KICKED OUT OF ZERO CLUB

  I was unceremoniously kicked out of the zero club this week.  RRP on 8/13, first PSA 10/13 was 0.022.  On 12/31 it was 0.081 and on 3/10 is at 0.190.  Will have another PSA in 2 weeks to confirm if rising etc.  Docs said IMRT is next step.  I asked for an estimate on how many years of good quality life I would have if I decided not to have any follow up therapy and was told  "probably 5 years."

  I can't say I am totally surprised about the PSA.  Depressed and disappointed, absolutely.  I had a gleason 4+5=9 however path report totally negative with transition zone organ confined tumor.  Only negative was perineural invasion, pre RRP PSA was 5.6.  Docs say gleason 8-10 are game changers regardless of path report.

I'm beginning to think that if the path report has 4 or 5 as a primary pattern, and regardless of how positive the path report,  the chances of a cure through surgery are not as good as what we might be told.  Of course, you don't know what the real gleason score is until the prostate is removed. 

In my case, knowing what I know now, I would have gone with the seeds but it is what it is.

The Old Sailor

Old Sailor,

I agree with previous folks - you still have a lot of options, including IMRT.  You mentioned that the only negative component in your pathology report was perineural invasion.  Did they explain to you meaning of it?

I wish you speedy recovery!

Sharp

I want to thank all of my brothers for your words of encouragement and support.  HW is the "bomb."  I guess we'll now turn into the wind and launch em (IMRT). 

Sharp, doc only said perineural invasion called a secondary consideration in containment of pc to the organ and most men have it on pathology - he didn't seem too concerned.

Subic Squid - I have many fond memories of the PI and Olongapo.  "Fair winds and following seas" to you shipmate.

The Old Sailor