0.03 Alredy?...Really?

This is a bit lengthy, but I need the wisdom of this board.

As you can see from my signature, my post RP Path report was not good.
Had RP, SRT, ADT (18mo.)
On Feb 12th I was more than exited to get my last ADT shot 12mo/Lupron/6mo Firmagon.
They drew blood for 3mo PSA.......0.03 CRAP! As you can imagine all my excitement at finishing treatments VANISHED!

I've been using a Urologist for shots & PSA's but I'm not using him going forward for additional advice or treatments. He think's it's ok to wait 3mo for next PSA. Well, I've been on this board way too long to take that advice. I do have a Med Onc. that I consulted with when I was deciding on the SRT, I emailed and asked him if I should retest in a month. He said yes, retest, every 4 weeks for 3x to see if trend is actually going up.

Of course my hope/prayer is that the 0.03 was lab error, test error, you know...anything but correct!

Questions: I know ADT can fail already, is that likely though? Would you do anything else right now? Do any of you know a Prostate Cancer Specialist in Indianapolis/Nashville/St. Louis/Cincinnati? I'm about three hours from all of these cities. (the Med Onc. I am in touch with does a lot with PC but not his only focus).
I will truly value the input from you all,
Mike

Dear Micah68,

I think it's a good step to add the oncologist that you mentioned to your medical team. My case was advanced at diagnosis. My urologist and oncologist have formed a TEAM APPROACH in my case --- they consult together, they both receive copies of all my tests and lab work, and both of them have input into my case.

I have NEVER heard of any patient who regretted adding an oncologist to their medical team. My oncologist brought another perspective to the table, saw my case with a fresh set of eyes, had some additional expertise with other treatments ideas, and also began ordering different components of lab work in addition to the standard PSA test --- realizing that my case had some complexities.

Some clear-cut examples to share with you: My oncologist began tracking my testosterone level in addition to PSA, which led to us making some more informed decisions that have helped to suppress my PSA to a greater degree, for example. My oncologist discovered that my testosterone was "spiking up" while on multi-month doses of LUPRON --- so he has since manipulated my ADT shots to avoid the testosterone flares, which has helped control my PSA. My oncologist also felt that we needed to try other forms of ADT shots in my case, to see if we could find a more effective shot --- so we tried LUPRON, then FIRMAGON, and currently I'm on ZOLADEX injections, which seemed to have a better "edge" in suppressing my PSA. My oncologist also has ordered a C.T.C. blood test --- "Circulating Tumor Cells" --- which is then sent away to Mayo Clinic for assessment by an oncologist there, to help monitor the success of my treatments.

My PSA has shown evidence of exhibiting the qualities of the "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" --- to borrow from the movie title of the same name --- because of this, my oncologist has me come in like clockwork every four weeks, for lab work and a detailed consultation. He stays right on top of my case and shows tremendous care and diligence and is compassionate beyond all words to describe. Adding him to my medical team was a turning point in my care --- I need the expertise of BOTH my urologist and my oncologist --- I appreciate their teamwork and BOTH have had a tremendous impact on improving my health.

Time and time again, they have moved heaven and earth to micro-manage my treatments and medications --- and both of them have worked small miracles in my case, time and time again, just when I needed them the most. They have worked very diligently to keep the "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" in hibernation, to the fullest extent possible. I'm at work every day, I have 100% of my drive and energy, and living a life filled with humble gratitude every single day. I'm mindful of everyone facing this battle alongside me, including our "Band of Brothers" right here on this forum, and I pray for them every day.

Since my PSA and other components of lab work are monitored every four weeks year 'round, I can also attest to the fact that PSA and other lab levels can fluctuate a bit from test-to-test. Fortunately, Micah68, you are still at a low PSA level ... but I think it's great that you are being PROACTIVE and that you have contacted an oncologist, with the possibility of ADDING the oncologist to your medical team. Proactive approach, in my estimation !

Keep in touch with us here, Micah68 --- we're here to support you !

Sent with all my best to you,
"Cyclone Fan" From Iowa State University

.03 is nothing...variance in test.... No issue waiting for 3 months for another PSA test.

Another example of ultra PSA test causing undo alarm.

As far as your question, I am about 45 minutes from St Louis, and have a Med Onc there which is part of BJC/Siteman Cancer Center