Very concearned after Bone scan

Recently my dad was diagnosed with PCa. He is 57 and his Psa was 5.9 and Gleason score of 7 (3+4). He is asymptomatic and has no bone pain. In considering Brachytherapy the cancer clinic recommended a bone scan.  During the scan the radiographer must have saw something as she asked him to go and wash his pelvic area( I am assuming possible contamination). She then proceeded to take pictures to the radiologist from there she went on to take another set of pictures as well as a side view. The scans were taken last week (Wednesday) and we are waiting in agony for  the results and even more concerned due to the radiographer's actions. We have called the clinic and they said results could be here today or week from today.  My question is what length of time does it take to get results?  If Mets would have been detected would the radiologist ensure we are called call immediately? I understand mets with his numbers is unlikely but could it be mets from another undiagnosed cancer?.   Thanks Anxiously waiting any thoughts!!!!

At age 57 with a 5.9 psa I would almost think it would be next to improbable to have a skeletal lesion. However as would be the correct advice keep on calling tell you get the results.   Good Luck.

I had a bone scan and it showed a "hot spot" near my shoulder blade. The surgeon put his hand over the spot and asked if there was any reason for it - had I injured myself or bumped into anything? I had been shooting a couple of days before the scan and that was where the rifle contacted my shoulder. They redid the scan about a week later and the hot spot was gone. (Darn squirrels).
At University of Rochester the scans are read the same day. Results are on line and available to the surgeon by 3 PM the next day. They usually tell the patient that it will take about week.
Jeff

Steve, I'm sorry you and your family are going through this. As others have said, try not to worry (too much). The fact that the radiation technician asked your dad to wash his pelvic area could be something as simple as an unclear view. As a woman, when I have my annual mammogram, I am always told "no deodorant, powder, or lotion" because it can interfere with a clear picture. Any injury to bone will show up on a bone scan. We had a scare with my husband and a CT scan of the area was ordered to confirm whether there was anything there. As it turned out, there was something there - the doctor called it "oldness."

Most Dr. won't even do a bone scan for PSA under 10, unless there is a symptoms.  Waste of money.  I can't believe they did one.  If the same clinic did the scan that also does brachytherapy it sounds like they are just generating income.   You've been scammed in my opinion.

I must be at the other end of the spectrum for time. I finished with my bone scan, walked across the street, and got the results from my doctor along with a referral to a radiation oncologist so I could explore that option. My wait couldn't have been half an hour.

I think your Dad should be working through his primary care physician - and you should not be freelancing . . . unless you've provided the hospital/clinic/laboratory with a power of attorney for health care executed by your Dad. Tests sometimes, oftentimes take a while to review if the medical center doesn't have sufficient on-site staff. I suspect that if the news was bad you would have heard by now. Best of luck to your Dad.

steve,

that's good news on your dad's bone scan. dealing with his prostate cancer will be enough for you all to deal with on its own. please keep us posted on his journey, and don't hesitate to ask as many questions as you want or need. no such thing as a dumb or silly question here at HW. what might be obvious to one reader, won't be to another.

hoping you and your dad worth through this fine.

sincerely,


david in sc