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Normal to go to six-month PSA

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Posted 9/2/2009 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
I met with my surgeon today for a one-year follow-up. Actually, it has been about 15 months since my surgery. All of my PSA tests have been 0.0. The surgeon was over an hour behind and seemed very rushed when talking with me and it seemed that since I am "fine" he didn't have much to say. He left the office stating he was going to get me a renewed prescription for the ED drug.

His nurse then came in with the script and told me to get my PSA checked six months from the last test. Here is my question... last year, in the post-surgery PSA follow-up, the surgeon told me he wanted to "watch me closely" with a PSA every three-months for three years because of my post-surgery profile. Now, a year later, the news is a six-month PSA interval.

Does switching to six-month PSA seem right in this situation? Should I try to contact the surgeon (probably through his nurse) to verify? Any advice?? Thanks...
Posted 9/2/2009 11:23 AM (GMT 0)

By all means call and ask to get the ol peace of mind thing going.

Odds are that after four good ZERO results he changed his mind.

I had four good Zero results and am now on a every six month cycle.

Posted 9/2/2009 12:43 PM (GMT 0)
Kark, my husband also was restaged to T3a after surgery and his urologist said he wants to monitor PSA every 3 months for the first 2 years to keep an eye on things. Margins were clean as were vesicles, but he did have EPE (extraprostectic extension) in the posterior. PSAs have all been 0.0 since surgery (17 months ago) but, as it turns out, his last result came back 0.1. He will have another PSA 4 weeks after that one to check on things. Surgeon feels there's nothing to worry about but we're going to keep a very close eye on his PSA for the next few months. We are now switching to the ultra sensitive PSA test, feeling that it might give us an edge should the PSA continues upward.

Congratulations on the zeros!
Posted 9/2/2009 11:03 PM (GMT 0)

I'm with Steve in Dallas - your doc probably sees 4 great reports and is going to the 6 month interval sooner than expected.  However, I wouldn't just assume that - a phone call to his office would probably be good. 

My doc told me every 3 months for 2 years and he has stuck with it.  I have my next PSA on Oct 1 and then the one after that will be 2 years so we'll see what he says then.  David

Posted 9/2/2009 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
You can always ask for 3 month test. What's a needle stick against peace of mind. If you even think of it, ask for a test.
Posted 9/3/2009 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
Kark,

If you want to remain on the 3 month test cycle, do what you need to do.  A call to the surgeon's nurse should be able to get that arranged.  Also, if you have another meeting with this surgeon, you should insist on it lasting long enough to get all of your questions answered and concerns explained.  You waited for your turn to see him, he should not try to make up time by cutting your appointment short.  Be your best advocate. 

Dan

Posted 9/3/2009 1:26 PM (GMT 0)
My surgeon wanted me to be on a six month PSA test right after my first 8 week test. I objected and wanted it done after 3 months which I did. Now he has me on 6 months interval. I don't feel good about that but hopefully he is optimistic for a good reason.
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