The Six Week Follow-up ... PSA undectable

PSA results are now < 0.04 and undetectable; a very good start.

This was the news from another very young urologist (Dr. J) whom "A" and I met with yesterday morning. We also met with the great Dr. B as well. This was very good news and means that no prostate cells can be detected at this time but as the good doctors indicated it is too early to "promise" a complete recovery.

There was one change to final pathology report that was a cause for concern. The monster did break through the prostate capsule wall. This break through was microscopic and was not detected in the initial pathology report. What does this mean? I am not sure. I know that the "margins" were clean and showed no signs of cancer cells. From what I understand this is a key measure. If the margins are clean there is a very high probability that the cancerous tumor was removed completely (so I am very glad the surgeons did a "extra radical prostectomy). But because of the breakthrough there is a possibility a stray cancerous cell may have travelled someplace and is hiding.

As a result of this concern, I will be seeing the urologist Dr. R again. He was the lead surgeon for the prostectomy and specializes in prostate cancer. I will also be seeing a Radiology Oncologist within the next 2 to 4 weeks to determine if I should continue with radiation therapy. Apparently there are risks to radiation that I have to consider (damage can occur to healthy tissue including the bladder, urinary track and colon). More homework!

I have time to make a decision. I have to heal completely before radiation is considered and I will need another PSA test. In fact PSA testing will be done a 3 month basis for the next year or so and then every 6 months. If the PSA remains none detectable then this is good news. If the PSA test becomes detectable, then this will be a trigger to do something and I will have to speed up the decision on whether to proceed with radiation therapy.

Overall, I very grateful. No detectable PSA, negative margins, normal lymph nodes (no cancer collected in the garbage cans), a drop in the Gleason Score (from 9 to 8) and I am healing nicely according to the good doctors.

In addition, the young Dr. J gave me hope that my love life can be restored in time ... I could have taken this doctor home with me!