Q: I had a radical prostatectomy 15 months ago and the pathology report said I had negative margins. However, my PSA is increasing from 0.2 to 0.6 to now 0.8. which means it has found a place in my body now. I went to an oncologist and he said I am not a candidate for radiation treatment because of rheumatoid arthritis. Is there any alternative action I can take and if I choose to do nothing further how much longer would I live? I am 55 years old.

A:You need to send us more information. If your PSA continues to rise, you should do bone scan and MRI/CECT scan whole abdomen to find out the source of PSA. Irrespective of the source of PSA, you will be a candidate for hormonal manipulation with injection zoladex. Prostate cancer is slow disease. There is no threat to your life in the near future.