After about a year since seed implantation PSA going up. Dr says that the seeds didn't work and has started me on Hormone treatment. Can seeds be redone? Am I able to have prostate removed even after the radiation? Would appreciate any info that might be out there about other's experiences. This is the first time in this Forum. Thanks.

Whooaaaa there Donbart .... hold your horses partner!!! Although I chose the daVinci robotic surgical route back in May of 2005, the overriding difference between having surgery or seeds implanted, for me, were the following:
1. It may take 2-3 years (even longer in some cases) of constant monitoring of your PSA level before achieving a nadir (lowest point). Reaching this level provides reassurance that the cancer is in remission.
2. The PSA can (and usually does) fluctuate in the first two to three years due to a phenomena called PSA bounce.

For me, I wanted the blasted thing out of me so there wouldn't be the gawdawful test anxiety every six months. I honestly don't know how your Dr. :jester: can call the seed implant a failure after only 1 year. Knowing that, I would run, not walk, to another specialist for a second, even third opinion. You must read Patrick Walshes book Surviving Prosatae Cancer (I think thats the title) or the bookThe Prostate Cancer Treatment Book by Grimm, Blasko & Sylvester (pg 119, 2nd paragraph). Both books discuss your type of case in detail.

As for surgery ... sounds like it would be a salvage job from my understanding. Not knowing much more about your situation, it's hard to offer other info. Definately seek out other experts opinions ... other than the Dr's or group you've already been seeing. From what you have shared, it sounds like a typical PSA bounce and way too early to deem the procedure a failure and jump into hormone therapy.

Good luck and keep in touch. I'd get off the hormone treatments asap until you've had a chance to seek out other expert opinions???? ME??? I have had five PSA tests since my surgery and so far ... knock on wood ... all have been <.01, undetectable.
:angel:
Regards,
Thom in VA

Thanks, GR8SHARE...
You have shared information I hadn't heard of yet. Going to look into it, it is encouraging. Thanks again. Will continue to post progress. Donbart.

Please do post your promised reply; that's how we all learn. What happened when you had your second/third/or more opinion(s)? There is no surgery possible after radiation (too much scarring and "melting together" of tissues) and no more prostate at least radiation either as you already had the maximium doses. I suspect the level of rise was of such degree the physician felt it "was no bounce here" with the time elapse, etc. Please see my posting (Jay B) in one of these "Rising PSA" threads. Folks have gained a decade or even a lot more quality living with HMT. The hot flashes allow us to gain sympathy from our wives/girlfriends/sisters, etc. And NOW we even have the promise of chemotherapy that has never been there before (Hormone therapy is technically NOT "Chemo"therapy. Keep the Faith, Jay Bortz