Connect
← Return to Questions about Active Surveillance as a treatment option
Discussion
Questions about Active Surveillance as a treatment option
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Jun 4 4:41pm | Replies (28)Comment receiving replies
Not sure you know, but the PET scan cannot see metastasis smaller than 2.7 mm and if they’re 5 mm and smaller, they may not be able to be seen. This leaves a lot of people having to wait until their metastasis get bigger to treat them, Or do salvage radiation which works for some people.
Hopefully he is getting PSA tests every three months or so. With a 4+3 you never know, especially with cribriform.
Well, I realize that ADT is not “fun” You could live another decade, or more, by taking the no fun drugs. I’ve had PC for 15 years and I’ve taken ADT for eight of them. The side effects are a hell of a lot better than death.
And if he wants to not be uncomfortable, Then don’t die of prostate cancer. It is extremely painful and for the last month or two you will be unable to actually communicate much, because the drugs for the pain take away ability to Communicate effectively.
Replies to "Not sure you know, but the PET scan cannot see metastasis smaller than 2.7 mm and..."
Connect
Hi Jeff, we didn’t appreciate they cannot see metastatis below 5mm, with PET scans but thanks we will now know for the future.
We do understand that not wanting ADT (currently, he is not ruling it out for the future, but may try a different type), can shorten your life but sometimes quality of life is far better than quantity if that quantity keeps you in abject pain and not capable of doing anything.
We do have personal knowledge of prostate cancer with my father (died with it not of it) and our brother in law lasted for 10 years after being given only 1-4 years, he had every treatment going including many experimental ones. He was late going for a test by which time it was everywhere. He was lucky in that he didn’t have the big side affects of ADT just the minor ones and didn’t have an aggressive prostate cancer. We were with him supporting him throughout his treatment to the very end. Everyone is different and I’ll support my husband with whatever options he chooses, rather than try to make him prolong life if it has no quality for him.
Our oncologist is excellent and he has PSA tests every 6/8 weeks and subsequent scans etc. Thankfully she is fully supportive and often rings randomly to find out how things are etc. We cannot fault her at all.
Good luck with your continuing treatment.