Radiation Treatment - the next leg of my PC Journey and positive margins

After about three years out from surgery, my PSA readings started to increase rapidly in 2012. After discussion with my urologist and my radiation oncologist, it was decided that radiation was the next thing to do and now was the time to do it.

The radiation treatments started March 11, 2013 and will continue on weekdays for 38 sessions. So far I haven't had much discomfort but after looking over some to the literature, it seems some negative things may occur before all of this is over. But I am going to try to be optimistic.

It seems to me that my case is not unusual at all. A few years after surgery, the left over cancer tumor reaches some critical level and starts multiplying rapidly enough to be get out of control and doubling the PSA values over shorter and shorter intervals. Some of our healing well members may have had similar experiences.

But how could one have predicted this result? It appears to me that the positive prostate margins of 1-2 mm that the pathology showed was left behind, were a good indication of a future problem. At the time of the surgery, my urologist said that the prostate margins left behind might just die of lack of blood supply or eventually could grow enough to cause exactly what has now happened. So even though the problem could by predicted with some certainty, the proper decision on salvage radiation should await the actual confirmation.
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Age now 73, DX December 22, 2008
PSA 1998 5.2, 2000 2.5, 2003 5.4, 2004 7.4, 2005 15.9, 2006 20.5, 2007 31.5, 2008 34 and 32.9 Biopsy: 1998, 2003, 2006, 2008 (cancer found)
Di Vinci 2/10/2009, Austin TX, Pathology post surgery T3a, Gleason (4+3)7 with pos. margin 1-2 mm
Current PSA 01/2013 0.41 12/11/2012 0.31 04/2012 .079, 10/2011 0.045, 2/2011 0.033, 8/2011 0.015, 2/2010 0.02, 8/2009 0.01
Radiation started March 11, 2013 for 38 sessions.

Today I had my 24th out of 39 SRT treatments. So far the only SE I've had is an irritated rectal area but I think that's because I developed constipation from a low fibre diet. Now I use prep H and stool softener and have no problem. Be sure to have your bladde full. Today they had me get off the table and drink more water because I wasn't full enough.

By the way, your positive margin is a great indicator for SRT success.

Thanks for your comments. Very knowledgeable and based on related experience with SRT. The comments on the positive margins were also encouraging.

I had my 5th treatment this morning and my RO said everything is going fine. He said some people get some side effects after a couple of weeks and some others just have no problems. I guess for me we will just wait and see.

Thank you for sharing Peter's experience. Yes, my Radiation Oncologist said that what Peter experienced might be similar to what I might expect but he was reluctant to predict that since everyone is different. During my first five days of treatment I had no difficulty with the bladder - a couple of cups of coffee and a little water did the job and controlling my urination was no problem. He did say that if I was to develop these complications it would likely be in the 2 or 3 weeks.

Congrats on finishing! Your side effects sound relatively minor and your spirits sound high. It did take my husband, who had IMRT as a primary treatment, a while to get used to not going in every morning. I think he missed it in some ways because the staff members were so friendly and always had his favorite cookies ready for him! He really felt like he had gotten to know them, and that they were supporting him.

I think the PSA test anxiety will always be there for most of us. My husband had the dreaded 'bounce' for two test periods before it dropped again, and that was not fun.

Wishing all the best for you!

Juliet