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Posted 1/20/2012 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
6 month post biopsy PSA and %fPSA results were a little worse than pre-biopsy results in July. PSA rose from 4.81 to 5.1 and %fPSA went from 14% down to 11%. Urologist says "essentially the same" and wants to try 6 months of Proscar and then recheck. At the time of last biopsy, he said that if January 2012 results were worse, we would probably look at a focused biopsy - now he wants to wait again. Not sure I'm comfortable with this - words of wisdom??? Thanks.
Posted 1/20/2012 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
Your numbers are worse, but not substantially worse. Lots of inconsequential things could drive your PSA up or down one-fifth of a point. I suppose reasonable people could disagree about what to do next, and different urologists might take different paths. Your doc might just be trying to spare you a lot of unnecessary rigamarole.

That said, I say follow your gut. If you're not comfortable waiting, by all means get a second opinion. You're not in this to make your doctor feel good.
Posted 1/20/2012 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
I would vote to go with what your doctor has suggested, in that short course of time, you would be highly unlikely to put yourself at harm, or deny your freedom of a treatment choice in the near term if needed. Just might take some steady nerves.

Good luck, regardless of your choice

david
Posted 1/20/2012 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
My uro would likely echo yours. I don't always agree with mine, but he is the one I trust to advise me. If you trust yours, follow his advice. If you don't, revisit with another uro.

I would second the comments of David & Jazz, but you must feel comfortable with your choices. 

Isn't the clear path we are given wonderful (sure) -

Posted 1/20/2012 8:50 PM (GMT 0)
When is it dumb to seek 2nd and further opinions and testings????? The proscar will lower your psa and mask you actual real numbers which I am sure you know such already. idea

Urologist's are not the wisest PCa specialist they are great at some of the diseases and other issues (lol).  Just ask John T. how perfect many top urologist were in his case (lol)? nono

An fPsa of 11% is highly suspect of PCa somewhere, might be small amount, but likely hanging around.

Question everything in this game, you will see why clearer and clearer as time goes by. cool

(I got emoticons when reading this...hee-hee)

Posted 1/20/2012 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
My urologist advised me to wait six months...my gut told me otherwise. The biopsy will either put your mind at ease or prompt you to do something about it?
I am glad I followed my gut... But it's a personal thing.
Posted 1/20/2012 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
We are new to this site so please bear with me.

My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had a RP Oct 13-2011.

It was unsucessful as his PSA was 1.2 6 wks. post surgery and 1.8

3 weeks later.

We now have seen an Oncologists who recommends 39 radiation treatments.

We were told it's 50-50 if it works , but that is the only way to know if it is meatastic.

He has had CT and full bone scan, negitve for metastisis.

He is due to start on Hormone Therapy next week before starting radiation to follow in 3 monthes.

We do have an appt. with another Oncologist for a second opinion.

Is there anyone out there with a similar case to share their expeirences?

His stats here:

age 53

gleason grade- 4+3 in 4 mid gland sections

no lymphatic or perineural invasion

6 wks.post op. 1.2 psa

3 weeks later 1.8

 

Posted 1/21/2012 1:01 AM (GMT 0)

Starting Proscar at this point can provide you with some useful information.  In a recent article, Dr. Scholz stated that you should expect a 50% decline in your PSA within a few months of starting Proscar.  He goes on to say,  "In fact, since the 50% decline in PSA is fairly predictable, this decline can be considered a type of “stress test.” A failure for the typical 50% decline to occur raises the possibility of occult High-Risk disease".  Here is a link to the full article:  http://www.prostate-cancer.org/pcricms/node/439. 

I failed the stress test several years ago. My PSA actually went up after starting Proscar but none of my doctors knew what to do about it.  I was eventually diagnosed with an agressive case of PCa.  Hope this helps.

Carlos

Posted 1/21/2012 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
When is it dumb to seek 2nd and further opinions and testings????

 

when you're trying to find an opinion that jibes with what you want hear cool !

ed

 

Posted 1/21/2012 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
Urologist called today and said that after rethinking my results, would prefer to schedule saturation biopsy soon. Thanks for the responses and my gut tells me this is the right course of action. Thanks again.
Posted 1/21/2012 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
Carlos,

Has your Dr. tried Avodart? Or castration?
I know that sounds extream. Our Oncologists explained HT will knock down my Husbands PSA to undectable levels before radiation, however it may spike before it drops?
I supposed that may have to do with which HT is used.
We are awaiting the meds to be delivered to Dr. so uncertain what is to be used for HT.
Are you done with HT?

Stay strong!

BOOGEE
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