PSA Jump from .10 to .30

We just returned from a visit with the MO. PSA jumped from .10 to .30. MO says this could be nothing or it could be some cancer resistant cell activity and the beginning castrate resistance. MO will do some scans in 2 weeks to see if anything new is going on. We are a bit worried and disappointed after a good initial response to treatment. Any thoughts out there or similar experiences? TA any thoughts.

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season.

john,

I don't think a PSA of 0.3 when you started with 33 is much to worry about. Yes, it's possible that there are some resistant cells in there, or it could just be random fluctuations in cancer cell output. Either way, you've had an excellent response to your therapies. All anyone can do is take it as it comes.

Did you decide to enter the clinical trial for cytoreductive prostatectomy? If so, when is that scheduled?

Hello John,

Had just been thinking of you lately, wondering how you were faring ~

Your treatments have really helped you, ever since you were diagnosed. I know both of us are grateful for the new treatments strategies, such as the "early chemo plan" that both of us have embarked upon ...

I well remember the time period AFTER I finished up my six TAXOTERE infusions. It was GREAT to "move on" after chemo was finished up, to be sure ... but then came that inner question that can be summed up simply as, "Now what? What's next, in terms of treatments?"

My chemo treatments helped knock that devilish P.S.A. down to low decimals, along with the ADT hormone shots, just as it has done in your case. I was thankful for that ... no looking back.

After some time had passed after my last chemo treatment in the series, my oncologist and I began to notice my P.S.A. started "creeping up" a bit ... we tracked the levels ... kept an eye on things ... monthly lab work ... monthly P.S.A. monitoring ... "watch and wait" ... which sometimes turns into "watch and wait and WORRY" ... truth be told ... sigh ...

It's always worrisome, anytime there's an uptick in P.S.A. levels ... we work so hard to slog through a series of treatments, and then we just want to "ride the wave" for a long time after leaving the treatment battlefield ...

After my chemo treatments were over, my oncologist remained calm ... he kept outlining his vision for future options, other treatment possibilities ... we just stayed on track ... and I kept living life. The worries in the back of your mind are completely normal, my friend --- we are all forced to live with those worries.

After some time, my oncologist and I discussed adding either XTANDI or ZYTIGA for me ... two of the newer breakthrough medications ... my oncologist didn't want to see my P.S.A. creeping up too high ... so, we eventually added ZYTIGA to my treatment plan.

I considered it a day of miracles when my oncologist told me that with ZYTIGA, my P.S.A. reached an even lower decimal level than I had achieved while undergoing chemo treatments. So --- hopefully, there's some "peace of mind" for you ... medications like XTANDI or ZYTIGA could be prescribed for you, whenever you might need them, down the road someday. They have helped thousands of fellows ... and they are F.D.A. approved and waiting for you, in case you need them

I hope that brings you some reassurance, John16 ... and helps take the worrisome thoughts away. You've done amazingly well ... and you are continuing to do well ... sometimes we just need a friend to say those words to reassure us.

Your doctors will keep a close watch on your case, you can be assured. You've stayed right on top of things ... you've got your head in this game ... you've done your research ... and you and your doctors have always taken a proactive approach.

Just a line of support from "one brother to another brother" ~

Thanks for always being a loyal friend of mine on this forum,
"Cyclone Fan" ~ Iowa State University