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Posted 12/30/2006 1:25 AM (GMT -6)
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)
Age 70
PSA 9.2
Stage T1c (3+4=7) at biopsy.
Operation (open) scheduled for 28 Nov,. 06
 

Posted 12/30/2006 3:15 AM (GMT -6)
Hi Paul,

The time varies from surgeon to surgeon (6weeks to 6 months) in some cases. My doctor like your's does the first PSA test 3 months after surgery. His feeling is that it will allow time for the body to heal, and clear itself out. Then in 3 months the PSA test should be a more accurate indicator of a successful procedure.

I know waiting for the first test seems painfully long, but each subsequent test becomes more routine. I have now had 3, and will have my first year test this February. I was so worried the first time that I couldn't sleep the night before. All we can do is try to be possitive, and not worry needlessly.

Good luck to you, and I'm sure you'll be just fine.

Glen
Diagnosed at age 60
PSA went from 2.2 to 3.8 in 14 months
2 of 14 cores positive at 10%
Gleason 6(3+3), negative DRE, neg. boundaries
DaVinci surgery on 02/23/06
 

Posted 12/30/2006 3:56 AM (GMT -6)
3 months for me as well.  Try and be patient, as best you can.
____________________
 
Prostate cancer diagnosed:  May 15, 2006 (age 40)
Gleason score:  3+3=6
daVinci radical prostatectomy:  July 25, 2006
size of tumor:  approx 1.1 inches
post-surgery Gleason score:  3+4=7
negative margins from surgery
number of pads/day at 3 months after surgery:  3 to 5
number of pads/day at 4 months after surgery:  1 to 2
first post-surgery PSA:  0
ongoing post-surgery treatment:  Cialis every other day, Viagra "on-demand", ErecAid pump daily
 

Posted 12/30/2006 10:18 AM (GMT -6)
Paul,

You and I would get along great...patience is not my virtue! I'm a need to know now kinda gal myself.

3 months is pretty standard. Reason is two fold....insurances control how often in most cases (of course) and......by 3 months all post-op PSA's have reached their lowest level while something like half of the earliest failures can be detected by month 3. It takes several weeks for residual PSA to clear the body.
Posted 12/30/2006 6:29 PM (GMT -6)

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

mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… from North Carolina

April 3, 2006  53 on surgery day

RRP / Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy with "wide excision"

PSA 4.6   Gleason  3+3=6    T2a  

Confined to Prostate   June 29th ~ PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable

Posted 12/31/2006 12:08 AM (GMT -6)
Hi friends,
Thanks for all your answers. Puts my mind at easy to hear that it is about 3 month for most patients. I'm anxiously waiting for my first PSA result.
Btw.: I'm doing quite well thus far. No pain at all and I use 2-3 pads per day. Could probably make do with one, but for hygienic reasons I change them a couple of times per day. Actually, the only time I need the pad is when I go for long walks (3-5km).
Happy New Year to all.

Paul (Magaboo)
Age 70
PSA 9.2
Stage T1c (3+4=7) at biopsy.
Operation (open) scheduled for 28 Nov,. 06
 

Post Edited (Magaboo) : 12/30/2006 10:51:46 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/31/2006 9:22 PM (GMT -6)

Hi Paul *Magaboo

You have done so well and we are so happy!!!  yeah    Your 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

mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… from North Carolina

April 3, 2006  53 on surgery day

RRP / Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy with "wide excision"

PSA 4.6   Gleason  3+3=6    T2a  

Confined to Prostate   June 29th ~ PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable

Posted 1/1/2007 10:04 AM (GMT -6)
My first ost op PSA was about two months post op.  I came back 0.00!!!!  My next one is in two more months (Feb.07)
    43
    PSA 5.7 - Discovered during Annual Physical with Family Practice Dr.
    Gleason 7
    Biopsy - 3 of 12 positive (up to 75%) all on left side of prostate
    RRP on Oct. 17, 2006 - Nerves on right side saved.
    All Lab's clear.  No Cancer outside prostate
    Cathiter in for 3 weeks due to complications in healing. Removed Nov. 9, 2006
    First Post op PSA on Dec. 11, 2006  Undetectable 0.00
    Next Office Visit Feb. 12, 2007
   

Posted 1/1/2007 10:23 AM (GMT -6)
CONGRADULATIONS!...

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

Glen
Diagnosed at age 60
PSA went from 2.2 to 3.8 in 14 months
2 of 14 cores positive at 10%
Gleason 6(3+3), negative DRE, neg. boundaries
DaVinci surgery on 02/23/06
 

Posted 1/2/2007 3:20 PM (GMT -6)
Hi Paul!

3 months is about right I guess for the reasons mentioned by others. I had a RP Dec/05 and didn't have my first PSA test until end of Mar/06.
Posted 1/2/2007 7:22 PM (GMT -6)

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

mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… from North Carolina

April 3, 2006  53 on surgery day

RRP / Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy with "wide excision"

PSA 4.6   Gleason  3+3=6    T2a  

Confined to Prostate   June 29th ~ PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable

Posted 2/7/2007 10:57 PM (GMT -6)

Hi ~ Paul *Magaboo,

 

Thinking of you and wanted you to know!   yeah   

 

Just touching base to check on you!     We hope no news means…good news. 

