Any "Continous ZEROS" in the house?

Hey IKE,

Since I'm guilty of posting numbers that aren't completely zeros from my lab, I thought I'd respond.

My most recent PSA numbers of 0.05 and 0.06 are still zeros if you are strict about it. My lab has the more sensitive tests that can measure PSA below 0.10. However, many institutions consider anything less than 0.10 to still be undetectable for a recurrence of PCa.

So... if my numbers cause concern for you... I didn't mean them to be. I was hoping that my numbers might be comfort to others in the same "boat" as me. Meaning, that my surgeon deems me healthy even if my numbers aren't "perfectly" zero. There are also some institutions that don't sound an alarm if your PSA remains less than 0.2 and is not trending dramatically upward.

I hope this helps.

Best regards,

Barry

Ike,
You are suffering the well known (and not much loved) PSA anxiety, a common complication of prostate cancer treatment and even non-treatment. It come in two varieties (1) standard and (2) ultra-sensitive. Of the two ultra-sensitive causes the most angst as it can tend to jump about a bit. But put your mind at ease. If it is any help I had not so good stats but have been <.01 for 28 months now. If you find yourself anxious there is nothing to stop you getting a test in January.........with each zero or rather, undetectable result, you feel a little easier about the future. My own regime is ....first 2 years 3 monthly testing, next 2 years 4 monthly and then 6 monthly thereafter. I mean the test costs about $25-00 so what's the big deal.
Bill

Ike, I have been posting 0's since my RRP in Oct, 06. I go for my next test first week of Jan. Should be a 0 too. You should do great for many years to come.
KW

Greetings, Ike.  I am coming up on a big milestone (at least for me).  In Jan I go for what should be my last 3 month PSA and then In April I see my doc and if all is well I go to every 6 months for a couple of years.  I had my surgery in Feb 08 so am coming up on 2 years of whatever you want to call it - my doc calls it zero but the slip the lab hands me says less than .1.  Either way, it is just what we want. 

I'm down to only getting a little nervous as I arrive at the doc's office to have my blood drawn.  As I've said many times here, I remain very grateful to my doc who says once you've had cancer you shouldn't have to wait for PSA results.  So I sit there for 20 minutes and the lab tech comes out and hands me a slip of paper and off I go with my current zero in my hands. 

Trust you will do exactly the same.  David

Ike, I have had 7 straight undetectables (27 months). Until the last test, I had been on a 3 month testing schedule. Mine hasn't varied from the first by any detectable measure.

Yep, me too, just had 12 month PSA, still constant at 0.03, that will do me................Kev

Thanks to you all! I am going into my first anniversary more confident than before.

Best regards
Ike

My prostate removal took place 15 months ago and in each test following the surgery my results have been 0.  Though I don't know with certainty, I suspect most results are 0 and when we hear about rising PSA levels it's from the smaller group of guys to whom that applies and they post out of concern to ask about it.

Even though I am not in the zero club, I am always thrilled to hear about new zero reports, or in this case, some extended time of zero psa time. That what I want for each and every guy in here.

Thanks you for the post.
Hi guys, Im a newbie. Nice to join this forum.

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Post Edited By Moderator (James C.) : 12/30/2009 8:28:01 AM (GMT-7)