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Wheeeewwwww! This PSA thing has to get easier !

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Posted 7/24/2010 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
Just got my 15 month PSA.  <.01 !  As a Gleason 9'r, I could not be any happier, well, unless maybe if I had spontaneous capabilities.

But honestly, the knot in the stomach seems as bad as the 3 month PSA.  Last PSA I had a .01, or so the lab reported, so I imagined this one would be a .02 or something, the start of the climb.  Oh well, wait til the next 3 months.  I have come to think this is the way it will be forever.

Note to new guys.  Be directive on your PSA testing.  Make sure the doctor or nurse prescribes the correct test.  There is PSA screen, PSA diagnostic, and PSA ultrasensitive .  There are several other names used to describe these tests as well.  The lab doesn't always know what test the doctor has ordered, so you may not get the correct sensitivity.  I have become hooked on the ultrasensitive which uses electrochemicalluminescecne technology, and usually reads to the .01.  There are some that go to 3 decimal places. 

Meanwhile, I will continue living the good life.

 

Posted 7/24/2010 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
Great number there, goodlife, congrats
Posted 7/24/2010 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
Congratulations, sounds like you had a good surgeon. I just expect to get a 0 and have the test every 6 mos to reduce the anxiety. Surgeon is ok with that. But then I have had only 2 , talk to me in November. Faith is tough!!!
Posted 7/24/2010 3:23 AM (GMT 0)
Good on you, Goodlife. Nice numbers. Very nice indeed.

Sheldon AKA Sleepless
Posted 7/24/2010 5:41 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Goodlife. Congratulations on your great PSA test score. Hoping for many, many more of those for you and all of us. I too favor the Ultra sensitive test (mine only goes down to .04) because that is the only way that a recurrence can be detected early. SRT, after early detection of a recurrence, has apparently the best chance of success.

All the best to you.

Magaboo

Posted 7/24/2010 6:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Goodlife,
Congratulations. That ''<0.01" is sure good to see. Who knew that such a small number could make such a big difference.

May you have many more!

Thanks for the reminder to ask for a Diagnostic PSA not just the Screening PSA. It's important.
Jeff
Posted 7/24/2010 10:18 AM (GMT 0)
congrats on the continuing zero club status - wishing you a goodlifetime of stress free zero's!!

BRONSON
Posted 7/24/2010 11:41 AM (GMT 0)
That is great news and what a wonderful stress reliever. Now celebrate your membership in the elite zero club.

peace to you
dale
Posted 7/24/2010 11:47 AM (GMT 0)
Goodlife, Wheeewww is right. Congrats on the low number. Hope to report the same on Monday.


Cajun Jeff
Posted 7/24/2010 12:22 PM (GMT 0)

Great to hear about the big Zero Goodlife. Hope to join you again someday as my stint in the club lasted 3 months. Keep them coming in and just maybe in the future the knot in the stomach will just be from eating at Taco Bell and not about the PSA test.

Michael

Posted 7/24/2010 12:29 PM (GMT 0)
Good news and yes it is always stressful for me. It is like putting your hand in the fire and it and feels good pulling it out when you receive the results you want.
Posted 7/24/2010 1:39 PM (GMT 0)
Jeff,

I actually am not recommending the diagnostic PSA, at least at my lab.  They told it was good to two decimal places.  So when I got the results, it was <.10.  I called the lab and said, just because you put a zero after the 1, doesn't make it 2 decimals.  It should be somewhere between .01 and .09.

They agreed and ran the ultrasensitive which returned <.01.  That is why I am preaching about knowing exactly what is ordered , and what results to expect.  The gal at the lab window is probably a phlebotimist.  Even the person I talked to at the lab couldn't really explain the PSA test differences in detail.  I knew ( after multiple PSA's) more than they did about the deatils.

We have to assume some control and persistence in these matters for our own psychogical if not physical health.

Posted 7/24/2010 1:59 PM (GMT 0)
CONGRATS on the stellar number. Guys like you that maintain their membership in zero club are my idols and it is my hope that someday I will be able to join you in this Elite Club.

Keep the good numbers rolling in for many years to come, stress or not.

Sonny
Posted 7/24/2010 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
 

Hi Goodlife,

Great news on the numbers! Wish you many, many more.

I know about the PSA anxiety, too. I have my 18 month in about 8 weeks and already it comes up in my thoughts too often.

Mike

Posted 7/24/2010 7:31 PM (GMT 0)
Goodlife,
That is a great result for any Gleason especially a 9. Keep up the good work.
Posted 7/25/2010 1:47 PM (GMT 0)
Congrats and many more Goodlife!..   Don't get my first till Oct and hoping to follow in your footsteps for the <.01

Thanks for the heads up on the ultrasensitive testing! 

Posted 7/25/2010 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
Great news Goodlife! So glad to hear and wishing you continued good health. cheers
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