How long after surgery for first PSA test

I've been reading quite a few posts on how long after surgery should we wait for the first PSA test. I found folks doing it from 6 weeks to about 3 months. Is there a specific length of time for the old PSA to work itself out of the body? I'm just starting my seventh week post surgery and my doctor told me to do it after 8 weeks or later.

Kris

Hi Kris,

I had mine at 6 weeks.  Did not provide number but stated undetectable.  I had a bad margin and got upgraded like you to Gleason 7.  They are anticipating me getting radiation at around the 3 month marker after I heal more but I am betting that if my 3 month PSA is significantly less undetectable than the 6 week undetectable they may reconsider. I will kick my heals and howl at the moon it that occurs.

I guess I am saying it depends on a lot of things such as your situation and your Doctor. No matter what the number or time they take it they cant do anything now for you need to heal more. You should have a 3 month re-examine with your Surgeon.

I was tempted to ask for the exact numbers i.e. .005 or .00005. or whatever but I guess I just want to get on with this, what ever I need to do I will do.  In the meantime I am going to livvvvvve and be free.

Frank

Hi KrisP,

Apparently it takes some time for all the residual PSA to wash out of a persons system. My doctor ordered my first test 3 month after the operation to make sure that any residual has left the body. Waiting for that first test result can be somewhat nerve wrecking and it doesn't get any easier with time, but patience is an absolute must with this disease.
Wishing you a full and speedy recovery.

Magaboo

90 days is the manufacturer suggested retail amount unless the surgeon has any reservations

I am part of a trial group experimenting with some sort of "Italian stitch" which is an extra stitch somewhere to supposedly help you regain continence faster. I have no idea whether I got the stitch or not (I cannot know for the trial). By the way I am dripping, I would bet money I don't have any special stitch.

Anyway, as a reward, they are doing a PSA at 6 weeks. But my doctor (the famous Jason Engel - he of the NY Times article) says, "I don't want to hear about it. I don't care what your 6 week numbers are. It is 3 months that counts." And then he usually says something like, "Everything else is crap." So there you go.
kcragman

good to hear the 3 month psa is the key.   i will let you know what mine is after a month and what the doctor says.  also, i am waiting on a glass of wine as well.  i have had 2 cups of coffee since surgery.  i drank them last saturday (i used to drink 3 or 4 cups a day).  i do miss my caffeine but am only drinking caffeine drinks on weekends.  also, stil have continence issues at night when i go to bed.  i don't have control but have control during the day.  i guess it takes time and patience (and kegel's).

also, some of you were gleason +7 post pathology.   did doctor recommend bone scans are waiting on psa results.

rob2,

I didn't know that caffieine affects PSA. I've been drinking four cups of coffee daily. Someone please let me know if this is true. Not sure how I will survive without my coffee, but if I have to stop, I will.

Thanks

Kris.

i've been avoiding caffeine because they told me it made you go to the bathroom more.  i don't think it affects psa.  i am just cautious during the week since this is my first week back in the office.   i will be back on coffee next week since i have pretty good control during the day. again its night time that i have a problem with.  

Hi Kris,

Busy lately, so sorry we have not been in touch with you. Glad to hear you are well and we keep you close in our prayers. CJ had a PSA 7 weeks post op, then about 4 months later, then 6 months later. We panicked a little, and kept requesting them as we read about protocols here. He is now on 6 monthly for the next year after seeing the Specialist.

Like others, he cut down on coffee early on to prevent urgency, as coffee does seem to have that effect on him anyway, but CJ did not cut it out completely prior to the first PSA, and also had the occassional beer without any affect to his PSA too. From what I remember, he swapped to green tea and reduced his intake of coffee by about 50%, for about the first 3-4 months, but now is back to consuming quite a bit of coffee without affecting his PSA or continence.

It is really hard waiting for that first PSA. We were also told about the possibility of residual PSA left as Magaboo mentioned, so our surgeon was more interested in the 3 month mark and told us this beforehand. However we were lucky to be clear from 7 weeks, fluctuating only slightly due to the ultrsensitive test used, but undetectable .
Wishing the very same path for you Kris. Cheers and all the best to you and your family, Lana & CJ