Post prostate removal
I am 65 years old. I was diagnosed with Prostate cancer in August 2022 and was operated in September 2023 to remove prostate gland, seminal vesicles and lymph nodes. Till 9 months after operation the PSA varied from 0.006 to 0.013. In November 2023, I developed swelling in my left foot. The apparent cause was water retention due to lump removal. I was advised to wear compressions socks, which I have been doing regularly. In Nov’ 23 my PSA was 0.010 and Suddenly it increased to 0.261 on 31 Dec’ 23.
Could anyone please advise and guide me with the likely causes?
1. I started using Thrive 2.0 to grow hairs at bald spots since beginning Dec’ 23.
2. I started using medicine for hypothyroid again since Dec’ 23.
3. Or it is a relapse?
Would be grateful for advice or sharing of experience.
Thank you
Rajeev from India
Rajeev, your PSA is minuscule. In my unprofessional opinion, this is certainly not the time for urgent action. There are several reasons why PSA may start to rise post-RP. 1) It is possible that some cancer cells escaped the gland before surgery and are now doubling (that is how they grow.). 2). Remember that the prostate is not the only gland that produces PSA. Your PSA is so small that it could be the issue. 3) There could have been a small amount of healthy prostate material left after surgery. Urologists try to preserve your nerves during an RP. That healthy material may grow and produce PSA. There are good alternatives for treating prostate cancer that has recurred after surgery. You've got time to get good counsel from your physicians. It is common, in the reports that I've heard, to wait until PSA reaches the 1.0 mark before radiation or hormone therapy is used.
