You might ask if the same test procedure was used in all cases, and if that
version of the test is even capable of descriminating among readings which
are that low.

This sounds like another case in which the patient should probably be told
"less than 0.1," and not the exact number.

jimhoney

I understand that three consecutive increases in PSA after RP indicate
that some prostate cancer remains. If it's in the prostate bed, EBRT
may take care of that and you're home-free. My uro says he usually
doesn't refer patients for EBRT after RP until/unless their PSA gets
above .2, but in my case, he felt the three consecutive increases were
enough to proceed now. My post-RP PSAs were miniscule, like yours, but
the doubling time was much higher. Your last two PSAs were not
significantly different from each other, so it's hard to say you have
a trend underway. One more significant increase though, and I think
I'd be pressing for EBRT. It's a painless procedure with very few
adverse side/after-effects.

In the tables at http://www.phoenix5.org/Basics/psaPostSurgery.html
the doubling time, time to PSA growth recurrence and Gleason score all
figure into the likelihood that the cancer has metastisized. It's a
scary table but your (and my) numbers are so low, I don't think I'd
get too worried about it. Easier said than done.

Best wishes for good health.

Larry
---
larry sabo (one word) at istop dot com

Sy,

1. I have read that psa tests can fluctuate from <0.01 - 0.08 for years and
it doesn't mean there is a recurrence of the PCa. I know that a few people
on this newsgroup within the past two years reported that their psa tests
have fluctuated up and down on the newer sensative PSA tests but still
stayed <.1

2.  From just looking at your results and doing the math - it looks like
your psa doubled in one year. Which means your PCa is growing very, very
slowly and is probably a local recurrence that can be taken care of with
salvage radiation. PCa that has metastasized is more aggressive and the
doubling time is weeks to <6 months

3. You will know in another 6 months - 1 year. If your psa continues to rise
and your Dr's believe it may be a recurrence - then you can make a decision
on how to proceed.

4. I would absolutely be positive at this time and not worry about it - it
went from .05 to .06  in six months - which means to me that it really
stayed the same. I would worry if it jumped to .1 or higher since October
but it didn't. It basically stayed the same. It very well could have come
back at .05 or .04

5. I agree with your Doctor to not worry about it. You are <.1

Dave P.

I agree with your urologist.  The "threshhold" is more than 0.1, but
probably now something much less than 1.0.  Anything below 0.1 is considered
"undetectable" and variations under 0.1 are probably useless as determining
factors.

Well, I spoke with the urologist today.  He also emphasized the lack
of clear recommendations as to what to do next in situations like
mine.  He did suggest to make an appointment and speak with a
radiologist, but keeping in mind his/her professional bias.  He also
suggested I contact my surgeon (in another state) and ask for his
opinion.  He recommended to repeat the PSA in three months.  Sometimes
it's really apealing to have somebody make the decision for you,
especially an informed one.  :(