Recurrent Prostate Cancer

User

Posted 02 Jul 2026 at 03:02

Hubby had op, left with positive margins. Told cancer free at review. We knew better than to believe that statement but hoped. Reached 1year testing and PSA had started moving up :( 0.05 now 0.13. We've had an appt with urologist and back again in 3months. Wondering as there's not much to read about stages, symptoms and treatment options if anyone has advice. Also why are we still seeing the urologist and not the oncology department? Plus whilst on my search for info I saw treatment for positive margins??

Thanks for reading, we know these are low readings, so trying not to stress just be prepared..Take care ; )

User

Posted 02 Jul 2026 at 09:54

Hi,

I have just read your bio and felt a great sense of deja vu.

My journey started in 23 as well and I felt the same frustrations as you and your partner. Having opted for surgery at the beginning of November the surgeon told me he would put me on the list and to expect the operation in January. I eventually had my operation on the 9th April 24 and only after I had started badgering the hospital. Unfortunately I had EPE which I can't help but wonder if the delay caused it to break out. My pathology also showed a focal positive margin so I have a high risk of recurrence.

To date my psa is undetectable but I have the dreaded psa anxiety with my next test being next week.

All the best.

Mel

User

Posted 02 Jul 2026 at 10:13

Hi Ricochetsmum,

I am in a similar situation but a little bit further along. I had the op in June 2024 and my PSA has slowly increased from 0.02 to 0.21. The stage you are at of 0.13 means IF there is spread then the tumour is too small to be picked up on a scan. I was told that the earliest they can see any new tumour is in excess of 0.20.

From 0.02 through the many tests to 0.21; I was under Urology. With the latest increase to 0.21, I was given a PET CT Scan, which thankfully found nothing. However, I was then handed from Urology to Oncology. Going forward my PSA tests will be handled by Oncology. At the first meeting with Oncology we discussed Salvage Radiation Therapy. Unfortunately, I have a condition called Ulcerative Colitis, which means that hormone and radiation to my bowel area would cause me severe side effects. Given this, it was decided to keep testing my PSA at quarterly periods. If the PSA rises about 0.5 then I will have another scan in the hopes of finding the tumour and then have treatment to that specific area and possibly avoiding my bowel.

I am no doctor and the above is just my journey and what I found out along the way. If anything is inaccurate then I am sure others will post and correct me. As you seem to be someone who prefers to know stuff I would recommend looking up SRT - there are a lot of good posts on here about the topic. From what I have read, and been told, it sounds like it's not as horrible as it sounds.

Here is hoping that you never get a result above 0.20, but if you do then I so pray that your journey through SRT is a short and effective one.

User

Posted 02 Jul 2026 at 15:08

You should be under an oncologist as soon as your PSA is not a "Less than".

The fact you had + margins is probably a reason to get salvage radiotherapy early as there is a pretty good chance the recurrence is where the margin was, especially so as it has come back pretty quickly.

Current thinking seems to be to do nothing until it gets to 0.2 and then re stage with PSMA PET or go straight to salvage radiotherapy

User

Posted 09 Jul 2026 at 04:38

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Hi Ricochetsmum,

I am in a similar situation but a little bit further along. I had the op in June 2024 and my PSA has slowly increased from 0.02 to 0.21. The stage you are at of 0.13 means IF there is spread then the tumour is too small to be picked up on a scan. I was told that the earliest they can see any new tumour is in excess of 0.20.

From 0.02 through the many tests to 0.21; I was under Urology. With the latest increase to 0.21, I was given a PET CT Scan, which thankfully found nothing. However, I was then handed from Urology to Oncology. Going forward my PSA tests will be handled by Oncology. At the first meeting with Oncology we discussed Salvage Radiation Therapy. Unfortunately, I have a condition called Ulcerative Colitis, which means that hormone and radiation to my bowel area would cause me severe side effects. Given this, it was decided to keep testing my PSA at quarterly periods. If the PSA rises about 0.5 then I will have another scan in the hopes of finding the tumour and then have treatment to that specific area and possibly avoiding my bowel.
I am no doctor and the above is just my journey and what I found out along the way. If anything is inaccurate then I am sure others will post and correct me. As you seem to be someone who prefers to know stuff I would recommend looking up SRT - there are a lot of good posts on here about the topic. From what I have read, and been told, it sounds like it's not as horrible as it sounds.

Here is hoping that you never get a result above 0.20, but if you do then I so pray that your journey through SRT is a short and effective one.

Thank you so much for sharing your journey, it’s incredibly helpful to hear from someone just a few steps ahead. The explanation about the 0.20 threshold for scans makes total sense and helps put the current 0.13 reading into perspective. Wishing you all the best on your upcoming quarterly tests, hope your numbers stay stable!

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