PSA rise from 20 to 30

Hello, Abhinav ~~~

I have been thinking of you and your father, from across the miles, in India.

As you know, one of my main oncologists is from India, and he is a GODSEND to me. His wife is also a doctor - they met at medical school in India, years ago!

It seems that your father's doctors are looking after your father very closely!

I think the frequent PSA tests are important for your father's case. Each case calls for different protocols. For my case, I also visit the lab each month & then check in with my main oncologist.

To be honest ---- at first --- the monthly trips to the lab seemed restrictive --- and overzealous.

But --- over time ---- this schedule has allowed me to "fine tune" my healthcare protocols --- and maintain my health goals, since my diagnosis in 2013.

I am thankful to see that your father is being proactive --- and staying RIGHT ON TOP of his healthcare plan.

Your father's PSA scores have stayed in the low decimal range, for which I am thankful.

My oncologist has reminded me --- countless times --- that these minor fluctuations and variations are to be expected, along the way.

On the PSA at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota --- where I see Dr. Kwon ---- anything less than 0.10 is listed as "UNDETECTABLE."

Your father was on ZYTIGA (Abiraterone Acetate) for a few months.

Is your father's doctor reserving this medication for the future, in case it will be needed, down the road?

I see my oncologist each month & always have one or two questions planned before I get there. Essential!

Something that REALLY helps me --- my oncologist and I always discuss "next steps" --- at each appointment.

As we wrap up each consultation, we take a minute to plan what we will discuss at our next appointment.

A minute of "goal planning" for the future - so to speak. I recommend this strategy to everyone --- and to you and your father.

I'm thankful to hear from you and your father. Your father's PSA scores remain in the low decimals --- and I am so THANKFUL for this news today, Abhinav!

Please extend my greetings to your father!

Thank you, Abhinav, for your unfailing and steadfast care & concern for him!

With my best to you and your father, from across the miles ~~~

CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University

Hi Cyclone, all

We are keeping a monthly track of the PSA. Just got the report for March. Here are the last 4 reports:

Dec 21 : 0.09
Jan 22 : 0.05
Feb 22 : 0.07
Mar 22 : 0.08

I am rally worried. Is there anything to worry about the numbers or these can be variations as well in the testing.

Please suggest.

Hello, Abhinav ~~~

You are a loyal & steadfast supporter of your father, always wanting the best for him.

You have excellent PSA reference points --- in very low decimal range.

My oncologist has taught me to expect minor fluctuations, along the way.

If you were graphing these PSA scores, you would see a STABLE trend line --- level and smooth.

My oncologist reminds me of this when my PSA "flutters" up and down a bit.

I value his sage --- and calming --- words of wisdom and advice.

Your father's case is being well monitored, I can tell. That is the main goal!

All the recent scores are within the same range --- and I am thankful things seem to be quite STABLE!

Always thankful to see your posts and updates from India.

This website connects us all --- across oceans and continents!

With my best to you and your father ~~~
CYCLONE - # Iowa State University

Hi Cyclone, all

We are keeping track of the PSA. Just got the report for November. Here are the last 6 reports:

Dec 21 : 0.09
Jan 22 : 0.05
Feb 22 : 0.07
Mar 22 : 0.08
August : 0.08
November : 0.09

November level has seen an increase of 0.01.
Is there anything to worry or 0.01 increase can be due to variation in testing.

I am very worried so please share your inputs.

No need to worry; it's not good for you (or your Dad).

Hello, Abhinav ~

My oncologist has taught me that minor fluctuations are to be expected.

Mayo Clinic classifies everything below 0.10 as "U-N-D-E-T-E-C-T-A-B-L-E."

Your father's PSA scores hover in the same range. Take comfort in that!

Also - the latest score of O.O9 ~ matches a score from 2021. So ~ your father's new score is NOT higher than his most recently reported scores.

Of course, it is important to remain proactive and vigilant.

In my case, my oncologist has me visit the lab every two months ~ consistently ~ like clockwork. My PSA values are watched, assessed, and monitored.

A key lesson I have learned over time ~ expect minor fluctuations, both up and down, along the way. These are part of your father's story, as well as mine.

Your father's doctors will watch for any worrisome trends, rest assured.

I'm thankful to read this new update from you and your father in India.

Stay in touch with us here, Abhinav!

With my best to you & your father ~
CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University

Hi everyone,

Just got the PSA done today for my dad.
May'23 : 0.01
September'23 : 0.01
January'24 : 0.05

I see a little rise in the value. Is it concerning or it can be test deviations.

I am really worried about this. Please share your inputs.

We always emphasize that PSA tests should be run by the same lab. Were they? If you or your Dad are concerned, just ask for another test.
Also compare the most recent result to the ones you posted Nov 2022; they are all in the same ballpark.

Post Edited (Sr Sailor) : 1/3/2024 4:24:27 PM (GMT-8)

No worries until the next PSA test in April. One point means nothing in the world of cancer testing. I suspect the doctor will tell you both to relax and see if a trend develops over time. Sometimes waiting is all you can do which is hard to accept at times.

That is excellent!

Djin