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Has anyone tested their PSA in the middle of radiation?

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Posted 5/21/2010 8:06 PM (GMT 0)
We spoke with the doctor today regarding my dad's PSA of .10 in the middle of his radiation. Basically he said that it's of no significance because the whole prostate area is inflammed and with the hormones, the PSA tends to fluctuate--bottom line too many variables. He also said that if my dad was not on hormones then it would be something it would be of significance.  

I still don't know if I believe him (I know I sound ridiculous who am I to question the doctor), but from what I read hormones "masks" everything. I don't know still worried...

Posted 5/21/2010 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
FYI - My Rad Onc said he did not do PSA tests until several months after radiation - because the readings are not accurate until then. I would feel good about the drop.
Posted 5/21/2010 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
Not at all sure why they would have had a PSA reading in the middle of radiation, doesnt make any sense on the surface..
Posted 5/21/2010 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
I think the doctor is giving you straight talk based on what I understand. Give it some time.

Good luck.
Posted 5/21/2010 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
this guy had his tested during treatment:
http://www.cancerforums.net/about16682.html
Posted 5/22/2010 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys. Ill check that out Galileo.
Purgatory- its a routine blood test done by the hospital. Every physician has to do it once a year to protect patients from potentially infectious diseases.
Posted 5/22/2010 1:21 AM (GMT 0)
There was a guy, I swear, on CancerForums.net who had his PSA measured during salvage (besides the other one I linked to) and this guy's PSA went up during treatment. They actually halted the treatments temporarily and thought things over, then re-started. The last I heard from him, SRT seemed to have worked. His PSA dropped below 0.1. At least that's how I remember it. I'll be darned if I can find the posts.

You could post a note on CancerForums and see if he responds. I don't remember his user name.
Posted 5/22/2010 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
I was told no tests (including PSA) until after IGRT was finished.
I have semi-annual blood tests that fall the week after, but no particular special provisions.
Posted 5/22/2010 10:34 AM (GMT 0)
No PSA test for me until three months after RT finishes. RT is bascially damaging the tumour by burning it a tiny bit each day and it takes a while for the damage to occur. (Think sunburn: you sit on the beach on Saturday, you go red on Sunday, it feels sore on Monday, itches all week, but the skin doesn't actually die and peel off for about ten days.)

Yes RT can make white cell count drop, so some peopkle may get that tested.

Smelling/tasting burning sounds a bit weird, I'd mention it, though I have noticed that since surgery my sense of smell is much more sensitive.

Alfred
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