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User
Posted 19 Jun 2014 at 17:38

I had my latest results last night and its come in at 0.03 again so had another blood test this morning, which the results should be known by Tuesday.The follow up last time was <0.01 so we are hoping the same again,if not then there will be a discussion at an MDT next Friday.If the follow up comes in again @ <0.01 then there is an anomaly with the testing procedure.The onco is still of the opinion that with the histology then there is no way it should be any thing but <0.01.

User
Posted 19 Jun 2014 at 21:04
I don't really understand why this is causing any concern Barry. Other uros and oncos would say yours has lost the plot, I think. Have you asked your onco if s/he is aware of all the research around PSA testing tolerance and machine noise? Are they doing the two tests on different machines?
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 19 Jun 2014 at 21:15

Thanks for the reply Lyn,its Barrie by the way,well obviously he's not happy with it,it may go to the MDT team and they could well say its no concern.What is the percentage between the two figures,any one know,I'm crap with maths.Not sure on the amount of machines being used its at the same hospital.

 

To be honest the blooming England football team is causing me concern.

Edited by member 19 Jun 2014 at 21:16  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 19 Jun 2014 at 23:31
Sorry Barrie - it was right there in front of me. The differential? Well, one is 3 times bigger than the other, or 200% increase / decrease depending how you look at it. But at such tiny amounts science would say that the difference is so small as to be insignificant, which is why most medics (and NICE) would view anything less than 0.1 as undetectable.

If the lab has two machines, these will be calibrated every so often but there might be a possibility in between times of one machine reading higher than the other. Calibration is arbitrary anyway, doctors in my area know that sending the blood sample to Harrogate results in a higher PSA result than if the same sample is tested in Leeds simply because the machines are set differently.

John's specialist says that if you put the same sample through a machine twice there can be as much as half of 1 tenth difference in the result - this is the tolerance value - so the same sample could come back at anywhere from 0.01 - 0.05 or 0.03 - 0.08. For men with higher PSA, this matters not a jot as their result is often given in the nearest whole number anyway so no-one knows whether it is 21.5 or 21.9 but for men having ultra-sensitive tests in can cause unnecessary worry.

I am sure you aren't really rubbish at maths but if it is true, are you absolutely certain about the readings you are getting .... you haven't shoved in an extra zero by mistake? 0.1 and 0.3 are quite another matter!!!! Whatever, I hope the MDT discussion leads to some peace of mind for you.

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

User
Posted 20 Jun 2014 at 08:52

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member


I am sure you aren't really rubbish at maths but if it is true, are you absolutely certain about the readings you are getting .... you haven't shoved in an extra zero by mistake? 0.1 and 0.3 are quite another matter!!!! Whatever, I hope the MDT discussion leads to some peace of mind for you.

 

Thanks for that Lyn as ever a really constructive answer.

Thats what the onco brought up on the computer screen 0.03.

 

Like I said England caused me more stress,at least thats over for another 4 yrs.http://community.prostatecanceruk.org/editors/tiny_mce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cry.gif

User
Posted 20 Jun 2014 at 14:41
Mathematically, it's not over yet :-) Come on Italy!!!
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 20 Jun 2014 at 22:41
It is now!
User
Posted 20 Jun 2014 at 22:52

Sorry for diverting on your thread Barrie but Bri that was really funny.http://community.prostatecanceruk.org/editors/tiny_mce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif

BFN

Julie X

NEVER LAUGH AT A LIVE DRAGON
User
Posted 27 Jun 2014 at 10:26

No worries on diverting the thread especially regarding England.

 

Just a follow up,the latest PSA came in at 0.06,going the wrong way it may be nothing but I  will be having a MRI just in case.

To top it all I have the bloody shingles now.

User
Posted 06 Jul 2014 at 20:04

The letter says mri scan of pelvis prostate,hopefully there will be nowt there,this Wednesday is the appointment not bad seeing as the MDT meeting was only a week ago last Friday.

User
Posted 01 Aug 2014 at 14:35

Had the appointment today,the MRI came back clear the PSA is down to <0.02,they are at a loss to explain away the fluctuations,but any way all's clear,a beer or three now being enjoyed,well its persisting it down out side,back again in 4 months for the next PSA.

User
Posted 01 Aug 2014 at 14:37

Don't know what happened with the previous post,it should read,.Had the appointment today,the MRI came back clear the PSA is down to 0.01,they are at a loss to explain away the fluctuations,but any way all's clear,a beer or three now being enjoyed,well its persisting it down out side,back again in 4 months for the next PSA.

 

Somethings amiss with this damn site.

Edited by member 01 Aug 2014 at 21:29  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 01 Aug 2014 at 14:47
I think the 'less than' sign is causing problems .... Great news on the scan results, so what was your PSA?
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 01 Aug 2014 at 16:26

Back down to 0.01

Edited by member 01 Aug 2014 at 16:28  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 01 Aug 2014 at 17:47
Great news Barrie. It's very interesting reading. I hope other men who are in a similar situation see your post. It just shows the variations that can occur. Were they all tested at the same lab? Has the consultant given an opinion on the variance?

Cheers

Bri

User
Posted 01 Aug 2014 at 18:32

The test are all done at the same lab,the consultant was a bit embarrassed to be honest,she couldn't explain about the variation's,as she said I no longer have a prostate and given the histology there is no way that any thing should be untoward,the MRI was to settle their minds I think as much as mine.We had a good chuckle as I was about to leave telling her she wouldn't be the first woman to be left puzzled by me.4 months time is the next test,a holiday down Mexico way to be had soon.so it's all positive for me.

Just wish it were the same for some other certain members.

 
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