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Six month PSA reading

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Posted 11/23/2009 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
Was hoping to never have to ask this question, but my surgeon's office just called and my 6 month psa was .04. At 3 months it was <.01. Dealing with neuropathy in legs, back and arms as well, so not if that could cause inflamation that would lead to a higher PSA reading. Any ideas? Going back in the next couple days to be retested, but it was not a phone call that I wanted. Thanks to all.

Michael

Posted 11/23/2009 9:54 PM (GMT 0)
Don't panic so soon....both tests are statisical zero's, as this appears to be second generation test results. both .01 and .04 are the same on that second gen. test. and both are still welll below the .1 trigger for cancer presence. There is enough variation in the testing that .01 and ,04 still means the same thing. I had the same thing happen to me and it was explained that it was just a statistical anomoly. So don't sweat it...... Did you doctor offer any info when they called? retesting is ok, for peace of mind, but I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.
Posted 11/23/2009 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
When I had my one-year check-up with the surgeon a few months ago, I asked him if I should be getting a more sensitive PSA reading than the first-generation test my local urologist uses. He told me the only time to become concerned is if the PSA reaches .2 (actually they will start watching me closer if it reaches .1). He said the prostate specific antigen has many "cousins" that will cause very, very small fluctuations in the PSA level below the .1 level. In fact, he said a PSA test should really not state anything other than <.1 and the more sensitive tests don't do anything but cause anxiety.
Posted 11/23/2009 11:03 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Kark and James. The call caught me off guard so I will call back in the am to make sure that was .04, but they were going to fax orders to a Labcorb to have another test done. Glad to have you gurs on board with such knowledge.

Thanks

Michael

Posted 11/23/2009 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
Michael congrats on the zero.
I do understand your feeling, I mean this is cancer we are dealing with and any movement causes alarm. However like the others have said .01 and .04 are still statistical zero's. Keep an eye on it of course, but for now just enjoy life my friend.

peace to you
dale
Posted 11/23/2009 11:18 PM (GMT 0)
A zero is a zero is a zero. That's one of the troubles with PSA test that go out to two places after the decimal, three places are even worse. If it were to continue upward from your new point, be worth watching and waiting. Still a solid zero in my book.
Posted 11/24/2009 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Dale and David. Good to get feedback from guys like you and it helps move it out of my mind a lot more quickly and put it in perspective. HW is the best.

Michael

Posted 11/24/2009 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
Rejoice in an effective ZERO. No worries, mate!
Posted 11/24/2009 2:03 PM (GMT 0)
I might have heard her wrong and maybe the PSA was .4 as they wanted me retested. Trying to call them now to ask more questions while my thinking is clear. As I said the call caught me off guard but they wanted another PSA test and it sounds like they would not do that with a .04. Will keep you posted. I guess this is what they call "PSA anxiety."

Thanks

Michael

Posted 11/24/2009 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
Well I got my numbers wrong and the PSA is.4 and not .04. That is a different ballgame so will have to see what the new test reads. What I learned from this is if the Dr's office calls have pen and paper handy and take a deep breath and ask questions.

Michael

Posted 11/24/2009 3:22 PM (GMT 0)

Sorry to hear that Michael.  Do not despair, much can be done.  And much to be learned before that.

Good luck.

Posted 11/24/2009 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
Michael, that is a horse of a different color. If the real jump is to .4 and not .04 as you first reported, that is not good, but if confirmed, then you might be needing to talk to a rgood Radiation Oncologist for starters. Feel for you brother, please keep us posted.

David in SC
Posted 11/25/2009 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
Michael, don't panic, I have been .5 for over 2 years, even after SRT only went to .4 and now latest .6, my urologist said he has a patient that has been .7 for 8 years, you have a long way to go yet brother, lots of thing that they can do yet.

Regards Mal.
Posted 11/25/2009 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Mal and David and to all my brothers on here. Have a great holiday!

Michael

Posted 11/25/2009 4:00 AM (GMT 0)
Happy holydays I have been 0.04 for the last 4.5 years has some fun.
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