My husband had a nerve-sparing RP 22 months ago. The pathology was a Gleason 3+4, 20% both lobes, one foci extracapsular spot and close but clear margins. He is fully functional at this time with no side effects of surgery.
He registered 0.00 at his first PSA..... up to 3 months ago, he was at <0.1.... This past December, it came back 0.1 (without the less than sign) - so I asked for the ultra-sensitive numbers - and it was 0.07......
Last month (February08), it again came back at 0.1 so we had blood drawn again with a different lab that does the ultrasensitive numbers and the 2nd February blood test came back 0.097 (almost a 0.1)..... We were escalated from the urologist to an oncologist.
The oncologist looked at his records and suggested that he begin IMRT. After a lengthy discussion, we decided to do another blood test at the beginning of April to see whether the 0.097 held or whether it rose again (which would be the 3rd rise) but would just be over 0.1 if it did.
My questions are: Is this too early to start radiation? Does anyone have experience with side effects of IMRT? We are so trying to decide whether to radiate now or wait until it reaches a 'readable' level, such as 0.2. I know this is very low compared to what others are experiencing on this board but it is a critical decision. My husband has pretty substantial anxiety (in general), has IBS - so afraid these treatments will make things so much worse.
There is an array of studies that all seem to contradict each other - no 'path' for cure. I believe you really get one shot and that's the surgery... what is cure rate for IMRT when it's this low.... Is there a difference in radiating now? or waiting till it reaches 0.2. ANY information would really be appreciated. The oncologist was concerned that one of these cells will escape - as they're pretty sure it's around the nerve area of the prostate bed.... of course, right next to the rectum and bladder!!!!