How high can we let post-op PSA rise?

My uro wants to start hormones at .4 I have detectable PSA and I know my testosterone is high.

The hormones just slow it down, the impact to quality of life is significant. I really like feeling lively and sharp, and I just don't don't don't want to go there, into the hormone sludge and fog.

But here now's my question:

Is it like turning on the sprinklers because someone lights a birthday candle or is it like putting a finger in the first leak of the ****.

The usual treatment in cases like yours would be salvage radiation, with HT used as an adjunct to the radiation..Two years on HT is doable, especially when you consider what's on the table here...A cure might still be possible, keep that in sight...

Urologists are okay, but at some point you need to talk to a Medical Oncologist and a Radiation Oncologist to become aware of ALL your options....

Post Edited (Fairwind) : 3/21/2014 9:06:58 PM (GMT-6)

Havanon, my urologist wants to take the next step at 0.03. But I'm a 4+5. There will be multitude of answers to your question and personally, I think the only correct one is what you decide after considering all the dynamics. I will not be in your position until 3 mos from now, (first post-op PSA) or I may never be in it. Do your due diligence and I'm sure you will find the correct answer for your situation. Best of luck!
Cheers, Doug

A PSA of .2 is the tipping point. Because of Gleason score is only 3+4, ADT may not be necessary if the salvage radiation is sufficient (at least 70 Gy). If you do decide to use ADT anyway, they would probably start you 2 months before the salvage radiation, continue through treatment and afterwards for a total of no more than 6 months.

- Allen