I jumped the gun a couple of days and went for my PSA lab work Thursday morning on 16 January. (The three month date since the last PSA test would have been 22 January.)
As a refresher, my PSA in October was 0.69 ng/mL; it’s now 0.94 ng/mL.
I’m going to have to get a little aggressive with the medical team in terms of appointment scheduling. In October, we agreed to retest in three months and go over the results, but the schedulers didn’t have any open appointments until May 2025. Needless to say, that’s too far out so I’ll have to cajole my way into a canceled appointment or ask for a virtual / telehealth appointment sooner.
With my PSA as high as it is, I suspect that another PSMA PET scan would finally reveal some useful information that we can use to plan treatment options.
Header image: Devil’s Golf Course, Death Valley National Park, California
Dan's Journey through Prostate Cancer 
Hi Dan, interesting graph, I take it that the red column is the period during which you had treatment for the recurrence of an upwards trend in PSA. i can’t recall what treatment you opted for at that time, I had the same reading but then had the Firmagon injections over a period of some months followed by the radiation. The situation now is that there is no detectable PSA, just as was the case after the radical, prostatectomy ten years ago. This, from memory, was the same pattern as you had.
The radiation oncologist says the data show all other measures are within the normal range.
Thanks for the update, agree that when there is an established trend it’s time to hit it hard, that is what the young radiation oncologist down here wanted to do and I’m pleased we went with her advice.
All the best, keep in touch, let’s know also of your touring plans. Pardon my geographical ignorance but hope also that the appalling events of tne west coast fires don’t impact you.
Kimd regards
Peter.
BEECROFT NSW
AUSTRALIA
LikeLike
Hi Peter,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, the red rectangle represents my 7 weeks of salvage radiation therapy (SRT) to the prostate bed only. Apparently, we didn’t zap it all and that’s why the PSA continues to increase.
I did do a six-month dose of Eligard with the SRT that helped knock my PSA down, but we didn’t feel we needed to continue the hormone therapy at that point in time.
I’ll provide and update as soon as I get to meet with the doctors.
All the best,
Dan
LikeLike
I’m sorry the PSA keeps creeping up, Dan. But I’m also sure that, between your medical team and your own expertise and determination, you’ll get a handle on this soon. Sending good thoughts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jim,
Thanks. Yeah, it sucks but I have to admit that it’s not unexpected at this point. We just have to figure out what’s going on and what’s next.
Hope you’re doing well.
Dan
LikeLike
Just thinking out loud,,,,,,Hello,Wishing you well trying to decipher these blood tests.I’m sure Dr. Scholls (PCRI) would have a suggestion?Blessings,Rick
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Rick,
Thanks. I’m sure my team and I will get a good understanding, but I’m not opposed to getting other opinions for treatment options as we go forward.
All the best,
Dan
LikeLike
Thinking of you, man.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Frank! I appreciate it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Dan, I have explained to you on previous occasions that I have had 2 PSMA PET scans and both were hugely helpful to me and my oncologist in determining treatment. My PSA’s were both over 2.0 prior to the test and my current PSA is
Best wishes Charles
LikeLike