How long did you wait for PSMA scan?

@westernflyer
I can remember the place (UFHPTI) I had my PSMA done was really controlled. I think the techs have to keep the radioactive elements they use in a tightly controlled area.

Thank you for explaining the tests as I had no idea of the specifics.

USE GOOGLE AI..JUST ASK THE QUESTION ABOUT ANYTHING AND THEY RESPONSE WILL AMAZE YOU.
THIS IS ALL PART OF BEING INFORMED ABOUT SO MANY THINGS TO INCLUDE ONE'S HEALTH. CHEERS/RH

That is great idea : ))) ! My husband started using ChatGPT for some comparisons and for sorting all biopsy and MRI findings so far and presenting it as one big nice document. It was very helpful indeed.

Our urologist was very vague with imaging explanation and when I asked for differences he said it is just different modes and different agents blah blah blah but never explained what is difference . I read somewhere that my husband needs PSMA MRI but urologist ordered PSMA PET , and I was confused.

Can you please (and other members) tell me exactly which imaging tests you all had : (((

To your question: Elevated PSA over the years now about 6.47. As you know the aging process for men most often include an increased PSA..this is natural in many cases. The first step would be an MRI; then to confirm, followed by PET scan. As the online research indicates, the protein which binds to the cancer cells "lights up" like a match in dark room. My MRI came back and was scored at 4; the PET scan indicated absolutely no cancer. the scan is from above the knees to the forehead. The scan result listed among other things a "normal heart"l "normal lungs", but an enlarged thyroid gland on the right side. Recommendation, have an ultra-sound in one year for the thyroid. Hello "surftohealth88: Originally from Manhattan Beach..been surfing for many years... I have a Becker on my wall..Cheeers/RH

Insurance can be a real problem when it comes to a PSMA. It took almost 5 months for me to get the approval for a PSMA. Endless phone calls, letters of request for approval just sickening. I have a BCBS Medicare Advantage plan. When I received my copy of the charge for the PSMA I figured they didn’t want to pay for a 79 year old. PSMA was $14,300 and my co-pay was $375.00. Bad enough we have to battle cancer and then the insurance and out of pocket cost brings so much stress. ORGOVYX is also a hoot with a price of $2,932.00 for 30 pills. Co-pays running $850-$920 a month. God Bless everyone of you and much success on your journey. Ken

I am so sorry Ken that you had to go through all of this hustle, it is almost inhumane what is happening with insurances and patients. Not to mention exorbitant prices of medications and everything. So much wealth floating around and such bad social net and help for seniors in general. If I was one of those billionaires, I would have invested my wealth and influence in bettering of lives of my fellow citizens and not in meaningless flights to distant planets and similar *rap. How about saving THIS one ?
I am glad that you managed to get what you needed and I am wishing you to reach at least 100th birthday in good health : ))) ! Sending blessing your way < 3

Thanks so much for sharing your case and for the advice.
Was you MRI just regular MRI or PSMA MRI. As far as I can understand reading around for the past 7 days there is PSMA MRI and PSMA PET CT and both are preferably done. I tried to get answers from our urologist regarding imaging techniques but he dismissed my question completely with answer that it is all the same just different modalities blah blah. IT IS NOT. I hate that I now on top of everything have to "study" radiology instead of concentrating on spending time with my husband or on researching about supplements and other complementary things. But it is OK. One step at a time ...

I went with date not distance and I got mine 3 weeks after my Biopsy. If I had waited and went with distance it would have been mid April. I could not wait that long. It was worth the drive.

I am five years along an aPC journey. Received my first PSMA Scan last summer. Why? Oncologist didn't see the need. Enter new oncologist and he agreed to give it a try. Results were good, didn't a lot of cancer, only 5 spots, 3 of which we spot radiated. I am Pluvicto now and requisition another PSMA scan next month. May oncologist wants to wait a little while to see how the Pluvicto treatment does. "Always Keep Moving Forward" (My survivorship credo)

Thanks for sharing your experience. Can you tell me was it PSMA MRI, PSMA PET MRI, or PSMA PET CT . Thanks in advance .