My most recent PSA test showed an increase. Hoping it is a "PSA" bump which can occur with radiation. Although it seems to me that my PSA should be lower nearly a year after treatment end. I guess further testing will tell.
I am trying to stay positive but have begun to educate myself should the radiation be deemed a failure. Any surgical salvage seems fraught with uncertainty and terrible side effects. I am reading a lot about HT, specifically TIP.
My urologist would not start HT right away-he would wait for PSA to rise further(up to 10?) before beginning. This
seems counterintuitive to me although I have read that this approach is widespread.
Others, including Dr.Mark Scholz ("Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers), advocate starting HT and TIP much sooner-
shortly after relapse is confirmed. "PSA testing signals a relapse when the disease is still microscopic, far too small
to be seen on scans. Early treatment of minimal disease is much more effective than trying to control advanced disease". He is a big and enthusiastic proponent of medications and contends that they can restore health and prolong life expectancy. Seemingly, he would not agree with the prevailing view that HT does not prolong life.
I know several on this site have consulted with him and I wonder if there is any doctor on the east coast(New England) who thinks similarly.
I would appreciate any feedback, agree or disagree.
Bachez