Steve's Story

By Intrepid

1 min read

My PSA has not gone up as of today, it will be 9 + years. But I always have the fear of it returning anytime in the future. I get PSA checks every 6 months to get some peace of mind.

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Richard Faust Community Admin
Hi Intrepid. Sounds very prudent. Remember, fear is a positive and necessary emotion that helps protect us when managed in the right way. In your case, you get the PSA and the well earned peace of mind. Best, Richard (ProstateCancer.net Team)
1. Intrepid Member
 <inline-mention username="Richard Faust" user-id="3268931"/> Thanks for you reply.
Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
My business partner has seen his PSA remain undetectable for the past 15 years after his surgery. And YUP he still goes every 6 months to visit the urologist and like you says "it just makes me feel better" Nothing wrong with that and plus they are now golf buds. You just never know. ...Dennis (ProstateCancer.net TEAM)
Intrepid Member
Thanks Dennis for your input.
Guy Meredith Moderator & Contributor
 I'm with you, though right now I would like 3 month retests. I have had 0.31. 0.34, 0.4, 0.34 since finishing IMRT and ADT 8 months ago. My urologist decided I should go on a 6 month, but not knowing what is going on is worrisome. Not sure I'm looking forward eventually extending the retest to one year intervals. Guy B. Meredith, moderator.
Intrepid Member
I feel the same way as you do. In my 1st year after surgery , I was being checked every 3 mos. for year 1 and every 6mos. for year 2. Then went to once a year with my urologist. I am just glad that I am a veteran and I get my yearly physical at the VA and they do a PSA test with it.
frederickdav Member
I recently had my last Lupron injection. I will be having the 6 month PSA and meeting with the urologist. While I'm thrilled to be done with the Lupron there is that fear of recurrence.
Intrepid Member
Once you start getting your PSA readings and they stay normal and remain at low levels, you will start to get a feeling of relief and less stress.
Dan Franke Moderator & Contributor
Nine plus years and no uptick is pretty darn good. Count yourself blessed. Relapses do happen and its just another round in our battle. I replapsed three times in 13 years (PSA is rising now for me). Still get concerned everytime I have bloodwork done. Hope that you avoid any increase. DanF, moderator, <a href='https://prostatecancer.net' target='_blank'>ProstateCancer.net</a>. Thanks for sharing.