ultrasensitive PSA test

My husband gets the ultrasensitive PSA test every 3 months because that is the test his surgeon uses. He had been getting mostly 0.00 to 0.01 results until his last PSA test, which came in at 0.03. My husband had EPE on his final pathology report after surgery, so I have been on edge afraid that his PSA will rise. I pretty much freaked out when his PSA went up, even though I know that 0.03 is considered undetectable and that PSA on this test can fluctuate a bit.

My husband and I were in his surgeon's office yesterday because he is being treated for ED. The PA suggested testing his testosterone, and doing another PSA test at the same time. My husband said OK and we got the results today - 0.00 PSA (I don't know about testosterone results). Now I see how the ultra- sensitive test can cause anxiety. I'm glad that he gets this test but I will try to keep my anxiety in check in the future.

Bluebird,

That really brought home to me the dangers of the ultrasensitive test. Thanks!

- Allen

The ultra sensitive test is an anxiety generator. Most of us don't need that level of detail.

Although it caused anxiety, the ultra sensitive test may have had some value. Before being diagnosed with PCa my husband had a terrible diet - although not overweight he was a junk food addict. After he was diagnosed, I cleaned up his diet. I was pretty strict with him until recently. Because his PSA tests were coming in at 0.00 I relaxed. As soon as I relaxed he went back to his old eating habits. Then his PSA went up.

Now, I know that his diet and his PSA may be unrelated, and his PSA fluctuation may have been meaningless. Nevertheless, I forced him to clean up his diet. His PSA went down. I cook healthy meals so that is not the problem. The problem is the endless chips, desserts, and sweet drinks that he likes.

I have a theory (not scientific, just my own speculation) that there may be some microscopic cancer cells in his body. If he is lucky, his immune system will destroy or keep these cancer cells in check. If not, they will multiply. I hope to keep his immune system at optimum functioning through a healthy lifestyle.

I did make Toll House chocolate chip cookies tonight to celebrate his 0.00 PSA (and for family visiting tomorrow) - but don't make it a regular activity.

I just got blood work back that Myers ordered before I see him mid-Sept. I don't know how to insert a plot but if you put graph these numbers they paint the wrong picture even though the numbers are small. Would .132 have come back .13 from ACL? Who knows, it's still higher than last month, and doubled in three months.

5/27/14 .07ACL
6/17/14 .10ACL
6/20/14 .08NW
7/23/14 .10ACL
8/26/14 .132 Labcorp

Rigby - hang in there...you're in good hands...

Jim- good point and great use of the ultrasensitive test...

Bluebird...I'll take something me cookies....

In light of some of the posts on this thread I will try to clarify the point I was trying to make when I created it. I am glad that my husband gets the ultra sensitive test. If his PSA starts to substantially rise I would want to know to investigate further possible treatment, and to do all that we could (in terms of lifestyle) to try to stem that rise. However, my experience with his temporary PSA rise has taught me that there can be minor fluctuations, so I need to curb my anxiety if there is a slight rise in his PSA. The PA of his surgeon told me that they consider anything under 0.05 to be essentially the same thing as 0.00.