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First PSA test after prostatectomy. Should I worry?

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Posted 4/10/2018 2:01 PM (GMT 0)
Helo everyone. I had my first PSA test yesterday after my robotic assisted protatectomy 9 weeks ago. My results came in at (0.1). I’m not sure if this is something to be concern about. I have heard that 0.2 is something to be concern as it would indicate reacurrance. I’m really worried and could really use some advice. Do PSA levels after surgery keep dropping as more time passes ? Or is this PSA as good as it gets and I just have to hope it doesn’t climb? I’m super nervouse, please advise.
My pathology after surgery was stage PT2, organ confined with nothing in the lymph node or seminal vesicles, Gleason 3+4=7.
Posted 4/10/2018 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
It strikes me that is a little early, but I did not use surgery as an initial treatment. 90 days is generally the first test as it allows enough time for any residual PSA to be washed out of the system. you will know more with your next test. When is it scheduled?
Posted 4/10/2018 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
Lower is good and still a bit early for any concern. You'll have to wait for the next PSA to be sure.

Even if it doesn't go lower, you've the chance for SRT to clear up anything that got left behind.

Andrew
Posted 4/10/2018 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
Is it just 0.1 without a second decimal figure? Some places report 0.1 as minimum detectable psa. Usually they report <0.1, but perhaps they do not do it that way in your Center and they make a round off. I would ask for just in case. Anyway, you need a second test in some months to establish a trend and to know where you stand. Assuming it is 0.1, it is not the best result you could hope, but it is not so bad, either.
Posted 4/10/2018 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
My guess is the lab...because the are so clueless...most of them..that they left the< less than..off...,having said that...this is when fieel the ultra sensitive test comes in handy...it will either show that it is lower than 0.1 or it will show that it is higher up to 0.14 or less...down to .1...oops...down to .05...you would want to know if it was the latter..be cause that could change the dynamics of further treatment..some would argue an ultra psa is always the way to go...I do not partake in that argument for many reasons I choose not to get into.. ask your doctor about the ultra psa test and my logic...see what his thoughts are..He should be cool with the questionbut trust in medical team is an important variable in treatment......
Posted 4/10/2018 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
I read the results again and I noticed that it reads (<0.1ng/ml). Does this mean the results are “less than” 0.1ng/ml ? Do PSA test default to 0.1 if it’s less than that. I see others post results of 0.05 and so on? Please advice.
Posted 4/10/2018 4:48 PM (GMT 0)
PARTY TIME!!!

Often referred to as, "undetectable." It just means that the assay method used for your test can't detect levels below .1. You'd have to get the ultra sensitive tests to see numbers below .1. Not all UROs use that.

However, <.1 is cause for a serious party and it's highly likely that you've just beaten this PC thing.

It's not a time for worry, but rather celebration.

You're buying the drinks,
Andrew
Posted 4/10/2018 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
Ahh great...std psa test...is 1 digit...ultra tests use 2 digits and 3 digits...controversy abides...if you trust your doctor do what he says...however keep on open mind on all POV's...to a point that only uou can decide...other pov's should be coming up on this and ...as said...keep on open mind its very difficult r to give a newbie a complete education on pca...treatment...variables of this and that...the ins and outs...self advocate here there and every where...in order to self advocate successfully you have to improve your ability to respond...these are rhetorical prompts not particular to you exclusively...read books ...study the parts pertaining to you...learn what is in fact pertains to you{switch order of delivery to what I just posted}....good luck
Posted 4/10/2018 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
That is the best result you could possibly achieve. Congratulations! Ask for an ultrasensitive PSA test when you get retested in about 3 months.
Posted 4/10/2018 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
Congratulations. Anything with a "<" is not a good thing. It's a GREAT thing. Drinks on you, congrats
Posted 4/10/2018 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Your Good go enjoy life!!

Larry
Posted 4/11/2018 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your advice and comments. I was really unclear how to read and Interpret my results. I pray it stays that way. And yes, for sure drinks are on me... all night 🍺
Posted 4/13/2018 12:43 PM (GMT 0)
That is as good as it gets with a PSA at that point. < indicates that the PSA is lower than the machine is set to read.

Congrats and hope it stays there.

Cajun Jeff
Posted 4/13/2018 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
Congrats Here is to a lifetime of undetectable readings.
Posted 4/13/2018 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
All that worry for naught.....congrats! smile
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