PSA bounce ?

Hello Compaid and welcome. This could very well be the radiation bounce that many radiation patients experience. It certainly does not yet rise to the level of recurrence. One of our educated members recently posted a study here showing that the bounce is good in that the long term results of those who experience a bounce are actually better than those who do not.

In any case, going to a three month testing schedule is probably smart so you will catch any trends early. But most likely you are bouncing and all will be well.

What were your pre-treatment Gleason or testing scores? That can tell us more about your long term chances of remission.

Jim

Treatment External radiotherapy , 50.4 Gy and high rate Bracytherapy, a fraction of 15 Gy, complete hormonal block for 2 years.

thanks for reply. I dont think any radiation of nodes took place but the notes below:

notes say irradiate a volume that covers initially the entire prostate, seminal vesicles with margins and ganglionic chains of pelvic drainage, using a combination of anterior fields, anterior obliques right irradiated with 6MV photons generated by electron linear accelerator and secondarrily shaped with multilaminas until reaching a fractionation of 180 cGy per day a final dose of 5040 CGy. Over 30 days.

Sounds like you are getting the best treatments so not much else to do other than sit back and observe the next couple of PSA test results. PSA is not the most helpful diagnostic tool after radiation therapy so you have to wait until clear trends present themselves over a longer time period to conclude anything positive or negative.

As you probably know, symptoms are typically absent with prostate cancer so a lack of symptoms is not a helpful diagnostic tool either. Just let the doctors stay on top of your situation and you stay in touch with the doctors. No way to speed up the process so try to be patient and enjoy the summer. As my Dad told me, you are cured until they say you are not.

Hello Compaid ~~~

Summertime is here --- and I know you hail from the country of Spain.

Hoping you are faring well ...

You mentioned the tracking of PSA ---- you might want to request a testosterone test from your doctor, the next time you visit the lab.

In my case, my oncologist found that I was having "spikes & flares" of testosterone --- which was creating "spikes & flares" in my PSA levels.

So --- just an idea to share --- it's often important to keep testosterone controlled, as testosterone provides additional "fuel" that feeds those renegade prostate cancer cells.

Post again, anytime --- it's great to hear from you --- and let us know how you're faring, when time allows!

With my best to you, from across the miles ~~~
CYCLONE ••• # Iowa State University

I just responded on your other post, COMPAID ...

Thanks for sharing insight and background.

Do keep us updated ---- are your scheduled scans in the near future?

When I visit Mayo Clinic, the scans that I update periodically are HELPFUL, because they provide a comparative view of past treatments --- and help my doctors plan for the future.

One set of scans showed a "trouble" spot --- and a series of radiation treatments helped greatly with that.

A recent scan showed a potential "trouble spot" in my colon --- and a colonoscopy took care of a few worrisome polyps.

Keep us informed --- you're staying RIGHT ON TOP of things, COMPAID!

With my best to you, from across the miles --- from the United States to SPAIN!

CYCLONE --- # Iowa State University

I know those tattoos you mention! Do keep us updated!

Wow! Some thorough diagnostics --- and it's important to update those scans.

Updated scans provide comparative images --- and help our medical teams watch for any changes.

Sending you my best wishes --- and we'll watch for your next post and updates, COMPAID.

My best to you --- good to get those scans all finished up!

CYCLONE --- # Iowa State University

Hello, COMPAID ----

You must have a proactive medical team, working cohesively, on your case.

They are obviously taking a "deep dive" into scans, tests, and imaging.

When I visit Mayo Clinic --- visited by a million patients from all over the globe each year --- that's exactly what I do --- undergoing new tests and scans.

These scans provide comparative images --- which are used to stay on top of my case.

I can tell your medical team in Spain is being thorough! They're looking after you, I can tell!

We're here --- sending positive thoughts your way. Keep us updated, let us know what your medical team says, and let us know how you're faring.

Sending my thoughts, encouragement, and SUPPORT to you, COMPAID ---

CYCLONE --- # Iowa State University

Hello, COMPAID ---

You are staying vigilant and proactive, with updated scans, and consultations with your medical team.

Yes --- I agree ---- ask for those consistent PSA tests.

My oncologist has me do lab work and PSA tests monthly. It's a quick way to build data, and watch for fluctuations and trends. My oncologist watches over my case with care and compassion. I'm grateful he is my doctor.

It sounds like you are being well served by your medical team in Spain. They are being thorough, and watching over you.

Your posts illustrate the far-reaching impact of this website. We truly DO have valued readers from across the globe.

We are all compadres and "battle brothers" here --- and we have valued "support sisters" who read and contribute here, as well. We all learn from each other --- and we're all in this together. No one here fights alone.

Continue to remain vigilant, as you have been doing.

Continue to have in-depth conversations with your medical team.

I always ask my oncologist questions, at my monthly consultation with him.

We even discuss things such as the corona vaccine and influenza vaccine and upcoming scans --- all of which are part of maintaining my health goals.

Will watch for your next posts, COMPAID --- and I send to you my sincere support and encouragement, from across the miles!

With my very best to you ---
CYCLONE --- # Iowa State University

Update
Well after a MRI scan, CT scan and finally a PETScan a month later 22 Nov they have not contacted me for 6 weeks. The first 2 scans only showed very light lesions on shoulder where I had previously torn my ligaments and a small area in my liver. Not conclusive of cancer they all said in review before Petscan.
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After the Petscan and more glucose radioactivity I told the operator that the other 2 scans showed no definite evidence of cancer in any area or organ and he looked at me and just said "Zero here also" in Spanish. So I guess he also saw no obvious enhanced white spots from the Petscan either. Whilst I was dressing they looked at the scan again, which I could see. I am very colorful in 3d.

I think what is going on is the 1-2 year death of my good prostate cells finally dying off after the bracytherapy damage and external beam radiation releasing PSA into my blood stream from the dying off cells. I believe this can happen. So can't tell you any more until I get my next review meeting. So I remain a mystery.

Anyone else had this ? There is certainly no evidence of any metastatic cancer, prostate was closely examined and 100% clear, colon, liver, lungs etc. Bile ducts etc clear, all good. Finally Spain sent me a card inviting for a colon rectal test. All clear also.

I am well, no issues and no midnight toilet visits. At least the Docs are quick to respond to changes.

That is a big bounce. Could have some radiation inflammation or even prostatitis from the remaining prostate tissue. All can cause an increase in PSA expression. You certainly are at the level that Mets would show on the scans. Not much to do but follow the trend and see where it takes you.

One thing to consider is to go back on a short term of ADT since you have exceeded Nadir plus 2.00. If your PSA goes down it could be indicative of PCa lurking somewhere. It certainly looks like you are doing the correct things. The wild card is that G5, never know what it might do. Here is to success in the New Year.