Brachytherapy – 1 year PSA

What did the doctor think?

I just had my 6 month appointment and the doctor said that during the first two years, the PSA can be all over the place. He said that he would look for 3 consecutive readings that went up before he would be concerned.

When is the next reading...3 months?

Dear Over:

I can understand your concern but the chances are good that this is "bounce".  That happens in 30% or so of brachytherapy patients and usually occurs between one and two years post-procedure.  I expect that you are correct and that the doc will want more frequent tests until they figure out what is going on.  If you get 3 consecutive PSA rises that could indicate BCR.  Jeff is far from that and chances are that this is simply the "bounce". 

Good luck and keep us posted.

Tudpock (Jim)

I know the reading is not what you expected or wanted, but the Consultant will give you a better feel for what this means. They see a lot of people and will have a broader scope to view this though. Hopefully they will be able to put you at ease (at least a little bit). Again, my doctor said that the first 2 years can be crazy and don't read too much into any one reading. I think it's just part of the ride for some of us (unfortunately). I know that doesn't make it any easier, but I think that's just the way it is. Be sure and let us know what your Consultant says on Thursday. My best to you and Jeff.

overthepond said...
Well Jeff got his blood results on Friday and it has been a bit of an emotional roller coaster weekend.
2.77 which is up 0.99 from month 9 -just praying this is a ‘bounce’ or is 1 year too soon???
Follow-up appointment with Consultant this Thursday.

Good luck....

Glad to hear back from you and also glad that the Consultant is not concerned about the rise. Pretty much the same as my Uro said. Enjoy life and each other, and I hope to hear good things from you in 3 months (although I guess we should really be thinking in terms of the 2 year mark and not putting so much emphasis on the 3 or 4 month readings).

Post Edited (Gleason 6) : 3/1/2012 5:56:29 AM (GMT-7)

...and just one more thought. Did Jeff abstain from sex before the PSA test? I would assume that that could still make a difference.

Thanks Bronson for posting the link, very interesting reading their take on the PSA ‘bounce’ phenomenon. One of my main concerns was timing as I really wasn’t expecting a bounce at 12 months, I had it in my head it would be much later so it scared the hell out of me. As they state, typically it does occur 18 to 36 months out, which was pretty much what I was reading everywhere I looked for reassurance BUT “may be seen earlier or later”.
Jeff and I were talking about the ‘bounce’ this morning actually and realised that if Jeff had been on 6 monthly PSA checks (as you have been Gleason 6) we wouldn’t have even seen this elevation as his 6 month check was 3.18 and 12 month 2.77, which makes us wonder whether in fact ALL Brachy patients do experience a ‘bounce’ but it isn’t always picked up if it falls between tests.
Re the ‘abstention’ Gleason – yes we made sure of the 3 clear days.
Have a great weekend all and thanks again.
Sending you all good wishes from a sunny South of England, UK.
x

I hear what you are saying Jim but believe me, I know how blessed we are in comparison to many, many others here.

Interesting re the timing isn't it - perhaps you did have a bounce too Jim. I suppose the only way we’d all know for sure what the ‘norm’ really is would be if everyone post Brachy was tested every month (or less!) for the first few years – I think the stress of monthly PSA’s would finish me off though!!!

x