PSMA PET Scans...some interesting info

@northoftheborder Thanks for this knowledge . I never knew this ! excellent to know that IF you get put one One ADT drug , there are other combinations that can extend the useful period of the ADT itself . Do I have that right ? If ADT fails what is the next thing one could do ? I have a friend from my PC support group that he says his ADT failed and he has only been taking it for a year . He said "it started to fail" . I offered to take him out for coffee or a Pint , but he was too emotional to go at the time. we plan to meet next week. Can I mention soem things to help him as he makes notes for his Dr's visits about this ADT failing ? I sure would like to give him some things to be hopeful for .... Thanks for the help . James on Vancouver Island .

@vancouverislandhiker If/when you become castrate resistant and your PSA becomes detectable, the next steps would likely be repeat testing and active monitoring. Once the PSA reaches a certain threshold, I expect they do imaging to see if there's anything visible (there might not be). If/when there's something visible, they could perform external beam radiation if it's only a few metastases, or something like Pluvicto or chemotherapy if there are many. Then rinse and repeat.

You stay on ADT and ARSI to control the cancer that's still castrate-sensitive, while focussing on putting out any flare-ups that have developed castrate-resistance.

There's also the option of trying a different ARSI, just in case. And new treatments are on the horizon.

Standard disclaimer: layperson writing here.

@northoftheborder Thanks North ! I really appreciate you using your valuable time to respond to me. I have never been on ADT , not want to be . I have had the operation about six years ago and 2 1/2 years ago with the external beam radiation. I got the radiation for 22 sessions and no ADT. The doctors said repeatedly I don't need the ADT although I showed them the paperwork on more efficacy if I use the ADT. The doctors that I spoke to were against it and that my PSA was only at 0.14 and rising very very slowly. I do have prostate cancer in the family, and my father passed away from a 25 years ago. So they wanted to go full "pedal to the metal "at a very early stage. My radiation oncologist said they doubt it will develop from here but if they do we have a ADT in the war chest. Currently my last three PSA tests have been hovering around 0.068, 0.060, and 0.055. With changes very slight and then the thousandth decimal point, Victoria Cancer clinic and my urologist don't seem to be worried about me. I guess that's a good thing? Off to walk the dogs in the mountains. It's kind of an odd thing, since being diagnosed with prostate cancer six years ago I have developed an anxiety situation. Walking the dogs is therapeutic for me. I was my fathers caregiver and was constantly around him when he had his prostate cancer. I covered his body with clean sheets when he passed away. I can still smell and here at the hospital. That was 25 years ago. It's a whole new landscape now with technology and drugs. I hope you find enjoyment today. James on Vancouver Island.

My biopsy has confirmed I have prostate cancer. I am going for a PSMA PET scan the day after tomorrow. I would like to hear from prostate cancer sufferers, especially about the treatements and prognosis.

@vancouverislandhiker Thanks! My valuable time isn't so valuable these days, at least not in terms of loonies I could earn, so no worries. 🙂

No one wants to go on ADT (unless maybe they're a trans woman transitioning), but it's nothing to fear, at least not in my personal experience. After an adjustment period, I still have a pretty-normal life. I hope you never need it, but don't hesitate if you ever do. Life is so beautiful, and it's worth fighting for.

@northoftheborder Yep, ADT is just different for everyone. For me(2/3 done) the biggest issue is weight gain. Hot flashes too for sure but I'm ok with that.

@vancouverislandhiker your numbers are terrific! Sorry to hear about your dad. The "war chest" we have these days is much larger like you said. I'm very positive about the future. God bless.

@northoftheborder Yep, ADT is just different for everyone. For me(2/3 done) the biggest issue is weight gain. Hot flashes too for sure but I'm ok with that.

@vancouverislandhiker your numbers are terrific! Sorry to hear about your dad. The "war chest" we have these days is much larger like you said. I'm very positive about the future. God bless.

@muhammadali1951 “Treatments,” “prognosis,” and “suffering” all depend on your numbers, test results, and choice of treatments.

You might have “little-c” prostate cancer and not “big-c” prostate cancer, and get by with no suffering. (I did; and my treatments were a walk in a park.)

What are your numbers and test results: PSA, MRI, Gleason, biomarker (genomic) test, and (when you get it) your PSMA PET scan results?

With all that information, then you’ll have an idea of what your journey might be like.

Don’t let your mind take you to dark places that the numbers and test results don’t warrant,

You’ll be fine.

@muhammadali1951 “Treatments,” “prognosis,” and “suffering” all depend on your numbers, test results, and choice of treatments.

You might have “little-c” prostate cancer and not “big-c” prostate cancer, and get by with no suffering. (I did; and my treatments were a walk in a park.)

What are your numbers and test results: PSA, MRI, Gleason, biomarker (genomic) test, and (when you get it) your PSMA PET scan results?

With all that information, then you’ll have an idea of what your journey might be like.

Don’t let your mind take you to dark places that the numbers and test results don’t warrant,

You’ll be fine.