HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Not surprising PSA result

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 12/2/2014 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I was hoping for a reversal, but not expecting it. My HT vacation is probably over. I sent an email to Dr. Lam, but I know it is time.

My PSA is 5.2

It was 2.9 four weeks ago and 1.8 three weeks before that.

Craps.

As I mentioned earlier, I went to Mayo for the C-11 Choline Pet Scan and they found it in a single lymph node. I will be meeting with a RO (Dr. Hamstra) at Umich on 12/15 to discuss possible radiation to the lymph node(s). I already had SRT to the prostate bed. I understand that HT works well in enhancing radiation.

I started Casodex and have scheduled the Lupron shot for the 9th, unless Dr. Lam says I can delay matters. (I was hoping to delay until January!)

Anyway, no surprise.

Mel
Posted 12/2/2014 4:18 PM (GMT 0)
Mel, I was certainly hoping for a surprise in the other direction -- sorry you didn't get it. You have a great medical team and I'm sure you will work through this. Best of luck.

Jim
Posted 12/2/2014 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
Oddly enough, I was not nervous in the least. (A 100% contrast to previous PSA anticipations). I had resigned myself to the obvious fact that my HT vacation was over and had already scheduled THE SHOT for the 9th.

Mel
Posted 12/2/2014 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear about this latest read Mel - however as Tud mentioned have faith/confidence in the Team you are working with, some of the BEST.
Posted 12/2/2014 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Stay on top of it, once treatment starts you will adapt. Thats what humans do best. It does suck tho...
Posted 12/2/2014 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
It would be nice if you could get a longer holiday - at least until after the holiday.

Still, you got to do what's needed.

Andrew
Posted 12/2/2014 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear the rise, brother Mel.

Sounds like you have a good plan though.

Bill from Florida cool
Posted 12/2/2014 6:21 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear this Mel. Glad you are managing it logically, and with great docs, keeping my fingers crossed
Posted 12/2/2014 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
Mel, the only good news is that if you choose to go onto Provenge, you have the requisite PSA increases.

Could also open you up to some clinical trials.

So something to discuss with Dr. Lam by phone before you see him in person on New Year's eve.

Looking forward tio meeting with you and Tall Allen that day in Marina del Rey.

LupronJim
Posted 12/2/2014 8:31 PM (GMT 0)
Jim:

At this point, I'd just as soon not do anything else.

I do have an email into Dr. Lam regarding resuming HT.

I see the radiation guy on the 15th and Lam on the 31st (and hopefully YOU TOO)

Mel
Posted 12/2/2014 11:08 PM (GMT 0)
Mel,

Sorry to hear about the PSA rise. Hopefully the RO will nuke that problem int oblivion.

Nick
Posted 12/2/2014 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
Mel,

I'm sorry to read about your PSA rise. I know that you and your doctors have had well-conceived plans for this possibility, but it is disappointing for you nonetheless. Take care and keep us updated.

Tim
Posted 12/3/2014 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
Mel,
Sorry to hear that your psa is going up so quickly. I'LL find out how high mine is on Tuesday at Nih. You still qualify for the trial and they can get you hooked up with some enzalutamide real fast.
The 3 months of enzalutamide gave me a year more off the lupron.
I just found out they amended the trial and I'll receive another 3 months !!on the
enzalutamide ! I think they're still recruiting. Call or email us if you have any questions.
Jim
Posted 12/3/2014 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
Dang and so sorry to hear that. As someone currently enjoying an HT vacation (well, actually I'm hoping it's a permanent vacation) I can imagine your feelings at going back on HT a month before you thought. But very, very impressed with your attitude about this and I hope the next steps go well for you.
Posted 12/3/2014 4:08 AM (GMT 0)
I suppose it sucks that your PSA is going up so fast but it doesn't invalidate your plan. That lymph node can explain the PSA rise and if the radiation works well your next HT vacation may be a very long one indeed.
Posted 12/3/2014 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
I wish I could explain why I felt NO ANXIETY this time, approaching the PSA test and even waiting for the results. I guess I felt it was a foregone conclusion. I wish I could bottle this attitude for future tests, but I know myself. Ain't gonna happen.

I will mention provenge and xtandi and zytiga and clinical trials when I see Dr. Lam on the 31st. But, frankly, I am reluctant to do any of that at this juncture. Look, I went to Mayo to do the super duper C11 Scan and it found the spot (probably others that it didn't find). I have a big decision to make on how to approach treating the spot (or maybe not). I've tentatively decided to go the radiation route. The next question is SBRT vs. IMRT. I have received some information from folks I respect that favors SBRT (the fact that it can be done in about 6 sessions compared to 38 is a big plus). But I'm not sure if it is advisable in my situation. So, I'm meeting with the RO at Umich on the 15th.

So, I am doing HT (had to do that right away, with the 1-month PSADT) and probably some form of radiation. My plate is full (feels that way, anyway)

Ok, enough meanderings. I have to get back to work!

Mel
Posted 12/3/2014 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
Mel,

I'm curious, why wouldn't the C-11 Choline scan pick up other spots?
Posted 12/3/2014 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
Tim:

That scan has limits, too.

Dr. Lam indicated that with my rapid PSA rise, there is a good chance that it's elsewhere, but not enough to be found in the Scan.

But, they estimate a 30% chance of a cure (okay -- "long remission.")

Not great, but it kind of gives me one extra bite of that elusive apple!

Mel
Posted 12/4/2014 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
Drat! Sending you our best. Moon and Don.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply