PSMA PET scan found cancer in rib and #3 vertebrae. Any experience?

Posted by natem @natem, Jun 20, 2024

I recently had my 2nd BCR after 11 years post Prostatectomy from Gleason 9 in 2013 when I was 53. Had 1st BCR Nov 21, PSA was .28 then .38 by time of treatment with radiation to pelvic area and 6 months Orgyv. PSA was undetectable for a year and a half. Then 3 months ago psa went from undetectable to .28, my Radiation Oncologist wanted to to wait 6 weeks and retest. My retest 6 weeks later remained at .28. We waited another 6-8 weeks because he wanted to be able to see it via a PSMA PET scan (.50 and above easier to see/find per RO). This time it came back .36 and he went ahead and ordered the PET scan. I found out today it showed up in left rib a #3 vertebrae. Disappoint but says my options are hormone alone until when ever. (he told me 18 months ago if he couldn't cure I had many years. I asked what's many, he says 10 years. I said that doesn't sound like many to me.)
So option #1) Hormone treatment only.
Option #2) radiate both areas and do hormone for two years and see what happens.
Possible opt #3) Scheduled meeting with Medical Oncologist, I'm guessing adding Chemo to the plan may be a consideration.
I'm normally am of the mindset to hit with every available, but I don't want to get in front of my skis. I'm 64 any day and I am active, bike 20-60 miles a week. I enjoy selling cars working full time. I'm blessed to have my hair. I wonder, does anyone have any experience down this path? If I add Chemo, will I still be able to work? Are the side effects bad? Any other suggests or considerations?

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

Thank you very nuch. Since then and before starting radiation, an MRI showed like 10 very small leasions in the area. May psa had risen to .80 and RO no longer wanted to radiate, so treating by medical oncologist the past year.
My Med Oncologist put me on Orgovyx and Xstandi about a year ago and so far psa remains undetectable. Have new bloodwork due soon. We test every 3 months.

As of September my psa had remained undetectable. I'm hoping it stays that way a long time.

REPLY
Profile picture for natem @natem

Thank you very nuch. Since then and before starting radiation, an MRI showed like 10 very small leasions in the area. May psa had risen to .80 and RO no longer wanted to radiate, so treating by medical oncologist the past year.
My Med Oncologist put me on Orgovyx and Xstandi about a year ago and so far psa remains undetectable. Have new bloodwork due soon. We test every 3 months.

As of September my psa had remained undetectable. I'm hoping it stays that way a long time.

Jump to this post

@natem That's great news man!!!

REPLY
Profile picture for glt @glt

I would like to add that Aberaterone and Xtandiwere prescribed to lower my PSA. They are basically adt. Aberaterone kept PSA low for a while but not XTANDI. My oncologist ordered PSMA WHEN PSA stayed high, around 75.I had no reason to suspect wide spread bone Metastasis as there was no pain. I suggest you may want your oncologist to order PSMA sooner rather than later. Frankly, I was shocked. Scary.

Jump to this post

@glt Look at spot radiation it works

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.