CancerCompass message board discussion started by Friend12 on 3/5/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21665,0.htm Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ In 1990 my friend had a Radical Prostectomy with some sluffing off into the lymph.  He was treated with Eloxin and Flutomide post operative.  His PSA Gleason score continued to stay under 1.0 In 2002 he entered the VA system abd his PSA was been <.010, he received Zolodex treatment and it stayed constant until 2007 at.060. Last year they stopped the Zolodex injections as the VA said studies showed it was harmful to the bones. Since that time the PSA has increaed to (point) .53, the present reading. The Urologist had concerns about the rising PSA, and ordered a bone scan that was negative, a CT of the Pevis area, results negative, and now they will do a Prostatstint SPEC in the pelvic area. My concerns are the score on Gleason scale is under 1, and he is now 70 years old. Aren't all these nuclear tests bad for him? Should he be concerned that the cancer has returned with a score under 1.0 at his age, and the tests so far have all  been negative?  He has no signs of urination issues, no pain, just the rise of the PSA.  Could someone please give me some information regarding these issues. He doesn't know if another opinion should be gotten and if the Urologist's concern is valid or not! So far they have been unsuccessful in finding any signs of cancer.and my concern is also so many nuclear tests!  Please give me your help.  Thank you Friend12 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT It is not surprising that PSA could start to rise if hormone treatment is discontinued. It needs to be closely checked on a regular basis to make sure it doesn't get out of handI always suggest  the book on hormone treatment by Dr Myers  who is one of the few experts on the subject.I do not understand the logic behind the recent direction taken.It would certainly be adviseable to obtain a 2nd option, preferably from an expert on hormone treatment or from a relevant  medical oncologist.It is true that hormone medications can have side effects, including  adverse effect on bone,  which is something to be addressed by lifestyle, diet, supplements and medication.   Johnw100 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thank you for your reply regarding Elevating PSA after a Radical Prostectomy As of today his PSA has risen since December to1.5, over 1.0. I now have deep concerns about what's next.  I will take your advise and read the book on Hormonal Therapy.  I was quite interested in reading the latest news stating that a Prostate biospy could spread cancer years later on this wedsite.  Wonder if this is the case!! Friend12 Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT I would definitly go for a second or even third opinion. I have been on Zolodex and casodex for a couple of years and my PSA recently started rising. The Casodex was stopped but the Zolodex retained. Bone scan showed uptake to the sacrum and ileum. My Gleason was 7 (3+4) presurgery and 9 (4+5) post surgery. I also had radiation and then went on Zolodex and Casodex. PSA was <0.1 for 2 years then it start going up. Also it look like you ar geting some wrong numbers or getting them confused. For instance Gleason index is the sum of 2 numbers between 1 and 5 so would be either 2 (1+1) as a low or 10(5+5) as a high. Get these checked out but definitly go for a couple of other opinions. In my case I am entering a clinical trial with taxetere and AT-101. Both look good.Also you might want to contact the Lance Armstrong Foundation at LAF.org for resources and google Us too a good prastate cancer resource.Good luck   Gunner Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thank you for the response! I appreciate any outside information I can obtain.  I definitely will check the Lance Armstrong site.  Today he had the start of the Prostectstint (not sure of sp) the second part will be Wednesday which will show if there are any cancer cells. I hope that the experimental will work. I will give this information to my friend for additional resources.Again, my thanks to you and good luck to you, as well. Friend12 Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT