PET TEST

There is no preparation needed for a PSMA PET. A radioactive tracer that is specific for PC cancer cells is injected into a vein. You wait 45 - 60 minutes, go take a pee, then lie on bed that has an open scanner that goes up and down the length of your body. That might take 15 - 20 minutes.
With a PET scan for other cancers the tracer is for sugar uptake. For those types of PET scans you have to fast and/or follow a specific diet.
Stay Strong Brother, We Got This

No real preparation procedure, but it would be wise to empty your bowels, especially of gas prior to the scan. You need to lie very still for 20 minutes or so, and passing gas can obscure the imagery. Three are no after effects. When it is done, you get dressed and go back to your day. Best wishes.

Mel

A "rising" PSA of 1.98? That is normal for a man of 89 yrs old. It's actually a great PSA # for an 89 yr old unless you have treated before and now rising? Have you ever treated for Prostrate cancer? If never treated not sure why a PSMA PET scan would be ordered before an MRI or Biopsy? Actually not many doctors would treat an 89 yr old.

The only slight issue I had with my PET scan was that it required I stretch my arms over my head for the duration of the scan.

I was just getting over a frozen left shoulder, and I wasn’t sure for a couple of minutes whether I’d be able to get my arm back enough over my head to do the scan.

I eventually was able to loosen it up enough to do so, but it was a pretty uncomfortable 20 minutes.

@copyradiation man
radiation in 2011 and 2023. Two shots of Lupron in 2022.

That explains everything. I would still consider not treating if I was 89 but that is a personal decision you would have to make. I would weigh my quality of life not treating vs years of life left. Like I mentioned in earlier post many doctors don't treat if patient is 80+ unless they insist. Don't misunderstand me I hope you live to 100+

PS, my member name here is copyman not copyradiation man

@copThank you so much, I am giving much thought to whether I should take that rigorous test at this time.