I’ve had conversations with both my radiation oncologist and urologist in the last few weeks, and we all seem to be on the same page.
Both agreed that the bump up in my PSA from 0.05 ng/mL in November to 0.13 ng/mL in March was simply a result of the Eligard wearing off. They also agreed that the downward movement from 0.13 ng/mL to 0.11 ng/mL was a good sign, and that it was still too early to see the full effect of the salvage radiation therapy on its own or to establish a nadir that we can use as a baseline for future monitoring.
We also talked about the side effects that I experienced during and after the radiation, and how they’ve pretty much dissipated over time.
The urologist did explain that if radiation was my primary treatment, that they would wait until my PSA rose to 2.0 ng/mL above my nadir before attempting any further treatment options. But given that I’ve had surgery and salvage radiation, she said that we would be looking at action if my PSA rose to 1.0 ng/mL above my nadir. Something to keep in the back of my mind.
She also said that it’s pretty common for the PSA to fluctuate a bit after salvage radiation, so it may be a tad difficult to establish a trend over time.
Bottom line: Both were pleased with where I was at; both were cautiously optimistic that my PSA would continue to trend downward; and both recommended another PSA test in six months. That means I’ll be back in the urologist’s office on 5 December 2023.
I made a quick trip back to my home state of Illinois over the Memorial Day weekend for our annual gathering with family and friends. It was a great time with perfect weather.
Header Image: Sunset over the Cornfields near Effingham, Illinois.
Dan's Journey through Prostate Cancer 
Fist bump, Dan.
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Thanks, Frank.
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Good news Dan! I am very glad to hear it.
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Thanks, Charles.
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I had 22 treatments of salvage radiation recently with no Hormones/Chemo . This is after having Prostate removed 2 years ago ( G=3+4 ) . My first PSA was .075, then .064 after two weeks . THEN , after 4 months it went up to .10 ! I cannot understand this radical bounce. Anyway … in a similar situation as you my friend . My Radiation Dr said ” lets get more data points…” .
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Funny you mention “get more data points,” because that’s exactly what the urologist and I agreed we needed.
Hope you can figure out the cause of your bounce.
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Thanks Dan … I have been reading a tremendous mountain, looking at post salvage radiation therapy. PSA can bounce around quite a bit in people. Some people , not all though. from .064 to .10 is about 56% to the up side for me . I was alarmed at that … although the .10 was still relatively low. It was th cup-tick and velocity at low levels I was concerned with . Praying for you Dan …James V . Vanc Island , BC
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Encouraging developments, Dan. Keep the faith!
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Thanks, Jim.
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Good to hear your still in a good range. I just had my PSA tested and mine went from 0.05 to 0.08 and I was a little worried but my urologist said he was very satisfied with my numbers. I guess any time our numbers go up even a little we still want to gasp! Have a great summer in San Diago ,lucky you!
Charles
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