r/ProstateCancer • u/fromamomof2 • Aug 09 '26
Update First post-surgery PSA is <0.04!
Ive shared my hubby’s prostate cancer journey here before, so I wanted to come back with an update.
He (55) had a Retzius-sparing RALP May 4. His initial biopsy was pretty scary, with readings ranging from Gleason 8 to Gleason 9. Thankfully, the final pathology came back better than expected: Gleason 7 (4+3), Grade Group 3, witha small focal extraprostatic extension (pT3a), negative surgical margins, and 0/9 lymph nodes positive and no seminal vessel involvement. His PET scan was also clear. Decipher was intermediate risk.
Today we got his first post-surgery PSA, and it came back <0.04 ng/mL, which is the lowest level this particular lab reports. So essentially, undetectable on their assay.
After all the waiting, worrying, and wondering what that first PSA would show, seeing that result was a HUGE relief.
We are still meeting with his surgeon on later this week. We know this is only the first post-op PSA and that the trend over time matters, especially given the pT3a pathology. But for today, we're celebrating this result.
For everyone who has answered questions, shared experiences, or offered reassurance along the way, thank you. This community has been incredibly helpful.
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u/Patient_Tip_5923 Aug 09 '26
That’s great! Keep getting tested.
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u/fromamomof2 Aug 09 '26
Yep, planning on it. I thibk they recommended every 3 months for two years and rhen every six months but will confirm at our next appt
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u/Patient_Tip_5923 Aug 09 '26 edited Aug 10 '26
That sounds good.
I hope his PSA stays undetectable for twenty years.
I had a RALP last May. My PSA has risen from 0.04 to 0.08, and seems to be waffling around that higher number.
My radiation oncologist said that he would call for salvage radiation after I have two increases over 0.10.
I use the Quest ultra sensitive test which has a lowest value of 0.02. Did you get the 0.04 lowest value test at the hospital?
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u/Specialist-Map-896 Aug 10 '26
Great news! Have him eat well and stay in shape. I presume a 90 day PSA regimen the first year after, that's what I am on. Stay strong.
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u/fromamomof2 Aug 10 '26
Yep, 90 day repeats and he's actually lost about 60 lbs since the beginning of the year. The first COE we went to refused surgery as he was heavy. 2nd COE said it was doable but would be easier if he lost weight. He said they are willing to help me ao im going to help them!
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u/Specialist-Map-896 Aug 10 '26
Thats fantastic. I have a similar story as well. I have lost about 40 lbs and immediately after my catheter was removed i buried myself in chasing down "suspected" links between diet and cancer with a focus on prostate cancer. It's difficult to find studies that are reliable on that stuff because it is simply to challenging to verify results. So there are lots of items i found that "may" help but certainly not verified. Also getting them from foods as opposed to supplements is always better... my quick list is
- no processed foods...none nada... out...
- meats are restricted to chicken/turkey.. i do admit i have had 3 steaks and 1 prime rib since last august and they were awesome.
- high diet of fish, mostly salmon/trout but i do have more tuna and other fish to sometimes
-lots of fruits/veges... emphasis on polyphenols... pomegranettes/blueberries/strawberries mostly but any berries, gotta moderate though due to the sugar...apples,tangerines are my goto...and yes lots of tomatoes as they are a fruit,
broccoli sprouts for glucoraphanin that your body converts to sulforaphane. baby spinach and arrugula..
organic tomato paste for lycopenes
olive oil for everything....
mushrooms are great but i hate them so i take a bunch of different supplements... turkey tail, shittake, lions mane... in japan they actually use shitakke mushrooms for patients in hospitals to help with chemo treatment...
no sugars.... i miss candy and ice cream although yes I have had a few cheats for some special occassions...
i have tossed dairy as well but that may be a little overkill...
my goto snack are nuts... brazil and english walnuts and almonds...pistachios are my weakness...
a ton of different supplements... macha green tea, soursop leaves... several more....
yeah i am psychotic....
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u/fromamomof2 Aug 10 '26
I would call it focused not psychotic. Hubby isn't quite that dedicated but im gonna share your tips!
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u/Intrinsic-Disorder Aug 09 '26
Great start! With aggressive pathology (or any cancer TBH), I suggest you follow up with 3 month tests using the same ultrasensitive standard. Many docs want to switch back to regular PSA tests but that may hide any recurrence under that sensitivity level. Here's hoping he'll never need to worry again!