2nd Recurrence

By firespooks

1 min read

I had a Prostatectomy in 2006 when my PSA was 5.53 and a Gleason score of 3 + 4 =7. My PSA was undetectable until 2013 when my PSA rose to 0.22. I had 39 salvage radiation treatments to my prostate bed. Again my PSA was undetectable until 2015 when it started to slowly go up again. I’m currently at 0.43 and doing watchful waiting every 3 months plus scans every 12 months. Scans show nothing. So that’s my story as of now. Very stressful. 😬

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Richard Faust Community Admin
Hi Firespooks. Your concerns and stress are understandable. You mentioned having scans, but did not mention what kind. I want to mention what is known as a PSMA scan, which is the current gold standard in detecting recurrent prostate cancer (PCa). This article goes into further detail: <a href='https://prostatecancer.net/clinical/psma-imaging-scan' target='_blank'>https://prostatecancer.net/clinical/psma-imaging-scan</a> PSMA has been used in Europe for several years, but was only recently approved in the U.S. In addition, I also want to mention the Axumin scan, which is also quite effective at locating recurrent PCa, particularly at the PSA levels you mentioned. This article goes into further detail: <a href='https://prostatecancer.net/clinical/axumin-early-detection' target='_blank'>https://prostatecancer.net/clinical/axumin-early-detection</a> Your doctor should be able to provide additional information and guidance regarding these tests. Wishing you the best and please feel free to keep us updated on how you are doing. Richard (ProstateCancer.net Team)
DigitalCV Member
Hello, I am in a very similar situation. I had an RP April 2015 and .22 reoccurrence October 2018. As of my last lab (2020) it was .267 I have changed life since the RP and I believe that has helped my numbers. I wish you the best and stay brave. It is hard I know...
Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
Similar as well - surgery in 2013 and then over the next 5 years a slow rise in PSA. The prospect of undergoing radiation and lupron was scary. Just did not like the thought of someone microwaving my insides. In 2018 my post surgery PSA was 0.13 so did external beam and so far all is good last psa was 0.01. You just never know . Worry does no good so best is to enjoy life every day. Just do not want to have to go through Lupron again - definitely not fun
Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
Firespooks - <a href='https://prostatecancer.net/clinical/axumin-early-detection' target='_blank'>https://prostatecancer.net/clinical/axumin-early-detection</a> may offer you some clues and treatment options. Personally if mine comes back I will be trying to get one of both of those ASAP. Do let us know Dennis(ProstateCancer.net TEAM)
Jim Early Moderator & Contributor
I understand your situation. I'm 26 years post prostatectomy and for the last 6 years my PSA has gone from less than .1 to .64. During that time I've had a PSMA scan which found a bone met in my sacrum (which was radiated) and a repeat PSMA last month showed a node in my left lung and nothing else. More radiation and hormonal therapy is probably in my near future but, at 75 and active I am doing my very best to live fully while awaiting each 3 month PSA. Each of us is on our own path but we are also brothers in this fight. Take careful care but don't let this pesky disease rob you of your daily joy. There is a much broader world of treatment out there than ever before! 
1. Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Jim Early" user-id="4566171"/> Agree Jim - there are a lot of new treatments out there and I believe the wisest approach is to live life to the fullest each day while not letting events and challenges get the best of you. I have had a healthy dump of emotional cr..p this year .. So I am making it a point to ... focus on the future. And thank you for your support as well. Dennis(ProstateCancer.net TEAM)