On Active Surveillance (AS) - checking in - update

Had my scheduled appointment at MSKCC last week and received the results: PSA - 6.43, fPSA - 22%, DRE - normal.

The docs stated I was still in range and I should continue with AS. As I just had a confirmation biopsy in April 2018, the docs think I should stick with the plan of an MRI in mid- 2019 barring any changes.

Well, it seems I must sit tight until my next PSA in February 2019.

Still just trying to to take this all in 6-month intervals without letting my mind race off into different directions.

Between my previous two scheduled appointments, I made an appointment with Dr. Michael Zelefsky just to gather info about the SHARP treatment (MSKCC's version of SBRT). He was insightful and answered all my questions regarding the current state of the SHARP treatment, and added that he felt it would be negligent of any doctor to prescribe any sort of invasive treatment given my current stats. He affirmed that AS is the best option for me currently.

Thanks for your quick response, @Pratoman.

Being on active surveillance has definitely confirmed that "my brain has a mind of its own." I think mindfulness is such an important part of the AS protocol.

Good luck H4H.....hope you never come off AS!!! BTW, Zelefsky is the best of the best!!

H4H - I can only agree with the others. You are in the proper place for your pathology and status. It is also the right thing to do to practice mindfulness. Your medical condition is far less fragile than your emotional condition (maybe not you in particular, but most patients in your situation).

I congratulate you and wish you many more years of successful AS. It is great that we have some successful AS patients here to advise others who are investigating AS as their own first line of treatment.