Results of AZ MD Anderson Cancer Center vist

I had posted earlier concerning my PSA jump from <.064 to .12 at my yearly physical. I made an appointment at the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert AZ to see what they could find. The following is a brief overview of the experience.

The appointment process was pretty fast and painless. I provided my basic information with a reason for wanting an appointment. They requested contract information for all Doctors that were involved in my treatment. The person said that a team of doctors would review my case and then mda would get with me on a possible appointment time. I received a call from them in two days with an appointment date which I considered pretty fast from a large health center.

They had an new patient orientation the day before with a tour of the areas that I would be going to. Was pretty informative.

The next day was visiting the patient check-in, financial information and lab work. My appointment to meet my doctor was scheduled for later that day.

The doctors nurse was pleasant and asked a lot of questions. When he came in he also reviewed my history and said that .12 could be a cause for concern and wanted an another PSA test. He didn't seem to concerned at that point. I happened to mention that I had a spot on my ribs that had been hurting for a couple of months and he became very concerned.

He scheduled me for a PET scan the next day.

At my meeting with him later that day he said the PET scan was negative and my PSA was .04. He said that that was a good number and not a cause for concern. He wants me to start three month PSA tests instead of the once a year.

My concern is that my past PSA lab had a standard of <.064 for years. I read here of folks starting treatment with PSA levels in the .03-.04 range. I requested a copy of the lab report and the following is how the PSA was listed .040 (- =< 4.100). I am not really sure just what their standard is and if there is cause for concern with this PSA level.

Over all I would rate the cancer center experience as very good overall.

I would appreciate any thoughts, especially the psa measurement and significance of the .04 lab results.

twotall, were you previously treated for PC? Or was this initial PSA scare?

I feel like your doctor’s advice is good, and you have good reason to feel confident over the next three months.

I think you should wait for a clear upward trend before initiating any new treatment. Once it's established that your psa is rising, there is probably no reason to wait. But you, happily, do not have an upward trend. At one time the normal routine was to wait for psa to reach .2 before starting salvage treatment, but studies have shown that it's better not to wait that long.

mattamx, InTheShop and fiddecanoe, thanks for your experienced take on my question. Once the dust settled down just waiting and getting additional test results makes the most sense.

logoslidat, I think I see where you are coming from on most of your reply. Still not sure about the infinity of the surf and small chest high part.

You are right about my anxiety in this situation. My grandfather died from prostate cancer that went to his brain, one uncle also and several friends with cancer to the bones. I have no desire to follow in their foot steps in that regard. My decision to visit MDA did include a bit of anxiety, but also the fact that two local doctors told me that I didn't have prostate cancer. A visit to the Mayo clinic proved them wrong. As far as 2nd opinions, I consider this forum to be a good sounding board with people that have much more experience than I in dealing with this disease. Just because an opinion is offered doesn't mean one has to take it. If I had listened to the doctors at the start I might not be here now.

My take is that knowledge is power, learn all we can!