My visit to the doctor this afternoon to review my latest PSA results (0.06 ng/ml) went just as I expected it would:
- There’s no definitive explanation for the elevated PSA yet.
- The elevated PSA seems to be stable, so no need to panic about recurrence.
- Retesting in four-month cycles will continue for the foreseeable future.
I’m okay with all of that. I seem to have turned the corner where I’ll always be concerned about my PSA, but I’m not going to let it control my life. It’s too consuming.
He reminded me of how slowly PSA can change and that we shouldn’t even begin to think about any intervention unless the PSA starts creeping up into the 0.15–0.18 range. That’s fine by me. If we get to that point, I’m going to be much more deliberate in selecting what, if any, salvage therapy would be appropriate given where I’m at in life and the potentially debilitating side effects that impact quality of life.
So I’ll call that visit a positive end to 2016. Let’s hope for a happy, healthy 2017!
Dan's Journey through Prostate Cancer 
Very positive outcome for the end of 2016. I sincerely hope that this trend continues through 2017 and beyond. It’s what you deserve. I’ve also had positive. Next test April 2017 then October 2017. If both less than 0.01 he is handing me back to GP for annual checks. All the best for you and your many followers for 2017 from ‘down under’. Ray in Australia.
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Hi Ray,
Thanks. Congrats on your results—may they continue that way in the months and years ahead.
All the best,
Dan
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Sounds fairly good Dan and long may it remain that way. I’ve got my next appointment with the oncologist next week and have my fingers crossed. I wish you a Happy and Healthy 2017. Jim in London.
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Hi Jim. Thanks. Hoping all goes well for you next week and that your 2017 is a fantastic one. Dan
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You’ve got it nailed. Nothing to worry about. Just noise. Happy holidays!
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Hi Dan, seems you have come to terms with your psa levels. I’m happy for you. I will be getting my first post op level on the 18th of January. I’m sure I will be sweating that. Hopefully I will be ok and be able to adjust to this new part of my life without letting it consume me as well. According to my pathology report, my lymph nodes were “clean” but they said some of the cancer was on the outside of the prostate. Just hoping they got it all. I guess I will find out soon enough. Here’s to a happy, healthier new year!
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Hi Sean,
Thanks for your comment. I hope that you get good news on the 18th as well and try not to let the anxiety beforehand get to you too much (easier said than done, I know).
All the best for 2017!
Dan
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