Why Doctors Shouldn't Call Out Of The Blue 

Unfortunately, medical protocols are often more valued than the fact that patients have a life beyond treatment. I really enjoy listening to you speak, you have great communication skills, and even I, who don't speak english natively, can understand every word you say :)

You're amazing, Parris!

Listening to your video and others like yours is terrifying me to start treatments. I see that once I start treatment that really is the start of my journey. And once started you never can let go or rather "THEY" will never "LET" you go! The medical people and all their tests. And all the anxiety and stress that comes along with it.

A rising PSA level after chemotherapy and radiation treatment for prostate cancer can be concerning, but the significance of a specific value like 0.18 ng/mL depends on several factors: 1. The PSA nadir (lowest point) reached after treatment 2. How quickly the PSA is rising (PSA doubling time) 3. The pattern of PSA increase over multiple tests Generally, after radiation therapy, a PSA rise of 2 ng/mL or more above the lowest level reached is considered a potential sign of cancer recurrence[1]. However, PSA levels can fluctuate slightly over time, and a single reading of 0.18 ng/mL may not necessarily indicate treatment failure or cancer recurrence[1]. It's important to note that PSA levels after radiation therapy tend to drop slowly and may not reach their lowest point until 2 years or more after treatment[1]. Additionally, there's a phenomenon called "PSA bounce" that can occur within the first couple of years after radiation therapy, where PSA rises slightly for a short time before going back down[1]. The most crucial factors are the trend of PSA levels over time and how quickly they are rising. Your doctor will likely want to monitor your PSA levels closely with repeated tests to determine if there's a consistent upward trend[1][2]. If your PSA continues to rise on consecutive tests, your doctor may consider further evaluation or treatment options. However, a single PSA reading of 0.18 ng/mL, without knowing the context of your previous PSA levels and treatment history, is not enough information to determine if it's troublesome. Always discuss your specific situation and concerns with your oncologist, who can provide personalized advice based on your complete medical history and treatment response.