Welcome to new member "infothirsty52" who has a question

Welcome "infothirsty52", glad you joined us. He has posted the following in another post:
Hello all.

I've been reading these comments and find that I get more useful information from here, submitted by real people just like me, then I do on any medical website. This is my first post.

I've read with interest the discussions regarding the ultrasensitive PSA test. I know that virtually all of the most experienced medical minds agree that anything below 0.1 is esentially zero. I am also aware of the concern over PSA anxiety.

My issue is this: On Jan 30, 2007 I had a laparoscoptic RP at St. Vincent's Hospital in NYC (since closed due to state funding loss) by Dr. Michael Grasso III. Since the surgery, my PSA was measured using the 3rd Gen Ultrasensitive test. First test; less than 0.003. Since that result, my tests have fluctuated from 0.003 to 0.006 to 0.009 to 0.009 to 0.008 to less than 0.006 to 0.007 to 0.008 on April 10, 2010. All of these numbers seem to be in the same area and I have been fairly comfortable. However, Sept 2010 the result was 0.013. Two days ago, Dec 15 the result was 0.017. I understand three consecutive rises is a concern but are these numbers so small as to be inconclusive? Has anyone had any similar variations? Thank you.

Age at diagnosis: 48, Gleason: 3+3 (post op found some 4), DRE: neg, Margins: clear, Extracap: 1 foci, Lymphs: neg, PSA pre-op 5.2, Both lobes involved, Diagnosed due to agressive PSA screening by GP (started me when I was 40). Maternal grandfather and maternal uncle both PCA (much later in life). 1 side nerve spared. 2 days in hosp. 1 week catheter, 2 weeks pads, sexual returned slowly (over 18 months to full return).



At first glance it would seem there may be something going on there. Your PSA has been stable at <0.01 for 3-1/2 years and now seems to have moved to 0.013 and then to 0.017. I would not be alarmed just yet and there is no doctor that would take any further action at these very low levels. However I would have another ultrasensitive PSA in March and see if the trend upwards continues. Even if it were the very early signs of relapse, reports show that given the long length of time to PSA raising its head, it is likely to be local within the prostate bed and thus should respond to salvage radiation therapy. Then again it could well just stabilize ........... another couple of tests should show more clearly what's going on.
Bill

still talking about a post surgical psa of .01 and less than .02. cant see the point of .xxx testing, this proves the needless worry it can cause.

billy, explain "bairns" to me, then i can understand your answer, lol. imagine how nuts people would get if psa tests went to .xxxx! for most people with low grade pc cases, the under .1 readings is probably best on their heads and nerves.

Purgatory said...
billy, explain "bairns" to me, then i can understand your answer, lol. imagine how nuts people would get if psa tests went to .xxxx! for most people with low grade pc cases, the under .1 readings is probably best on their heads and nerves.

David I am shocked .......ask your mother the meaning of "wee bairn"

Post Edited (BillyMac) : 12/17/2010 2:32:01 AM (GMT-7)

yeah, billy the master of wombats using an irish expression on an american with a british mother, makes perfect sense, not sure how i could have missed it. lol

Once upon a time Kev.........
Actually it is Scottish / Irish (Celtic brothers all) (although those sassenach Geordies use it as well). My paternal grandparents were Scottish immigrants to Australia. As a child I often heard the expression "Och aye, he/she is a bonny wee bairn".

Post Edited (BillyMac) : 12/17/2010 2:37:52 AM (GMT-7)