Month 136 – PSA Results & SRT

On By DanIn Prostate Cancer, Radiation Therapy

Well, kicking the can down the road is no longer an option. My PSA shot up like an Apollo Saturn V rocket (yes, I’m dating myself).

Between 5 January 2022 and 11 March 2022, it jumped from 0.26 ng/mL to 0.33 ng/mL. That’s a 27% increase.

Yes, I had the PSA test done about three weeks sooner than I had planned. I had to see the doctor for another issue, and they did full blood work-up for that. They included the PSA test in that battery of tests, too, so I got my results earlier than expected.

Needless to say, I was hoping that this PSA test would have proved the 0.26 ng/mL to be an outlier, or at least to be consistent, but that wasn’t to be. It’s clear that the rate of increase is accelerating and that’s not good.

Based on that, I called UCSD Radiation Oncology this morning to schedule an appointment with the radiation oncologist to discuss starting salvage radiation therapy. It was a tough call to make on a Monday morning.

On a lighter note, the receptionist who took my call was great (answered on the first ring and went straight to her!—no menu tree to button-push your way through). I am not a morning person, and she was far too bright and chipper for a Monday. When I told her that I was ready to schedule radiation, she responded with a cheerful, “That’s great!!” “You said that far too enthusiastically,” I responded with my stomach in knots at having to make the call in the first place. Oh well.

The enthusiasm continued by scheduling the appointment with the doctor and the body mapping session back-to-back on the same day: Friday, 25 March 2022.

Oh. She gave me a homework assignment, too: Try to have an empty rectum and a full bladder for the mapping.

I will admit that part of me wants to press the doctor about having additional imaging done before we start radiation, but I also know that the cancer continues to grow while we’re waiting for the scan and its results. It doesn’t cost anything to ask the question.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the next chapter in this journey is about to begin. Wish me luck.

20 thoughts on “Month 136 – PSA Results & SRT”

  1. cdcfbw

    Good luck Dan. I know it is hell trying to get thru all this but I had 39 sessions of EBRT last summer and so far so good, although some SE are supposed to appear much later if they will appear at all but I take it day by day and my stats are

    Like

    Reply
  2. seaniejoe

    Hi Dan, I am hoping for a successful outcome to this whole thing for you. I remember the first time the Dr told me I had cancer and it changed my life forever. I looked to people like you who could help me understand what I was going through, feelings ect. I pray they zap those little suckers and you can carry on in life as you were. I’ll be waiting and thinking positively for you.
    Peace to you my friend.

    -Sean-
    Long Island NY

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Sean. I’m at the point where it’s in the capable hands of my RO, so there’s not much else I can do at this point other than just go along for the ride. All the best to you.

      Like

      Reply
  4. philblog100

    Hey Dan. Good luck indeed. Not needing radiation would be the best option, but if it has to be then it will be OK. I have had three radiation treatments (pelvis, spine, chest) and they all were successful. These days they can deliver larger doses more accurately, so collateral damage is minimised. A very difficult time for you. Take care. Cheers, Phil

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Phil! I was impressed with the Radiation Oncologist and his years of experience. I feel as though I’ll be in good hands. Stay well!

      Like

      Reply

  5. Definitely wish you luck, Dan. Having access to good health care and being in a position to make decisions knowing the facts and the available options hopefully gives you some peace of mind, too. Thinking of you and sending best wishes, Dom from Sydney.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Dom. Yes, I feel comfortable with all the research that I’ve done in support of this decision. At some point you make the decision and don’t look back. It’s out of your ability to control. Stay well!

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.