Three Year Update for My Husband

Today (Friday, March 18) marks the third anniversary of my husband's prostatectomy. He sees his urologist/surgeon today for a 6 month check-up, and had his blood drawn on Tuesday for a 6 month PSA check. We got the excellent news on Wednesday that his PSA remains undetectable (our doctor uses the <0.1).

As many of you may remember, we had a bump in the road at the 17 month mark when John's PSA came back at 0.1, then 0.3 one month later. We began working on SRT, meeting with a lovely radiation oncologist and began planning for radiation. Both the urologist and rad onc wanted to have the third PSA test results before initiating treatment. In between, John had a bone scan which led to a CT scan...results were clean.

The third PSA - to confirm a recurrence - came back a few days before the initial set-up for SRT. The results showed that his PSA was back down to undetectable (<0.1)! The urologist called us at home on a Saturday to deliver this wonderful news...he wanted to check the PSA again in one month. That test also came back at undetectable, radiation treatment was deemed not necessary, and John went back on a 3 month PSA follow-up. Since that time (which was early Fall of 2009), John's PSA has stayed at <0.1.

Reading this board, it would seem that John was the exception. The urologist though said that this is more common than we're led to believe. Benign prostectic tissue often remains around the nerve bundles (in John's case, both nerve bundles were spared). Over time, this tissue can generate enough PSA to show up on a blood test. The PSA naturally dies off as does the benign tissue bringing the PSA level back to "zero." In our surgeon's mind, this is one of the reasons why he is not a fan of the so-called ultra-sensitive PSA tests. This is not a comment on the value or either assay just simply stating one doctor's opinion.

Sorry to retell this long saga but I know there are a fair number of new people here who are just beginning their journey. I share this to give them hope.

On a personal note, I extend a huge thank you (along with tons of hugs and kisses) to so many of my friends here who walked with us during our trials: Purgatory, Zufus, John T, Tony, James, Sonny, Corvetteman to name just a few.

Sephie, congratulations to both you and John. So very happy to read your post this morning.

It is been a long time since we last talked and that is totally my fault. Just been away from the board for a while and taking that much needed break from all things PCa.

Thank you for the kind words. I have truly enjoyed your support over the last 18 months since I first was diagnosed and came here to HW looking for answers and found tremendous support.

Bless you and John and may you guys continue to pull zeros for many years to come.

Sonny

Stephie, Just want you to know that we will raise a glass to the two of you at the GFMPH which is a month from now. Sure wish you guys could be here.

Cajun Jeff

Sephie,

Major hugs an kisses to you and John. He got exactly what I was hoping. It's wonderful news to wake up to this morning. I am sure you can both relax still another notch at this point.

Your kindness to me has always been well noted and appreicated. I miss having you on here on a regular basis.

My very best to both of you.

David in SC still hoping to visit you all in NYC

I heard about Sephies' 'strange' PSA results on an other forum when I was having my own PSA rise. Happily, my developments have been similar to his so far. Hearing about Sephie has helped me to cope with my own situation.

SEPHIE & JOHN:
congrats on the zero club membership - hopefully you can take an emotional break from the testing and just live - with a life full of zero's - and of tomorrows following tomorrows...
hugs,
BRONSON

Dear Sephie,

I just saw your post - congratulations to you and John!!!
Your story teaches all of us waiting for PSA results that even when there is a rise, there is hope.
I am so pleased to hear that PCa is no longer the primary focus of your day to day life. That is where many of us aspire to be.

You were so kind and so supportive when I signed up to healing well last March, absolutely terrified about my husbands PSA numbers and the possibility he had PCa. I thank you for that and I am glad that you continue posting on this site.

Regards,
An

Sephie & John, This is great news. I well remember that "bump" at the time it happened - and the incredible path it took - and it is an amazing outcome, but also an experience which must still give you chills when you think about it. Glad you are moving on with your life, and staying well. I talked to John in the chat room one night quite a while back, thinking it was you Sephie! And he was lovely....keep vigilant,  and enjoy all the good things that come your way. Stay in touch when you can. Kind regards, Lana

Sephie,

It's great to hear that John is doing so well. Success stories like yours always make my day.

I remember how kind and supportive you were when I was facing down surgery, and it's especially gratifying to hear such good news from such nice people. May you both live long, wonderful lives.

Jonathan

Sephie,

I'm happy to hear the good anniversary news.

My best to you -

COC, thanks for the good wishes.

Don't really know the answer about PCa...as far as I know, I think that any cancer can reoccur at any time. I know that when my husband hit the two year mark after surgery, his urologist said this was an important milestone. However, PSA tests will be performed every 6 months until the fifth year, then he moves to an annual PSA check. In my mind that means that the first five years are the crucial ones in terms of recurrence, but that doesn't mean that the cancer won't rear its head again 10, 15 or 20 years later. Once you have been diagnosed with any cancer you need regular follow-ups with the doctor. I had basal cell (skin) cancer abut 6 years ago and still need a full body check every year with my dermatologist to look for signs that it has come back.

Hi Sephie!

I just read your thread today and am so happy to hear the good news!  Congratulations to John for reaching this milestone.  I also appreciated your support when I first arrived. 

My wish is for continued GOOD health for both you and John!  BTW, did you get that candlelight dinner?  Take care. 

Best regards,

Aimzee

Sephie,
Good numbers. Big time congrats to you and John.

And thank you for all the love and support you have given here.

Good stuff!

Tony