 

As time permits…. We’d love to hear from you!  PSA just around the bend… Let us know okay!!!

We have a newbie from White Rock…

 

Take care dear friend…  Keeping you close in thoughts and prayers,

In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy

mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… from North Carolina

Link to our personal journey…>>>     Our Journey ~ Sharing is Caring 

April 3, 2006  53 on surgery day

RRP / Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy with "wide excision"

PSA 4.6   Gleason  3+3=6    T2a   Confined to Prostate

June 29th ~ PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable

Posted 2/8/2007 9:12 AM (GMT -6)
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
Diagnosed 7/6/06
1 of 10 core samples, 40%
Stage T1c, Gleason 3+3
Da Vinci on 11/01/06
Catheter out on 11/13/06
56 Years Old
Post Op Path
Gleason 3+3
Approx. 5% of prostate involved
Prostate Confined, margins clear
Undetectable PSA on 12/18/06
No more pads as of 1/13/07

Posted 2/8/2007 1:37 PM (GMT -6)
My surgeon wants me to have my first follow-up PSA one month after surgery amd I'm leery about it because I don't feel like I'm totally healed up yet. I'd hate to get a flase positive, due to residual stuff in my system. Sounds like most docs go with the six week or three month plan. I guesse every doc has his own opnion on this. I'm gonna talk to mine about waiting a while.

54 years old

PSA = First ever was 9.8 in late Oct. ‘06, two weeks later, 10.1

DRE: Negative

Biopsy results 11/22/06 (6 out of 8 cores positive), both lobes, Gleason 3+3 = 6

Da Vinci Robotic RP surgery, Jan 12, 2007

Post surgery pathology – Organ confined, Gleason still 6, margins clear.

Posted 2/28/2007 11:26 PM (GMT -6)

Hi ~ Paul * Magaboo…..

 

Again ~ Just wanted you to know…..

We are thinking of you!  yeah  

 chirp ~ chirp ~ chirp

 

Time has passed and haven’t heard from you….We miss you! tongue

 

Please ~ as time permits… Let us know how you are doing…okay…

 

In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy

mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… from North Carolina

Link to our personal journey…>>>     Our Journey ~ Sharing is Caring 

April 3, 2006  53 on surgery day

RRP / Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy with "wide excision"

PSA 4.6   Gleason  3+3=6    T2a   Confined to Prostate

2nd PSA 02-06-2007 Less than 0.1 Non-Detectable :)

Posted 3/1/2007 3:08 AM (GMT -6)
Hi Bluebird and all my other friends
Sorry for not having chimed in lately, but I've nothing really new to report. I'm now about 99.9% dry and only use a pad on special occasions. Healing seams to be almost complete and I'm feeling great. It seams that all the walking, stair climbing, exercising and doing my kegels is helping a lot. My biggest fear now is the outcome of my first PSA test. I'll see my Urologist on the,15 March, and of cause, my heart skips a beat whenever I think about it.
Well my friends, it sure feels good to know that someone is actually concerned about me - thanks.

Your friend, Paul (Magaboo)
Age 70
PSA 9.2
Stage T1c (3+4=7) at biopsy.
Operation (open) scheduled for 28 Nov,. 06
 

Posted 3/1/2007 8:53 AM (GMT -6)

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!

 

 

Sterd82
Age 46
Initial PSA march of 2006: 28
PSA May of 2006: 39
8 of 12 cores malignant
Open Radical Prostatectomy 6/9/2006
Pathological Stage T3a, Positive Surgical Margin
Gleason 3+4
Post surgury PSA fluctuated between .04 and .09
PSA rose to .24 in November of 2006
6 month hormone therapy initiated December 1. 2006
36 sesions of IMRT Ended Feb 1, 2007

Posted 3/1/2007 9:32 AM (GMT -6)
Paul (Magaboo)
Will be thinking of you on the 14th. Please post us with your results! And may you be blessed with big fat goose eggs! We know the anxious feeling well, especially for that FIRST PSA.

Just had our second post op PSA and although I don't think either of us were particularly worried, the great relief was still there right after the resulting ZERO!

:O) Linda & Bob
Bob (60) had laproscopic prostate surgery on Sept 27, 2006 - 2/12 malignant biopsy samples - gleason 3 + 3 = 6.  Follow up PSA results and pathology results received Nov 14th are NO MORE CANCER!  Gleason changed to a 3 + 4; cancer completely confined to prostate; (even a second more aggressive, previously undetected cancer)      PSA UNDETECTABLE November 2006 AND February 2007.   
 
Bob also takes Hydroxyurea to control Polycythemia (elevated red & white cells & platelets) has secondary condition . . Myelofibrosis) -- If anyone has experience or knowledge of these, please post us.

