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PSA and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

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Posted 9/21/2016 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all,

I have now been on Docetaxel chemo since march of 2016. I have had some success with the chemo lowering my PSA and minimizing or even eliminating the effects of the many mets to my bones. However, I have had some wild swings in my PSA readings, especially in my last two readings from this month.

Take a look at my PSA recordings since I began chemo:

2-23-16 462.0
3-24-16 412
4-29-16 261.6
5-31-16 477
6-29-16 381
7-20-16 291
9-13-16 692
9-20-16 100???? (W.T.F.)

The same lab was used for the last two PSA tests by the way. Is there any precedent for such WILD swings in PSA? Would the assumption be that one of the last two readings is a mistake by the lab? Should I give up on the PSA numbers and insist on a bone scan?

Thank you,

C.G.
smhair

Post Edited (CADguy) : 9/21/2016 4:52:11 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/21/2016 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
I vote for a bone and CT scan.
Posted 9/21/2016 10:40 PM (GMT 0)
I vote for another PSA test and go from there.
Hopefully, the 9/13 result was off
Posted 9/21/2016 11:10 PM (GMT 0)
I think that looks like a great response to chemo. It's the 9/13 reading that looks out of line with all the others. PSA half-life is about 2.5 days, so a PSA of 692 could only get as low as 99 in 7 days if all sources of PSA had been completely and suddenly shut off on 9/13. That would be very nice, but is highly unlikely. Probably a lab error on 9/13.
Posted 9/22/2016 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hello CADguy,

Talk about a roller coaster ride, my brother !

You're right ... some fluctuations ... errant P.S.A. scores ... a wild ride, to be sure.

Wondering what your oncologist has to say about your case ... and your numbers ?

Might be time to consider some imaging and scans ... get a sense of where things are at.

You've always been a loyal "friend on the forum" and I know we've had some commonalities, over time, in our treatment stories.

I just wanted to let you know I've been thinking about you ... I always watch for your posts and updates ... and wanted to let you know you've got my support, every step of the way. Keep us posted, CADguy ... we're here for you.

Handshake from "one brother to another brother" ~
"Cyclone Fan" ~ Iowa State University
Posted 9/22/2016 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
I am with the others do another PSA the reading from 9/13 doesn't seem right..... for comparison I started taxotere and carboplatin in Apr 2016 with a PSA of 540.....over the 6 treatments PSA dropped quickly at first then leveled off at 183 ...this was 2 weeks ago. My onc and I agreed this was still high...but I needed a break from chemo before we come back at it.....so nothing to happen for 60 days (BTW I had 17 cycles of chemo for rectal cancer that was a secondary to SRT done in 2004)Anyway I am concerned about doing nothing , 60 days without medical intervention is like Heaven.
Posted 9/22/2016 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
T.A.,

Thanks for the input.

Cyclone,

Hey there. I'm glad to see you are doing well. Its been an awful roller coaster ride with the PSA readings that is for sure. My emotions go up and down inversely with the rise and fall of my PSA readings. I can't help it....I am only human.

Ziggy,

You have really been through it! I would love to take a break from chemo. On the other hand I would like to hang in there and see how low it it can drive my PSA down.

C.G.
Posted 9/22/2016 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
What other cancer treatment have you had other than chemo ?
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