Fluorine 18

[Zinjanthropos]

No mention of a stage so I’m feeling it’s early. Doc was pretty upbeat and confident about doing something about it.  Nothing like CC’s in-law’s situation. Radiation is her idea. She knows from PET scan where the bad stuff is and she going to after it. She said as few as five sessions, maybe more for radiation. Drug I’m taking for next 30 days slows down cancer cell production so maybe she’s keeping it where she knows it is. Probably a follow up PET scan once she’s done.

With breast cancer, they test to see if it’s hormone sensitive with a biopsy before putting you on the blockers. Not the same with prostate?

Either way, I wish you well.

Here they just give you a list of potential side effects and hormone sensitivity way down the list. I’m not allergic or sensitive to anything that I know of…..they do ask that question.

Anyways , appreciate the well wishes SS. Thanks

[Secular Sanity]

No mention of a stage so I’m feeling it’s early. Doc was pretty upbeat and confident about doing something about it.  Nothing like CC’s in-law’s situation. Radiation is her idea. She knows from PET scan where the bad stuff is and she going to after it. She said as few as five sessions, maybe more for radiation. Drug I’m taking for next 30 days slows down cancer cell production so maybe she’s keeping it where she knows it is. Probably a follow up PET scan once she’s done.

With breast cancer, they test to see if it’s hormone sensitive with a biopsy before putting you on the blockers. Not the same with prostate?

Either way, I wish you well.

Here they just give you a list of potential side effects and hormone sensitivity way down the list. I’m not allergic or sensitive to anything that I know of…..they do ask that question.

Anyways , appreciate the well wishes SS. Thanks

No, did they test the cancer cell receptors to see if the cancer cells express androgen receptors? If so, then blocking testosterone coupled with radiation will help significantly. I’m guessing that they didn’t because you’d need a biopsy to do so. You should probably ask though. Be your own best advocate.

Best of luck!

[Zinjanthropos]

With breast cancer, they test to see if it’s hormone sensitive with a biopsy before putting you on the blockers. Not the same with prostate?

Either way, I wish you well.

Here they just give you a list of potential side effects and hormone sensitivity way down the list. I’m not allergic or sensitive to anything that I know of…..they do ask that question.

Anyways , appreciate the well wishes SS. Thanks
[/quote]

No, did they test the cancer cell receptors to see if the cancer cells express androgen receptors? If so, then blocking testosterone coupled with radiation will help significantly. I’m guessing that they didn’t because you’d need a biopsy to do so. You should probably ask though. Be your own best advocate.

Best of luck!
[/quote]

I had blood work/PSA couple weeks prior to scan. Other than that no tests. Yes, it’s called Androgen Deprivation Therapy( ADT) that they just put me on.

The PET Scan is a new tool, not approved in Canada. I had to sign a consent form and have a bone and CAT scan prior. Some cancer organization pays for it. Of all the things I’ve had to do to battle prostate cancer, the worst experience was the biopsy. Hope to never have that again…lol

Hope people don’t mind me airing this stuff here but I feel better and hope that it might help someone out some day.

[confused2]

Text is (possibly) the best form of communication. You can't 'post' to your nearest and dearest and they would almost certainly have missed what SS picked up. I'm out of favour (with SS) , probably forever, but the washing is done, the bed is made and Mrs C2 is a happier bunny. If SS suggests doing a thing .. like asking for a test .. that's a superior intellect working on your side so just do it.

[Secular Sanity]

You’re not out of favor. You get what you give, right? You're fine, C2. My husband is on the road to recovery, as well. My solution was a list—cuts down on the perpetual nagging.

I’m surprised that the procedure wasn’t approved in Canada though. They updated the NCCN guidelines last year to include the F 18–based PSMA-PET for recurring prostate cancer, which is great, but physician adherence to guidelines isn’t always what they should be.

Your news prompted me to check my husband’s records. He had his last screening in 2020 and the guidelines suggest every 2-4 years. I’ll reschedule it again in January. I just had my mammogram, which was negative. I told him that men should have to have their balls squished like that, but now that I see a rectal exam is involved, I’d rather have a mamo mash.

Good or bad, keep us updated, Zinman.

[confused2]

My husband is on the road to recovery..

From being male? Expect a few setbacks on the way.
Funny you should mention nagging. Thing is you can't tell what will be forgotten in five minutes and what will turn into deep burning resentment. My solution is to email a gardener token to Mrs C2 - she fills out "'Remove mould and slugs from shower" and gets another one when I've done a few things and think she might have forgotten some of the worst things.

Like SS.. Good or bad, keep us updated, Zinman.

[Zinjanthropos]

All in the family.

Just informed my oldest brother and remember what I said about genetics? He tells me he’s scheduled for biop in couple weeks, PSA has climbed past 4. He’s exactly the same age I was when prostate cancer got me. Coincidence? I think not. Trouble is…. I have 4 more brothers, all younger than us two. At least I could help him prepare a bit.

[Zinjanthropos]

Not sure if I’ve updated so in case anyone interested….

Had 5 sessions of radiation in pelvic area mid February, each lasting about 12 mins. The last one seemed a bit long and stronger. Only side effect was my bowels anre taking awhile to return to normal. Still not quite there but much improved since. Had second hormone injection Apr 18 so good until October. As per Doctor orders I exercised, a lot, more than my doc knows while taking calcium and vitamin D supplements daily.

Meanwhile I have had a few PSA bloodwork tests done and the news is pretty good. She, my oncologist, told me on Monday by phone appointment that I will not be having anymore hormone injections and that my PSA is currently undetectable. I take that to mean zero, a point I’ve never reached or seen before. A buddy of mine tells me that undetectable PSA is music to a cancer patient’s ears but I’m taking the cautious approach. I’ll continue to exercise as long as this latest hormone shot lasts.

Not sure if I’m completely out of the woods, I was hesitant to ask, but it’s given me some relief from situation. I’ll find out more in October when I make an official visit.

[C C]

Not sure if I’ve updated so in case anyone interested….

Had 5 sessions of radiation in pelvic area mid February, each lasting about 12 mins. The last one seemed a bit long and stronger. Only side effect was my bowels anre taking awhile to return to normal. Still not quite there but much improved since. Had second hormone injection Apr 18 so good until October. As per Doctor orders I exercised, a lot, more than my doc knows while taking calcium and vitamin D supplements daily.

Meanwhile I have had a few PSA bloodwork tests done and the news is pretty good. She, my oncologist, told me on Monday by phone appointment that I will not be having anymore hormone injections and that my PSA is currently undetectable. I take that to mean zero, a point I’ve never reached or seen before. A buddy of mine tells me that undetectable PSA is music to a cancer patient’s ears but I’m taking the cautious approach. I’ll continue to exercise as long as this latest hormone shot lasts.

Not sure if I’m completely out of the woods, I was hesitant to ask, but it’s given me some relief from situation. I’ll find out more in October when I make an official visit.

Great to hear, Zin. Thanks for the update.