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What to Expect (or hope for) at second post-IMRT PSA reading

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Posted 7/9/2013 1:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, everyone. I am a sometimes poster but everyday reader here. My husband was diagnosed with G7 (3+4) PC--PSA of 5.8, normal DRE, heavy biopsy load. He was treated at Duke with 38 IMRT treatments back last Fall and was on Lupron for six months. He did great, and continues to do great. His first PSA reading after treatment (3 months) was <.01. We know this was a great number, but we expected it with the Lupron still in his system. He goes in for his second post radiation reading in a couple of weeks, and I am wondering what we should expect (or hope for). I assume the PSA will go up some since HT is no longer a factor? How much increase is normal? I would appreciate anyone giving us some guidance on what to expect at this second reading?
Posted 7/9/2013 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
If he'd just had the RT, I'd expect his PSA to be cut at least in half from the pre-RT at least. That's about what happened to mine anyway.

I am not really sure how much of a bounce you'll get after the HT isn't in the system. If it were my test, I'd feel great if is was anything around 2 or lower.

But it's really a tough question since there are so many factors and any number we put out is pure speculation. I'd really just consider the next test to be setting a new baseline and watch it from there. As long as tests after this are roughly the same or lower you're doing fine. My doc say you get to nidar in about 18 to 24 months post RT so you've got a ways to go yet.

Keep us updated on the test results.
All the best,
Andrew
Posted 7/9/2013 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
yeah, you got a ways to go to know where his psa will hopefully level off. I would expect a bounce at some point, especially once the ht is out of his system, so don't be alarmed. it may take another year to know how things stabilize.

good luck

david
Posted 7/9/2013 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
Irmaly,
As I recall, your husband had an outstanding response to the imrt and 6 months of lupron..With a psa of .01 after 3 months of treatment there was no reason to continue with the adt; it took me a full year to reach <.03...I believe that you and your Duke doctors made the right call in discontinuing the lupron. Unfortunately, as Andrew mentioned it takes the radiation from 18-24 months to fully kill the beasties so you can expect your husband's psa to rise; there is no correct answer so your husband and you will be subjected to "psa anxiety" for some time to come. Please keep us informed about his/your journey.
Bill idea
Posted 7/9/2013 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much, all!
Posted 7/10/2013 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
my rad onc told me if my PSA was above 2 he would be concerned.  my first post HT psa came back at .2.

ed

 

Posted 7/10/2013 1:03 PM (GMT 0)
F8, how long after HT did you have your PSA checked? Did you get testosterone checked too?
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