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← Return to PET/PSMA / Decipher test results back (0.69). Radiation/hormone now.
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PET/PSMA / Decipher test results back (0.69). Radiation/hormone now.
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Sep 13 11:01am | Replies (23)Comment receiving replies
I actually was going to have the SpaceOAR procedure before my radiation. But after the PET/PSMA stating,
"There is relatively focal increased Pylarify activity within the left inferior, posterolateral prostate gland, best appreciated on PET images 43-46 (SUV 5.6). This focus is in close proximity to the left anterior rectal wall, with invasion into the rectum difficult to entirely exclude."
My doc recommended against the SpaceOAR. Even though it sounded like a good extra precaution to take, he did not seem concerned with me NOT having the SpaceOAR as this type of cancer has been successfully treated for years without SpaceOAR with minimal to no impact to rectum (apparently) so I'm trusting him on that. And the fact that it is so close to the rectum with spread to the rectum not completely ruled out by the PET scan.
As a 53 year old, surgery does seem to be the traditional recommended treatment. But based on my research, and the fact that I really connected with the Oncology doc, it seems that the main reason more younger PC patients opt for surgery is based on the potential side effects of radiation "down the road". But with the modern and more accurate radiation methods, it is less of a concern. And a lot of people just want the cancer out and would rather come in one day and have it removed than come in for consecutive days of radiation over several days/weeks because they can't. For me, being semi-retired and caring for my senior parents who live in my home, going in Mon through Fri for 5 1/2 weeks to get a 30min radiation treatment in the morning will have minimal impact on my life.
Replies to "I actually was going to have the SpaceOAR procedure before my radiation. But after the PET/PSMA..."
Some radiation oncologist just don’t believe in spacer technology.
Some oncologist believe in it and actually do the spacer insertion in order to get it done ‘better” than a urologist doing it. A lot of personal preference in that area.
Six years after radiation, I started having some incontinence problems. The problems don’t always show up right away after radiation.
Have you considered talking to a different radiation oncologist to see if there is a difference of opinion.
I think your on the right course. You're being proactive- thats important . Both methods ( Surgery and Radiation) have similar outcomes from my study , depending on how you go into each setting . One point to ponder on surgery is that you get to do entire pathology on prostate - this is helpful to see exactly what the biology of the prostate is . However , you probably knew this. I had the surgery 3 years ago .... then radiation ( external beam ) 2 years ago at 0.14 PSA . My PSA was rising slowly , so had 22 sessions of radiation. PSA has since gone from 0.14 , then 0.072 , then 0.056 . Next PSA test tomorrow ....hence anxiety . You have this . you seem very well studied ! God Bless . Keep us informed of how your doing Sir . God Bless . James on Vancouver Island .
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Interesting story- it’s as if the RO says let the radiation hit the rectum since it might have cancer already, to heck with the Space oars. Radiation to the rectum side effects will occur in your future. Sounds like a no win situation either way you choose. Check with Mayo to see what they think… that’s what I would do. Take care my man. My prayers are with ya. Bruce