How long do you keep your Uro?

It will soon be 3 years since I completed SRT. My uro (different from the uro who did my surgery) orders my blood work and wants to see me every six months. My insurance covers most of the cost. Question; at what point, if ever, do I let my uro go and simply have my primary care doc order the six-month PSA? Is there an advantage of sticking with my uro for the blood work?

My uro cut me loose at the 3-year post-surgery mark and said to just have my primary care physician check the PSA once a year.

My urologist wanted to maintain control of my care, by ordering my ADT injection --- which meant I had to wait long periods of time for a nurse to arrive from the oncology department.

In time, I transferred all of that over to my oncologist, who oversees my care.

My urologist was not able to offer proactive treatments that I needed such as chemotherapy and radiation.

Each case is different --- but, in time --- I transferred my care over to the oncology department.

My oncologist opened doors and windows for me --- in terms of treatment possibilities --- where my original urologist only saw brick walls.

If you are asking this question, that might suggest the answer you are seeking.

We each have a unique story, but there are interwoven threads which UNITE us all!

My thoughts, based on my experience ---
CYCLONE - # Iowa State University

My Uro's printed guidelines recommend 5 years of annual visits with 6 month PSA's. We actually had very little to discuss at the last annual visit but it is a chance to ask some pesky questions like "How do you determine how many lymph nodes to take?".

Surprisingly, my RO said he did not need to see me anymore if I was doing ok at 3 months (Uro is doing PSA's) so that was our last meeting and have not had a reason to see him.

I see no downside to having a annual relationship with my urologist as it costs me nothing and they call me 4-5 months in advance to schedule visit and PSA the week before. It seems that the urinary system is nothing but problems for older men so I could have worse friends as I continue to age. At 5 years, I may revisit with Uro and have PCP do PSA testing but will wait until I get that point.

I fired my Uro after 18 months when he poo poo'd my rise in PSA.
Decided I should have a Onco for my cancer.

I kept my urologist for 10 years when she finally told me that I no longer needed to return for 6 month tests. She said that after 10 years and zero PSA's, I can assume myself 100% cured.

I am back to six month visits "for life" as my current uro says he's seen recurrence as much as twenty years later.

My original uro totally missed my cancer for four years. A different uro did the surgery and found matters to be far worse than he had expected. Then my wife and I retired and moved before I started ADT & ART, and my RO retired months later.

A different surgeon implanted my AUS which was a traumatic experience. He had me on semi-annual PSA's and annual in person visits... but he was quick to dismiss any of my concerns. I am now back to uro #3 and selecting a surgeon to replace the AUS. Having my next PSA tomorrow.

I don't hang out here much anymore (or any other PCa group) as I'm trying to keep all this behind me. But I stop by HWN occasionally to see what everyone is talking about. Nothing I do now is going to change anything unless the status quo changes. I promise to keep in touch.

I have a Urological Oncologist on speed dial at Cleveland Clinic if I need him and an oncologist locally that orders my PSA tests.

I realize this sounds like too much, but I want to keep a local option in case I was to find myself with a different cancer or for my final days if the prostate cancer decided to take me.

How long to keep a uro? Until he/she is used up?

Seriously, I have been seeing my uro periodically for over 20 years, before, during and after PCa. I started seeing him for BPH way back when. He detected my PCa via biopsy that was recommended due to PSA rise over time. He has been a valued member of my care team all through this journey and I continue to follow up with him every 6 months. He was the doc who recommended my chosen RO, and he continues to manage my follow-up and TRT. Next summer will (likely/hopefully) be my final follow-up with my RO, but I will continue follow-up with my uro indefinitely. Nothing against my PCP, but my uro has been very involved in this element of my healthcare, and I am most comfortable keeping it that way.

Hey Rob,
I'll try to hit the other forum more. As for prognosis, you just never know with this crazy malady. 😉