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Post RP and SRT journey - July 3023 PSA test update

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User

Posted 18 Jul 2019 at 11:22

I’m not sure what the answer to that question is. I agree with you having more frequent tests for now. My PSA went from undetectable to 0.3 in three months so I’m also a wuss about extending time between tests.

Ido4

User

Posted 11 Aug 2019 at 16:09

I've just stumbled on this thread and read through a good chunk of it. I had RP in April 2015. Slightly elevated PSA result in July last year and up to 0.2 this January. I was a bit surpriosed how quickly I went on to salvage RT. I delayed taking daily Bicalutamide and deferred treatment until May as I was well into training for a fast time at the London Marathon. Unfortunately I had a problem with sciatica and had to stop running in March. Decided to do the marathon anyway and plodded to the finish in 3'45 and £1400 raiused for PCUK.

Anyway, completed RT on 25th June. I survived that part surprisingly well and managed to cycle 12 miles each way to hospital or drive and walk the last 2 miles every day.

I managed to do the 75 miles Great Western Ride 3 weeks after completion of the RT with no real problems. But since then I have been feeling increasingly weak and I am finding it increasingly hard to do any exercise.

I wonder if this is due to the effects of the hormone therapy as I seem to be suffering more and more of the nasty side effects of Bicalutamide and Tamoxifen. I'm 31/2 months into the HT and have another 21/2 months to go. Today was another low point. Before treament I was running 10-15 miles at sub 7 min/mile but today I struggled through 4 miles at close to 11 min/mie.

I was slightly disappointed that my post-treatment PSA cam back as 0.1 - I was lead to beleive that it would be back to undetectible.

So, any comments on how long it will be before I can start to rebuild my fitness? And should I be concened about my PSA level?

Hoping to see my oncologist this week.

User

Posted 11 Aug 2019 at 16:35

Did they do any scans before salvage radiotherapy? If PSA is 0.1 and not <0.1 I would suggest repeat tests to confirm. Very stressful time for you.

Unfortunately HT does case fatigue and a reduction in fitness but it will benefit you greatly to keep exercising as you probably know. There are plenty men here who found their times and distances were poorer while on HT.

Ido4

User

Posted 11 Aug 2019 at 21:54

It could be any one of a number of reasons. As Ian suggests, you need more tests to get a trend. You may also need to check dosage rates and timing as if these are off that can have an effect. Keep going with the fitness and keep as positive as you can.

User

Posted 11 Aug 2019 at 22:43

The RT can cause PSA to rise temporarily; you won’t see your lowest reading (the nadir) until about 18 months after the treatment finished. Some oncos would have discouraged you from even having a PSA test at this point; it is much too soon to be indicative of anything.

Bicalutimide side effects hit some men harder than others, particularly the really fit guys. John couldn’t stand it and gave up early ... not to be recommended but so far he seems to have got away with it. At least bicalutimide is out of your system quite quickly; you will regain your fitness eventually.

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

User

Posted 11 Aug 2019 at 23:31

Was just writing a reply, but Lyn said most of it so i deleted that part!

The RT doesn't kill all the cancer cells immediately, but it should have left the DNA in the remaining cancer cells sufficiently faulty that they cannot multiply anymore. Some will still live for a while before they die. This is sometimes referred to as the cooking time and that is up to 18 months for prostate cells. Your PSA nadir is when they finally die.

User

Posted 13 Aug 2019 at 08:50

Thanks for the re-assuring replies guys. Off to the oncologist this afternoon. :-)

User

Posted 13 Aug 2019 at 17:58

Back from the Oncologist. He suggested coming off the HT as it appears to be causing a few problems and the potential benefits are uncertain. I've now got to wait 6 months to get another PSA test and see whats happening then. I should be pleased but I'm currently feeling a bit flat. I'm sure I'll feel better later! Off to test myself on a 10 mile TT. :-)

User

Posted 13 Aug 2019 at 17:59

User

Posted 13 Aug 2019 at 21:52

Hi Pete

Regarding your deferall of HT - did you discuss the risks and consequences with your consultants as part of that decision?

User

Posted 16 Aug 2019 at 17:02

I'm fed up.

I attended the funeral of a friend (two months younger than me) last week who died of cancer.

Not sure how I can get through the next few weeks other than by just accepting the worry and fear and press on.

I hate cancer.

Edited by member 04 Sep 2020 at 13:30 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 16 Aug 2019 at 20:42

Well you have made a start by sticking it up here, now open a bottle plan something nice for the weekend and eat chocolate!

User

Posted 17 Aug 2019 at 08:42

Pete - sorry to hear about your wife - fingers crossed it’ll be something uncomplicated to resolve. As I get older, I notice more and more conversations revolve around health. Part of life, I suppose.

i hope you can find some peace during this time.

Ulsterman

User

Posted 17 Aug 2019 at 11:44

We’re all with you. Hopefully, despite the problems your wife has it will be non cancer related and very treatable.

I echo your sentiments about cancer, it’s a siht.

Ido4

User

Posted 17 Aug 2019 at 16:08

Cheers folks

User

Posted 29 Sep 2019 at 16:20

Update

Wifey is still in the system and no news yet.

I am getting PSA axiety a month out which is further out than normal. I think it is because it is a much longer gap between tests so I feel like it has been a long time not knowing.

Due to extreme work stress I have been drinking too much and that really does not help because it sends my anxiety through the roof. I have committed to not drinking for as long as possible.

User

Posted 29 Sep 2019 at 17:25

Thanks for the update PP. The system seems to take a long time. I hope your wife is ok.

Sorry to hear work is causing stress.

PSA anxiety is hellish. My next test is Thursday 3/10 so won’t know result until a week later.

Take care.

Ido4

User

Posted 31 Oct 2019 at 09:43

Blood draw tomorrow.

Results Wednesday.

Bum squeaking like mad.

User

Posted 31 Oct 2019 at 09:49

Fingers crossed mate

Bri

User

Posted 31 Oct 2019 at 10:04

Got more crossed that that 😂😂

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