Posted 3/1/2007 12:37 PM (GMT -6)
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
Bob (60) had laproscopic prostate surgery on Sept 27, 2006 - 2/12 malignant biopsy samples - gleason 3 + 3 = 6.  Follow up PSA results and pathology results received Nov 14th are NO MORE CANCER!  Gleason changed to a 3 + 4; cancer completely confined to prostate; (even a second more aggressive, previously undetected cancer)      PSA UNDETECTABLE November 2006 AND February 2007.   
 
Bob also takes Hydroxyurea to control Polycythemia (elevated red & white cells & platelets) has secondary condition . . Myelofibrosis) -- If anyone has experience or knowledge of these, please post us.

Posted 3/1/2007 3:22 PM (GMT -6)

Dear Paul,

 

You bet we’re thinking of you!!!!!! and don’t you forget it.  nono

 

I figure someday somebody’s going to probably send me a little note to stop harassing them…. but

my heart sure does feel better now!!!!!!   yeah  

 

Great news with the urinary continence!!!!   You did so good in preparing for your surgery and we are so proud that the work has paid off.  Continue to keep that little sphincter muscle healthy…. Whatever you’re doing… must be right.  :-)

 

Amazing how fast the past 4 months have gone....we met on October 26th…. And you immediately started your kegels…. And look where you are today!!!!  We are so proud of what you accomplished ~ all on your own. 

 

Remember ~ you may not have any family/relatives or close friends….

But ~you have a “whole family” here on the forum. 

Thank you sweet man for responding.  Even a little “Hi” doing good! note once in awhile will keep me from chirp~chirp~chirping…..  maybe   tongue   

 

Have you thought about coming into the CHAT ROOM…? The invitation is always open!!!!!! Let me know if you need help with it!!!!  It's a nice place to visit.....

 

We love you Magaboo….. HUGS comin’atchu…. Xoxoxoxoxox

In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy

mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… from North Carolina

Link to our personal journey…>>>     Our Journey ~ Sharing is Caring 

April 3, 2006  53 on surgery day

RRP / Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy with "wide excision"

PSA 4.6   Gleason  3+3=6    T2a   Confined to Prostate

2nd PSA 02-06-2007 Less than 0.1 Non-Detectable :)

Posted 3/15/2007 3:08 PM (GMT -6)
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
Age 70
PSA 9.2
Stage T1c (3+4=7) at biopsy.
Operation (open) scheduled for 28 Nov,. 06
 

Posted 3/15/2007 3:17 PM (GMT -6)
Great news Paul!

We all love those zeros. My second is coming up on 4/4 and the apprehension is starting to build even though I have no reason to believe it won't be okay. But PCa does that to us...

Jim
Age 72. Diagnosed 11/03/06. PSA 7.05. Stage T2B Gleason 3+3.
RRP 12/7/06. Nerves and nodes okay.
Pathological stage: T2B. Gleason 3+4. Cancer confined to prostate.
PSA on 1/3/07 - 0.04.  Next PSA on 4/4/07.
 
 "Cancer feeds on fear - starve it to death."

Posted 3/15/2007 5:19 PM (GMT -6)
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.
Age 70
PSA 9.2
Stage T1c (3+4=7) at biopsy.
Operation (open) scheduled for 28 Nov,. 06
 

Posted 3/15/2007 8:28 PM (GMT -6)

Yea!!! Magaboo,  tongue  

 

*&^%$#@    WOO ~ HOO!!  (*&^%$#  undetectable!!!!!!   yeah  

 

 

Cause for celebration!!!!!  :-)    What a wonderful day it is each and every-day….

Enjoy it to the fullest “our special” friend.    Here’s a    big hug    from us to you!!!

 

Yippeeeee!!!!!! From  Lee & Buddy

 

I like having your Woo~Hoo right here on your thread!!!!!!  tongue  

 

Have I told you lately how much we appreciate you taking “all” of our hands and allowing us to walk with you on your journey.  I hope you won’t ever let go!!!  Cuz… we will always be here!  Who knows… We may have to stop and give you a personal hug when we drive through to Kelowna in September.  Leave a few breadcrumbs out so we can follow them.

 

Happy Hearts ~ Each and Every~Day that we rise to a beautiful New Day!

You are our friend…. Forever….  Please don’t ever forget this!

Keeping you extra close to our hearts tonight!  WOO~HOO….

In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy

 

P.S. When you feel up to it ~ give us an update on how you are doing day~to~day...so your journey is documented…  :)

mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… from North Carolina

Link to our personal journey…>>>     Our Journey ~ Sharing is Caring 

April 3, 2006  53 on surgery day

RRP / Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy with "wide excision"

PSA 4.6   Gleason  3+3=6    T2a   Confined to Prostate

2nd PSA 02-06-2007 Less than 0.1 Non-Detectable :)

Posted 3/16/2007 12:24 AM (GMT -6)
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)

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