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Posted 3/19/2008 9:45 AM (GMT -7)
My six month PSA is 0.01, so far so good. Does the apprehension ever go away, or you just learn to deal with it better?
Posted 3/19/2008 10:57 AM (GMT -7)
Lungman, congratulations on your undetectable PSA test result.

I've now had four post-op PSA tests. The first three were filled with anxiety waiting for the results. However, while waiting for my fourth and most recent result, which I received yesterday, I had little anxiety during those four days awaiting the results. Somehow, mentally I figured it would be undetectable. The only time it reared it's head was when I made that phone call to my surgeon's office to ascertain whether it was still undetectable. My surgeon told me that although everyone is different, he found that in many of his patients the anxiety lessens with each successive, favorable test.

Good luck and may you continue to pull those 0s.
Posted 3/19/2008 11:12 AM (GMT -7)
Good news, Lungman!  about the apprehension, I was anxious for the three months before my first post-prostatectomy PSA.  It was a big relief to get the first non-detectable PSA report.  After that, each time I get a PSA test drawn, I get apprehensive for a few days until I get the results.  It does get easier over time. 

Take care and be well...Tim

Posted 3/19/2008 2:46 PM (GMT -7)
Yep, it gets better. Just as soon as ya make that choice to be in charge again. It's a lesson I learned almost 3 decades ago. Worry gives us grey hair, causes premature aging and disrupts quality of life. Qulaity of life is more important than worrying and in this house...there isn't room for both all the time. Notice I leave an opening for exceptions ;>)

After 1 or 2 more tests you will get tired of fighting worry and move forward. Glad to see the numbers are soooo good!

swim
Posted 3/19/2008 3:29 PM (GMT -7)
Hi Lungman: I've had my third negative post-op PSA and like most guys, my anxiety creeps up on me during the days preceding and following the blood tests -- especially when we're waiting for the phone call from our doc. I got so sick of waiting for results from my primary care physician (up to six days one time) that I now refuse to have blood drawn at her office. I have her give me the request form for a blood test and take it to the local lab, where I can request my results and get them within a day or so. That's a good thing, because as we all know, the waiting game can be hell. Each time I've had a PSA test since my surgery in January '07, I've felt like I was in a game of Russsian Roulette.

On the brighter side, my brother in law is six years out of surgery and doesn't worry about it anymore. But he remembers those first two to three years of bi-annual PSA tests. He sweated out every one of them. He doesn't worry anymore.
So, I guess, the more negative PSAs we get, the less anxious we will be.
Best to ya,
Tom
Posted 3/19/2008 7:29 PM (GMT -7)
Hi Lungman,

Glad to see your results are so good and may you forever be undetectable! (you know what I mean!)
The anxiety will ease for you just as everyone has said. You have good results in all respects and should expect that to continue.

Susan
Posted 3/19/2008 10:43 PM (GMT -7)

Hi Lungman,

Glad to see your numbers are good. I pray that it continues for many years to come.

Best wishes

Diana

Posted 3/20/2008 12:07 AM (GMT -7)

Hey Lungman,

That's terrific on the goose egg report!  tongue

The anxiety you speak of is a personal matter.  I am not bothered by the test as much now, but our family has faced major medical challenges, including potential terminal illness over the years.  So perhaps fighting those challenges has helped me a little bit.  

My PSA test was this last Monday and I'm waiting until my appt with the doc to hear the results in-person, even though I can call anytime.  I did this with my first post-op test as well.  I don't blame anyone for calling the next day for the result!

When it comes to your own personal health and mortality, everyone is different.  Don't beat yourself up if the tests are hard to cope with.  I think it is "very" normal.  Please know that the purpose of this forum is not for medical advice, but for support.  If we can comfort and support while you wait for results, we have served our purpose here.  This is a "safe" place where you can express feelings about your journey.  No one should judge.

Kind regards to you,

Barry

Posted 3/20/2008 5:32 AM (GMT -7)
A great result! That is wonderful news. I actually don't think it goes away (anxiety about PSA's), but in my real life I am a moderately anxious, but well controlled individual anyway, so I will probably always freak out! In my 20's I use to wear a badge which said "When in doubt.. panic".

I think I will always experience moderate to severe anxiety at PSA time. However my husband seems to have almost forgotten that the 3rd PSA test is also looming. All the very best to you Lung, and enjoy that celebration! cheers, Lana
Posted 3/20/2008 6:41 AM (GMT -7)
I appreciate everyones support here, I gain strength from knowing I am not alone.

Posted 3/20/2008 8:24 AM (GMT -7)
Lungman

Great news on your latest PSA results, I hope you continue to enjoy many more 0's in the future. While I don't try and think about and worry too much I can't put it to a total rest and now that it has started to increase and radation is more then likely my next stop I am pretty sure I will always have doubt as the date comes for more tests. But whatever, I will live on, take the necessary actions and live life as normal as I can and not drive myself nuts and leave the end in Gods hands.

Norskie
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