Active Surveillance
I read on the forum of a patient who maintained AS for 9 years before having radiotherapy. Are there others here who have been under AS for lengthy periods of time as well? I've just begun AS, and am now on month 8. I'd love to communicate directly with those who are currently under AS to ask about how long they've been following it and any lifestyle tips they can suggest for maintaining it for as long as possible. Thanks
Hi
thanks for reaching out. I hope our community members respond here with their personal experiences. In the meantime, I am sending you over an article from one of our advocates: https://prostatecancer.net/living/my-treatment-choice. I hope this is helpful. Jill, prostatecancer.net team 
While I was not on AS because my PCa was aggressive there are a few guys in my patient support group who have been on AS for a few years. Some guys report seeking treatment because over time they were getting too stressed out with the need for recurring biopsies. Some just decide after a while they want to get the cancer out of their body. Others are ok with on-going testing for as long as results remain constant.
There were others who due to a rise in their numbers and together with their MD's decide on a treatment protocol. Hope those insights help. We are all different and PCa can impact us in different ways. We never know what the future will hold. I often tell guys to go with their gut feelings, try to relax and enjoy what life has to offer every day. Dennis (ProstateCancer.net TEAM)Thanks Jill & Dennis
I am 70 with original PSA of 4.6. Had a biopsy in August of last year. Result was Gleason 3+4 in 2 cores. I chose to go on AS. Just saw urologist yesterday and PSA was 5.07 up from 4.88 in early October of last year. Another PSA in 3 months and then a biopsy again in August.
An ever increasing PSA along with A.S. can be a challenge for both patient and MD alike when it comes to arriving at a decision point. After reviewing my advancing PSA numbers the urologist suggested as far as he concerned there is no "magic number" In the end it is up to the patient to make a decision on what he thinks is the right choice. I opted for treatment sooner .than later. Please keep us posted. Dennis(ProstateCancer.net TEAM) As a PCa patient, I would advise anyone with a Gleason 7 and rising PSA to seek treatment. My PSA has dropped to 1.8 four months from radiation, and hopefully my PSA will drop lower prior to my 6-month checkup.
