PSA didn't go down

[Artdude]

My 6 week postoperative PSA checkup did not yield the expected results.  My PSA was still 2.6. Because the pathology report was excellent, I am wondering why my reading didn't go to "0."  I return in 4 weeks for a retest.  My doctor said that there are some men whose blood level does not drop immediately. Anyone had a similar problem or have any advice?  I have been told not to worry because all else is good, but....

[Artdude]

I had the daVinci robot surgery for PC on October 19.  PSA history:  two years ago was 0.06.  At my annual physical May 29, it was 6.8.  After antibiotics and flomax for 10 days, it had dropped to 3.4 (June).  I continued the meds regimen for the month of July, and PSA had dropped to 2.9 (August).  My urologist performed a biopsy August 25, confirming cancer.  At my first post surgery appt., the pathology report was "perfect."

My surgeon said that a few men have a "persistent" high blood serum level that takes longer to drop.  I appreciate your reply.  I was looking for some confirmation--something to ease my mind.  There is much information on cancer recurring and numbers going up after 3, 5, 7 years, but I haven't found much on numbers that didn't go down initially.  Thanks very much.

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

I am assuming that you were operated on for prostate cancer. Can you give information on what procedure was done and your PSA results prior to undergoing surgery?

It is true, especially in those patients with incomplete resections of the prostate, to continue to have an elevated PSA weeks after surgery. You should wait for the retest in a months time to see if the PSA values would go down.

Hope this helps.