HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Post DeVinci and Psa Rise

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 6/23/2015 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
Had prostate removal 3 1/2 years ago, Devinci method, PSA's were 1 yr .02, 2nd year .04, 3rd year .17 three weeks ago was 1.1. Had MRI done, was all clear, had a bone scan, only small spot in hip was from arthritis they say, Dr going to have a CAT scan done on that area to be sure.
Dr recommends that i have 6-8 weeks radiation, not sure why since seems to be all clear, except that rise in PSA, possible left over tissure from removal, not sure, any comments....thanks.
Posted 6/23/2015 9:31 PM (GMT 0)
I think you've asked this before. I'll try to explain again.

You are wrong in interpreting the rise in PSA as "all clear"- it is not. Just because the bone scan didn't find anything, that doesn't mean there's nothing there - it just means it's too small to see. Healthy tissue left in there doesn't put out that much PSA and it doesn't increase like that over time. If you don't do anything, it will grow and spread and eventually kill you.You have already allowed your PSA to increase to dangerous levels, and it is growing very quickly. This is too bad because the cure rates are much better when it is treated with salvage radiation before this stage that you have let it get to. It may already be too late to stop it because you have waited too long. However, it's still worth a try. Don't put this off any longer.

Sorry to be so blunt, but you seem to be in denial, which is not good for your survival.

- Allen
Posted 6/23/2015 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tall.
Thanks for the info, no i am not in denial, just from what my Oncologist says this week, all lymph nodes were normal, prostate bed was normal, bone scan with the exception of the arthritis they found was normal, but as i said wants to do a cat scan to be sure. He says my numbers were relatively low, original PSA was 4.9 before op, i was a 3+4, T2c prostate cancer was only at 6%, had one lymph node they removed. Have seen numbers here after Devinci removal at 6, 7 and 8 Ngs 2-3 years after. Just trying to do a lot of comparisons. As i said he does recommend srt theraphy....thanks again.
Posted 6/23/2015 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
All that the negative bone scan means is that you're possibly still curable if you treat it with salvage radiation now. Once they find mets on your bone scan, you will not be curable. Your numbers are not low by any stretch of the imagination. A PSA of 0.2 is the arbitrary, and way too high, definition of biochemical recurrence. It was set that high back in the day before they had ultrasensitive tests. Now 0.03 is a better definition, especially if it is rising quickly as yours is. You passed that threshold two years ago, and your high PSADT is indicative of rapid cancer growth.
Posted 6/24/2015 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
Allen is correct..You PSA numbers alone justify immediate SRT and probably combined with HT to give you your best chance...

Micro-Mets are undetectable by scans and tests at this point but they won't be for long.
Posted 6/24/2015 1:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Woody, you still have an excellent shot at solving this for a number of years using SRT to reset the PSA level to near zero. There are a number of PSA thresholds to start SRT and you've exceeded the current ones of .03, .1, .2 and .4 so you'll start your own at 1.1.

My SRT experience to date has been very positive. No guarantees, but I'm playing the odds.

Best,

Luther
Posted 6/24/2015 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
Woody,

Are you in VT? I had my surgery at Dartmouth about 18 months ago, but I talked to radiologists at both UVM Medical Center and Dartmouth before opting for surgery. I'd suggest using one of those hospitals if you are indeed local to VT, rather than the smaller non-teaching hospitals.

If I can help you with any doctor's names, I'll be glad to do so. If you are in the Burlington area, we have a monthly support group that might also be helpful.
Posted 6/24/2015 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
dmlvt, yes had mine done at Dartmouth also, Dr Heney, Dr Lovette here in Rutland is going to do the Radiation and HT, hopefully will be successful. Thanks....
Posted 6/24/2015 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
Dr. Wallace at UVM Medical Center is certainly worthy of consideration as well, although travel might be an issue for you if you are planning Rutland at present.
Posted 6/24/2015 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
dmlvt, thanks, Dr Wallace is associated with Dr Lovette here in Rutland
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply