My husband was diagnosed at age 49. Bx Gleason was 3+3=6 in just one lobe, Surgical path increased Gleason to 3+4=7 with all lobes being involved. Negative lymph nodes. Although the recovery was very slow, he is now very pleased with the results of his radical surgery.
He just turned 57 & and has only had 2 PSA's done since surgery. Both were fine (thank the Good Lord and good surgeon) However, I don't know how often he should be tested. He's the kind of guy that doesn't go to doctor for physicals. How much should I be nagging him?
Any advice on how often to get PSA checked in a post-surgical situation like his?
My thanks (and my prayers to you out there dealing with this.)
There is no fixed rule on the intervals that one should follow to have PSA tests after surgery. However, a PSA is usually taken three weeks after surgery to check for treatment success.
Follow-up tests then are usually done every three months during the first year followed by intervals of six months during the second year, and every two years thereafter.
Your husband has been missing many follow-up PSA tests. I would advise him to get one done for prevention against any recurrence. We see many guys here reporting recurrence after 10 years of a “clean” diagnosis.
Wishing him a continuous healthy status.
Baptista
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In addition to Baptista's key points, knowing the PSA trend will help establish whether a recurrence, should one ever occur, is mild or significant. Many late recurrences are quite mild, many never needing treatment, or treatable with mild medication and/or lifestyle tactics. However, a few cancers that seem cured can abruptly become aggressive.
All that said, it appears your husband is one of the success stories!
Take care,
Jim
The following user gives a hug of support to IADT3since2000: Lilacs&Lillies (10-16-2011)
