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Don't worry just yet. My PSA went from 0.01 to 0.09 and I was concerned. My last test was 0.03. It can go up and down in my case because I have some tissue left. Also remember to avoid sex for a day or two before the PSA test.
Thanks for all your replies. I had the open surgery procedure. I understand the PSA is low by many standards, unmeasurable by older methods. I've been looking at doubling time. My doctor is a professor of urology at a teaching hospital. I am usually seen by several students and residents before being seen by my surgeon. The resident suggested ADT may be in order because of the increase in PSA, which was immediately ruled out once examined by the surgeon. I may have stated the obvious, "the resident suggested ADT", but she learned her trade from my surgeon.
I may have become worried about something insignificant because it is not uncommon to have small rises in PSA. Again, my focus was the doubling time. I have considered counseling, but as yet I have not taken the plunge on the big comfy couch.
Jim: It is far too early to worry about PSA readings until everything has stabilized and in my case that was about 9 months. After 3 years I did have to undergo radiation and that ended in August, 09. Just had a PSA done today and will know the outcome shortly after a visit to the doc on 3/3/09.
Lastly, only listen to the surgeon, not any interns or residents as in my case, I was given wrong info by a resident in training before the surgeon arrived.
I was being sarcastic. I just don't know if I am mentally prepared to accept the fact that counseling may be in my future. With the changes that my body and mental attitude have gone through since being diagnosed, I am just not ready to take that step. However, after reading my response, I seem to be making more a case to support counseling therapy rather than against it.
Hi Jim
I was reading your story and just had to reply to say don't give up or loose confidence. I was just 8 weeks pro surgery when I was given the news of a PSA @ 10.8. It was better than 159.0, but still a big hit. Almost all of my treatment has been at the University of Washington and in my opinion been the best thing that ever happened to me since the original diagnosis. The U of W is a health care facility/educational institution has provided me with very sound advice and treatment. In the meantime, I have have found that you can only change so much through this journey with prostate cancer. There are things a person can't change, so that person must accept what changes are taking place, no matter if you like it or not. Anyone person that doesn't understand this, hasn't had this happen to them yet to understand what I'm trying to convey. There are little things in life that don't seem important until you loose them without you having any decision or say so in the matter. As far as treatment, I've only had the radical prostate surgery, but will be doing ADT and Radiation for a follow up treatment. I'm not looking forward to it, but its the decision I made. I'm not sure if this helped, but keep your head up and go by your gut feeling.
