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Posted 9/12/2012 6:26 PM (GMT 0)
The DaVinci robot removed my prostate 8/1 of last year. My first post-op PSA was taken at 3 months. The second was taken at 6 months and the last one was taken at 1 year from surgery. All 3 readings were <0.1, At my last consult with my Urologic Oncology Surgeon we discussed the results of the 1 year PSA test. He was happy with the results (<0.1) and scheduled my next PSA review for 1 year. My question is, I`m a bit uncomfortable going a whole year between PSA tests and wonder how you folks feel about it.

1snake 

Posted 9/12/2012 6:49 PM (GMT 0)
Since you were G6 after surgery, a PSA is likely okay to do only once a year but like you I'd be more comfortable with a PSA every 6 months.

If your gleason was higher or you where at a more advanced stage, then once a year wouldn't make sense. Since your PC was confined to the prostate it's very possible that you'll not see any problems in the future.

Still, it's your health and your body. You could go back and insist on a 6 month check.

and congratulations on the good PSA results so far. May you have a lot more zeros.

All the best,
Andrew
Posted 9/12/2012 7:46 PM (GMT 0)
You don't need a permission slip as to your life, health and options. You can have more than one source, it is not illegal (lol).
Posted 9/12/2012 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
I get a second set of PSA tests at 6 month intervals with my regular blood work at my GP. Those are offset from my uro's tests. Of course my state is such that he (the uro) does 3 month tests, so just mentioning that as an example. Because of the insurance company, the two docs use different labs, so I am getting parallel tests on different equipment, and there has been no argument with them being covered.

The other side is that you may be more comfortable just pushing it out of mind for a year.

I wish I had that option.

Posted 9/12/2012 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the comments guys. I think for my own peace of mind I may have it included in my routine blood work @ 6 months as suggested.

1snake

Posted 9/12/2012 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with where you netted out -- I'd do six monthly reads for now....if a few readings from now you keep seeing flat tiny numbers and you get comfortable with it, then you can stretch out to year intervals. But unless/until you've got peace of mind, do the testing to get the peace of mind.
Posted 9/13/2012 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
i'm two years out and test every six months and plan to do so for two more years.

ed

Posted 9/13/2012 1:02 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with the others.....I would do 6 month PSAs for another year, then if all ok then go to once a year.
Posted 9/13/2012 10:59 AM (GMT 0)
My URO has me on 90 day testing for the first 2 years and then every 6 months for year 2 to 5. He believes if there is a BCR he wants to jump on it as soon as possible. IMO once a year in your case is too long to wait.
Posted 9/14/2012 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
My opinion... If your "gut" says it seems too long between tests then take the initiative and get it checked on your timetable. You are your own best advocate.
My Dr says every six months...I am getting it checked every three.
Yeah there might be a little more psa anxiety due to the frequency but there is also the satisfaction that I am doing everything possible to stay on top of it.
Posted 9/14/2012 9:23 PM (GMT 0)
I also feel 6 months is a comfortable wait assuming no problems. My uro has me on a 3 month schedule for 4 years! Considering I had negative margins I think this is overkill and just go every 6 months. If he has everyone on that schedule that might explain why it takes him 2 or 3 weeks to call, if he calls at all. Fortunately, results are online within 24 hours. May you have a lifetime of zeros.
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