PET TEST

Posted by jimbo12 @jimbo12, 2 days ago

PET test

My doctor wants me to take that test because of my rising PSA (which is now 1.98).

Does anyone have any advice on how to prepare for this test? Thank you. (I am 89.)

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

jim18 | @jim18 | 23 hours ago

Drink lots of water after the test. You want to remove the radiation ASAP after the test and most is removed by the kidneys through the urine. More water or other liquids = less exposure.

carlsbadguy | @carlsbadguy | 20 hours ago

I'm "only" 73, but didn't find the test difficult or rigorous either. Compared to all of the other indignities we are subjected to due to this disease, I would place it as one of the least rigorous. Its purpose is to detect if your prostate cancer has spread to other parts of your body. Take the test, then you know, and if it shows any mets you can then make the decision to treat or not. Good luck.

lag | @lag | 18 hours ago

In reply to @jimbo12 "@copThank you so much, I am giving much thought to whether I should take that rigorous..." + (show)

@jimbo12 Please be reassured that the PSMA PET scan is not rigorous. My husband has had many of them. His only complaint is the same one mentioned by some of the other commenters in this thread--that it hurt his bad shoulder to keep that arm above his head during the scan.

copyman | @copyman | 14 hours ago

In reply to @jimbo12 "@copThank you so much, I am giving much thought to whether I should take that rigorous..." + (show)

@jimbo12 , It's not that bad of a test. And wouldn't call it rigorous at all. Actually I thought it was much better than the MRI. One thing that does concern me is the radioactive dye they put in you. If you or doctor is considering not treating then no need to do the test.