Rising PSA after 30 months

Hi Andy, that's an idea. I'll try and get a urine test. Definately not had a civid jab and pretty certain I've not had covid recently.

Thanks for the advice.

Thanks Elaine

My advice is to ask for a scan. I think doctors resist because scanners are in short supply and high demand. I demanded a scan when my PSA went up years after my radiation treatment. I was right, the cancer  had came back. See above. If the hospital says no to a scan, or some vague "wait and watch" cop-out then ask your GP to insist. The point is time is of the essence. 

Good luck.

Cheers,

Otto

Hi Geoff,

In my case, as I said above, I did have a scan (after asking) and the cancer had returned. Now, every three months I get a PSA test and phone call. My fear is that if PSA has shot up then it may have metastasized, so just in case I will scream for a scan. Because, if the news is bad  they can put me on some of these fancy drugs asap. It's an extreme case of catching it early.

In your case it may have returned, let's hope not, but if so let's hope it's still only local or, as in my case, local advanced. In either case you would need to be back on  Zoladex/Leuprorelin/Prostap, if you are not already.

I could write an essay on the effects of those ****ing drugs, but there seems to be no alternative. Everything they say about them (by that I mean everything you can find on google, not what the doctors warn you about): fatigue, mood changes, tinnitus, light/noise sensitivity, .... is true. 

Typical day:

morning: OK, use it well

afternoon: half zombie, irritable, have a nap.

evening: full zombie (television ....bed by 9.30)

Cheers,

Otto

I got a PSMA Pet scan last week and have an MRI booked for next week. My Onc has shown me the Pet scan and says there is one lymph node that may be have PCa cells in it but every other part of my body including prostate itself is clear. He needs the MRI to confirm the lymph finding but says my PSA rise could still be a bounce as the original biopsy showed a very low volume (<1%) 3+4, and therefore very unusual for there to be spread before the brachytherapy. He reckons he's seen a PSA of up to 15 in a bounce!

He also gave me some confidence by saying that if the lymph is cancerous they will treat it with radio therapy.

Just got to wait for MRI plus outcome of MDT meeting I guess.

I agree with you Elaine. I've read that PSMA is definitive, but according to the consultant there can be false positives and MRI is used to cross check.

I'll hold on to his assertion that if it cancer in the node it's a very early stage and he's confident it can be zapped!! Watch this space.

I hope it goes well for your Rob, Elaine. I've been told that for everyone involved in PCa it's best to try and see it as a chronic illness rather than cancer. I'm trying to do that but sometimes it isn't that easy.

I think waking up every day feeling good and positive  is so important to getting through this ordeal.

Ive had a good week, got my weight under control and went to see my physio about my aching, stiff joints. It was good to hear from him that I have very good strengh(for my age🤣🤣🤣). He has given me a gym routine to help build my muscle strength which I am quite confident will improve things. My wife has been through hell this year so last night I surprised her with an annual membership for the gym…it might sound a strange present for your wife, but she has been looking enviously at me heading off to the gym several times a week and she is absolutely delighted with it.😊

Currently having a new kitchen fitted….I can recommend DIY Kitchens, fantastic quality and price!

So…I keep myself busy and active and it helps keep my mind in a good place!

Derek