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Annual PSA tests

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Posted 6/28/2017 12:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi folks, I need your opinions. I am approaching my 6th anniversary from my DaVinci procedure on 8/1/11. I have been on annual PSA tests the last few years and have been blessed with undetectable results. As you can see in my signature, the post-op path report was good. I`m wondering if you were in my place at my age(80 in Nov.) would you assume that you are not going to die from PCa and stop the yearly test? May the good Lord watch over all of you.
Harry
Posted 6/28/2017 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
If I were your age, I WOULD assume I'm not going to die if PC.

Would I stop testing? Maybe, but I don't think so. But that's me, stopping might be the right thing to do.
Is your health otherwise good?
Posted 6/28/2017 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
At this point, it's a personality thing. How do you feel about it?

It's has zero bearing on physical health, length of life (PCa wise) or quality of life.

The only issue is quality of life for you (mentally). Is it going to bother you if you don't? Is it going to bother you if you do and there's an uptick in PSA?

physical healthwise.....no impact


Here....AS programs end at 80. My guess is other AS programs do as well....at some age.
Posted 6/28/2017 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Harry,

The likelihood of a biochemical recurrence for your GS3+3 cancer with good pathology is very small. Fill this out to see how small - it also tells you the likelihood of NOT dying of PC in the next 15 years:

/www.mskcc.org/nomograms/prostate/post-op

As you can see, there is negligible likelihood of your dying of prostate cancer in the next 15 or even 20 years. So the question is yours to answer: Would it give you greater peace of mind to get annual PSAs, or to put it out of your mind entirely (if you can)?
Posted 6/28/2017 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
I would stop getting the yearly PSAs in your situation...but I agree with the others..its up to you.

Paul
Posted 6/28/2017 10:04 AM (GMT 0)
I'm 71 and hate the thought of having PSA tests until I'm 80.
Posted 6/28/2017 2:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys, considering my advanced age, my overall health is fairly good. I have some health issues that are under control. I had a recent heart cath that indicated some blockage in one artery .I also have type 2 diabetes. My cardiologist has me on Toprol,lotrol and cholesterol meds. My diabetes Doc has my blood sugar and triglycerides back into normal range 6.4 A1C. I am thinking I`ll have a PSA included occasionally in my routine blood work. Thanks for your opinions.
Harry
Posted 6/29/2017 8:10 AM (GMT 0)
Of course not...At 80 years old...you without a doubt in my mind....know this...sorry for my frankness...at 80 years old...Im also sure you know all about frankness as well....
Posted 6/29/2017 11:41 AM (GMT 0)
Heck, if I thought there was a direct cause-and-effect relationship between having a PSA test and staying alive, I'd have them until I was 100!

Kidding aside, for my own peace of mind, I don't plan to stop testing. At least I will know if anything changes, and I can make the decision at that time whether I want to act or not.
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