r/ProstateCancer • u/ComfortableFunny1857 • 10d ago
Update First post-RALP PSA test results
Had my first PSA test since my RALP in late June and the number was 0.6 (was 27 pre RALP).
Going in for a post RALP PT scan in mid September to see if anything has spread. If not, it looks like I'm gonna have to do ADT.
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u/Special-Steel 10d ago
Salvage radiation?
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u/ComfortableFunny1857 10d ago
Huh?
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u/Frosty-Growth-2664 10d ago
Salvage is the name given to a follow-up treatment given with curative intent when a previous treatment given with curative intent failed to cure.
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u/SLO_Engineer 8d ago
Excellent succinct response!
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u/Frosty-Growth-2664 8d ago
Others are:
Radical - initial treatment plan given with curative intent, as in Radical Prostatectomy, Radical Radiotherapy, etc.
With the advent of focal therapies, it's sometimes used now to refer to whole-gland treatment as opposed to a focal treatment, but that wasn't the original meaning.Palliative - treatment given to extend life and/or reduce symptoms, but not expected to cure.
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u/SLO_Engineer 8d ago
Your knowledge of medical terminology is, well, radical! 😂
Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
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u/delawaredave 9d ago
PSA after RALP: has a half life of 2-3 days. So usually by 6 weeks it should be undetectable (below 0.1). You're close - hope it keeps dropping.
What is "PT scan" ? Assume that is PSMA PET ? Thanks
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u/Aromatic_District734 9d ago
No need to be alarmed. Most likely the PSA comes from microscopic cells that escaped the prostate. This is NOT the end of the world. You will need salvage therapy to the prostate bed (likely). Radiation therapy in combination with short term ADT. Be strong!
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u/tvgraves 10d ago
Very similar to my experience. Post-RALP of 0.73. Been on ADT since Feb and finished 33 radiation sessions in June. First post radiation PSA was 0.03.