Post OP PSA timing

Hi friends,
My surgeon wants to wait for 3 month after the operation for my first post op PSA test. To me, this seams like a long time to wait or am I just being impatient? How long after your operation did most of you have your first PSA test?
Thanks.

Paul (Magaboo)

3 months for me as well.  Try and be patient, as best you can.

Hi~ Magaboo…   Yep…. Us too!! 3 months after surgery.   And then 6 months after that!   Can you believe it seems like yesterday we were talking with you about your surgery date coming up.   I hope it’s gone fast for you too!!   Our thoughts continue to be with you.   Take care, In friendship ~ Lee & Buddy

Hi Paul *Magaboo You have done so well and we are so happy!!!      Y our attitude has helped you more than you realize.   Reassuring isn't it that you aren't alone!!!!  For us too my friend....   Continue to do your kegels and stairs really help ~ too!   Please let us know ahead of time when you go for your PSA….   Okay!!!   Take care for now…. Lee & Buddy

CONGRADULATIONS!...

On that big fat “Goose Egg” Yep this is a great way to start the New Year…Good for you kw!

Glen

Hi Magaboo ….. nice responses to your question!!!!     Nice Thread… I’m glad you asked this specific question.   It is kind of daunting to hear others are having their PSA 6 weeks post and your mind begins to wonder…… Why am I having to wait 3 months….???   Again… GOOD QUESTION my friend.   It will ease others minds also. In Friendship, J   Lee & Buddy     Hi Rufus *Russ,   I see your join date as May 2006 and your surgery was in December 2005.   There’s only 4 postings from you ~ to others back in May until now... I hope you’ve had a wonderful year of recovery/healing.   Please don’t hesitate to start a new Thread…. and share your journey with us!!!   There’s never too many.   Especially having read ~ where you had a bladder infection soon after… your surgery.   Every little bit helps “all of us” ~ for sure.   Take care, Lee & Buddy

Looks like I am one of the exceptions as my first PSA test was done at 6 weeks and the next one will not be until 6 months.

Tamu

Hi ~ Paul * Magaboo…..   Again ~ Just wanted you to know….. We are thinking of you!     chirp ~ chirp ~ chirp   Time has passed and haven’t heard from you….We miss you!   Please ~ as time permits… Let us know how you are doing…okay…   In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy

It appears to vary from doc to doc and by situation.  My doc started checking me once a month after surgury....but I seem to be an exception to the typical course.  Pro:  Can't hurt to get an early baseline  con: PSA anxiety can drive you nuts!

Three months out probably doesn't miss too much --- most docs won't start radiation within 3 months of RP IF you have an early failure --- plus you would want to get your continence fully under control before additional treatments.

A note to all: PSA recurrence is NOT the end of the world, nor is it a death sentence... you deal with it, get the best treatment you can, and get back to ENJOYING life!

Nope it doesn't Dave. Bob had his on November 14th, with his surgery having been Sept. 27th. The actual PSA blood test was taken 10 days before the 14th, so that would have been right around the 6 week mark. That test was undetectible as was the one just received this week. So, 6 weeks isn't too early and it spares you waiting the extra time for the results.
;o) Linda & Bob

Hi,
I know I'm not on the forum as much as I should be, but I just had to let you all know the outcome of my first PSA test on 15 March. I didn't want to post it as a new tread because I know from experience that good news from a member can be a bit of a downer for those that are just starting their journey because they always seam to fear the worst for them selfs. I've been there, so I know. I just wanted all of my friends on this forum (especially Ma & Pa Bluebird) to know that it looks as so I am now officially a survivor?. The journey has been long and full of fears and doubts, but has been made much easier with the help of the members on this forum. The result of the first post op PSA test was a big fat goose egg!!!
Thank you all for your support, your encouragements and your friend ship. This is truly a great forum with some wonderful people.
Thank you all.

Your friend,
Paul Magaboo

Hi biker90,
I'll keep my fingers x-d for you biker90. Hope you'll do the same for me in 3 month from now.

Paul.

Congrats Magaboo,
That is terrific news. May your goose eggs continue.

I am adding a note on this thread. I feel it's worth mentioning. I had my surgery on 2/16, just four weeks ago, After my poor postop pathology I was referred to an oncologist. After just two weeks from the surgery my PSA was tested and I came in at 0.9. my oncologist was happy but very guarded. He went on to state that PSA is typically 50% drop off per day +-5%. He was hoping I was .2 or less. We rescheduled a PSA for the 25th of March. But he also had the radiaologist contact me and I came right in when he did. He ordered another PSA just last Monday. Well it was supposed to be turned right back around but because of a paperwork foulup, I will have the results tomorrow. After talking to the radiaologist, however, he felt that my 0.9 was excellent and I could be zero's now. Well I'm on pins and needles, but I find it interesting that there is such a variation between doctors. My oncologist was also positive in that he felt that there is room for a study among the major centers to do STAT tests before, during, and perhaps every 6-8 hours after surgery. Do this in some patients every 24 hours after surgery to develop histograms that can give a clearer picture on the behavior of PSA after surgery. His theory was that he believes that the handling of a diseased prostate can "splash" or release more PSA at that point. Thus, a person with a 4.4 can go to a 10.4 in the hours after the prostate is removed. But be 0.0 in six weeks. Very interesting. But I find myself as the guinea pig, because I will have had PSA tests at two weeks before surgery and 2, 3.5, 5 weeks, and three months after surgery. I am keeping my date with my oncologist for the 25th and requesting he marks the 3rd month after surgery as well. What the heck it's only a little test. One that could have been very valuable a couple years ago for me. I saw somewhere else in this forum someone mention that they were told PSA has a half life of 18 days.  I know that is false by my own experience, I went from 13.9 to .9 in thirteen days.

I may also post the body of this message on a new thread. I'm not sure of the medical value but certainly this is contraversial among our doctors.

Tony

Post Edited (TC-LasVegas) : 3/15/2007 11:33:22 PM (GMT-6)