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PSA bounce and PSA anxiety

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Posted 11/20/2013 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
I was going to post under davidg's post but I thought my circumstance is a little different.

I have had mild burning on urination for 6-9 months.  I have no bleeding and at times I have no burning.  I have also exhibited a mild PSA bounce during this same period.  My radiologist believes that they may be linked but is not sure.  I do not want to get my regularly scheduled PSA just to be disappointed again.  My thinking is to wait until the burning subsides.  If the burning is prostatitis, the bounce is linked.  If the burning is bladder or urethra related, the two issues are coincidental and not linked.

If my PSA would fall significantly before the holidays, it would be a gift.  If it comes back higher......the Christmas spirit would be down the toilet. 

Do you think I should go ahead and get it done.  Surprisingly, both of my physicians have left it up to me.

 Thanks Paul

Gleason 3+4; 5/16 positive cores; average volume 30%; PSA prior to tx 4.8
TX-IMRT + brachytherapy; IMRT Nov. 2011; Brachytherapy Feb. 2012
PSA April 2012--3.6
PSA May 2012--2.5
PSA Aug 2012--2.2
PSA Nov 2012--2.9
PSA Feb 2013--2.8
PSA May 2013--2.1
PSA Aug 2013--2.3

Post Edited (PDL17) : 11/19/2013 6:35:32 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/20/2013 1:18 AM (GMT 0)
For me, not knowing and wondering if every little ache and pain is something to be concerned about is far worse than the anxiety of a PSA.  It is one of the reasons I chose surgery as my primary treatment.  Definitely a personal decision, but I know how I'm wired.

Best of luck,

Tom

Posted 11/20/2013 1:33 AM (GMT 0)
Paul, I think you will want to know. Many holidays ahead of you. I found out about mine a weeks before thanksgiving and remember going into the holidays with dampened spirits. I actually went into church to hear carols as it reminded me of my childhood when we'd sing them in English primary school. Christmas day with my wife, kids and mother was fine in the end. I watched the kids open their presents and completely forgot about my upcoming surgery.

I hope you get good results, but I also hope that you enjoy the holiday season regardless knowing you will have many more ahead of you.
Posted 11/20/2013 1:54 AM (GMT 0)

Paul said...
If the burning is prostatitis, the bounce is linked. If the burning is bladder or urethra related, the two issues are coincidental and not linked.

As I mentioned before, PSA bounces may occur when the cancer cells "explode" releasing their PSA. Healthy tissues slough off as well, releasing their PSA. Eventually, the cancer cells will self-destruct and the healthy cells will stay healthy and the PSA will go down.

I realize you had a lot of radiation with the IMRT on top of the seeds and that's bound to irritate the tissues. What are you taking for it? Some guys I know swear by Elmiron.

It sounds like if you take a PSA test now and it is still bouncing, you will worry about it. And if you avoid your scheduled PSA test, you will worry about it anyway. So if either decision will cause you to worry, the decision doesn't make a difference. I think your best bet is to acknowledge that you had definitive treatment, and the PSA will go down in its own good time. You have not met any of the criteria for biochemical failure. One can only deal with things as they are.

- Allen
Posted 11/20/2013 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Tom, David and TA for your advice and perspective.  Everything you guys said is true.  Now all I have to do is "man-up" and get the stupid test.

Paul

Posted 11/20/2013 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
 My radiologist believes that they may be linked but is not sure. 

he thinks cystitis may be linked to PSA bounce?  never heard that one before.

ed

 

Posted 11/20/2013 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
it was Dalai Lama who said: if you can do something about the situation, then there is no need to worry - if it's not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. Perhaps this helps.
Posted 11/23/2013 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
Well, I got the PSA and it came back 2.5. Dr. Sylvestor told me I should not worry about this result (Who me, worry).
Not the result I hoped for but thanks to everyone that gave input. This is an awful disease. The toll it takes on our minds and bodies is great.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving

Paul
Posted 11/23/2013 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
Paul, I'm sorry. It's still a very low number.
Posted 11/23/2013 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
Get it done, it will be the same number regardless. If you don't you will still be thinking about it through the holidays regardless. I believe in going head first into a situation, delay will not diminish any anxiety or worry you may be feeling. Just my take, and good luck.

David
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