.01 again....

Enjoy your Christmas..

Luther

User

Posted 05 Dec 2015 at 21:29

BarrieM,

It has been explained to me both here and by Medical professionals that the choice of Lab can be critical, and the choice of machine in that lab can also be critical. When the measurements are so sensitive even allowing for tolerances, for consistency you need to have your sample tested on the same machine in the same lab, unless it has been re-calibrated, in which case you start with "new levels" all over again.

Different machines, different makes of machine from different manufacturers, a dish that is not thoroughly cleaned or sterilised, would probably all affect your sample when tested?

Maybe someone with more expertise will come along and hopefully reassure you?

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 06 Dec 2015 at 12:21

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

MRI scan all clear and the PSA is down to <0.01 again,its got to be the lab which is producing the higher number.

Next test in 4 months again.

They can only put it down to the test equipment,if there was something amiss then they would expect to see some consistency in the higher figure's.

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