Proton Radiation Therapy -- My Journey With Prostate Cancer -- Treatment Period 2/22/07-4/18/07

Hi Dave,

Good to hear you are doing well. Also glad to hear your Doc is not concerned about your bump. As you know I experienced the same thing at 12 and 16 months. My next Psa test is this month. I believe it will do it's downward trip again. My urologist believes that I may have some scarring and is going to do a probe to see. That should be fun.

Next New years it will be 2 years.

Hope everyone here has a great and healthy thanksgiving.

Ken

pcdave said...
Hi To All!

I completed my 2nd or 6 month post-treatment PSA on 10/11/07.  My pretreatment PSA was 7.1 and it dropped to 2.1 three months after treatment.  At six month after treatment, there was a slight bump up to 2.4.  My radiation oncologist said that I should not be concerned about the slight increase because it can take from 2-3 years to reach the nadir (low point) and along the way the pattern may exhibit some slight upward variations during the longer path of a continued downward trend toward the nadir.  This slight increase in PSA at this time would not be considered PSA bounce unless the upward trend were to continue.  Inasmuch as my three-month PSA dropped 70% (compared to an average expected drop of 50% or less), I am still considered to be ahead of the game.  The key is to live life to the fullest, don't dwell on the PSA tests too much and keep an optimistic view of the future!

Cheers!

Dave

P.S. Thanks to Bluebird and many others who have given me support along the way!

Hi Dave,

My urologist thinks I may have some scarring in the uretha because my flow has reduced quite a bit and there is some burning. Won't know for sure until he takes a look with a probe up there. He's probably right as my treatment was changed slightly about the 25th treatment or so. The pattern was changed to include the area where the uretha leaves the prostate. There was some concern that they may have been some involvment there. I would imagine that would cause some irritation at that point. As far as futher treatment goes, we have not discussed that as yet. We'll find out more about my latest psa and treatment options on the 28th when I see the doc.

It was my understanding that free psa has something to do with psa cause by BPH and not necessarily the cancer. Seems like I posed that question here and that was the kind  response from Bluebird.

Ken

Partial Quote from posting above... KenW said... Hi Dave, ....................................... It was my understanding that free psa has something to do with psa cause by BPH and not necessarily the cancer. Seems like I posed that question here and that was the kind  response from Bluebird.   Ken   Link to previous discussion.... Thread started by KenW  Free PSA. What does it mean ?

    Yea!! Dave,   PSA…    !!! ~~~ >>>   Woo ~ Hoo <<< ~~~ !!!   Cause for celebration!!!!!   Definitely!!! What a wonderful day it is ~ each and every-day ….     Enjoy it to the fullest.   *      *      *      *      *      * The ultimate “goal”… we all strive for… Thank you for sharing ~ that your goal has been met…. It is very important to “all ”of us!   This is a way of positive feedback… A way of showing others Hope… and a way of Sharing.   J   Caring is Sharing ~   Thank You for Sharing   J     Dear Dave ~ “Your Journey” is very important to all of us…and keeping it updated is essential.     A gentle reminder that you are a special gentle“man” to this forum and we appreciate all the research you’ve compiled in helping us understand and learn more as we all continue to move forward with HealingWell.   Keeping you close in thoughts and prayers dear friend. Gentle Hugs and Warm Thoughts are coming to “YOU”… In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy

Bluebird,

Thanks for that link. I needed that to refresh that info in my little brain

Ken

Final Posting to link new thread ~ due to Admin Lock on thread. Threads limited to 5 pages…..       Hey ~ Dave,   The signature looks great!   (copied below).. Thank you for not minding the gentle push!!!   Mama Bluebirds have to nudge their fledglings sometimes but it’s filled with lots of love attached.     I’m going to link the new thread here so we can continue to walk with you as you so graciously share your journey with all of us.   Dave -69 years young! -29 core biopsy 9/27/06 at age 68 -PSA 7.1, Stage T1c, Gleason 7 (3+4) [less than 20% in one area], Gleason 6 [less than 5% in two other areas], Negative DRE, bone scan and Endorectal MRI.  -Completed 39 Proton radiation treatments 2/22/07-4/18/07.    -PSA History: 7.1 pre-treatment; post treatment: 2.1 (3 mo.), 2.4 (6 mo.), 1.7 (9 mo). Radiation oncologist said the 3-mo. drop of 70% exceeded expectations and the slight 6-mo. movement upwards was not a cause for concern now. -The following is a link to My Journey With Prostate Cancer -- Proton RadiationTherapy.   https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=1002871     I’ve always said that there is Strength in Numbers….   Just looking at the views on your personal threads…. Says it all!!! You have touched a lot of lives…..     Can we say POWERFUL   Heartfelt thanks dear friend…. Hugs from Lee & Buddy   current updates on this thread.....  pcdave’sJourneyContinues       As of February 26, 2008 the # of views make a powerful statement to how important Personal Journeys are to our members…..      #1 Proton Radiation Therapy -- My Journey With Prostate Cancer -- Treatment Period 2/22/07-4/18/07   (5504 views)      #2 Dave’s Journey continues… Proton Radiation Therapy -- My Journey With Prostate Cancer -- Treatment Period 2/22/07-4/18/07 (401 views)   Recent Prostate Cancer Research & Studies Relating to Treatment Options (1330 views)   Recurring Prostate Cancer After Failed Surgery and Radiation Treatment (5510 views)   Poll of tests taken after your prostate biopsy (1364 views)