FDG-PET scan

FYI during my six month follow up post RT to pelvic nodes everything looked great on ct scan but I had a spot on lung so had the same type of pet scan you're doing and it found no cancer. Hopefully you'll get lucky as well. Best wishes!!!
Bob

Jacky,

Is Steve having F-18. / FDG?
One shows bone mets and one soft organ mets, if there are any.
Will be thinking of you both?

BOOGEE

Hello Mews2Much,

You're learning more and more, as you continue to pursue more advanced levels of diagnostic scans.

I'm thankful you are getting some treatments started --- the ADT hormone shots that you wrote about can have a tremendous impact.

When I was diagnosed, I had full-blown prostate cancer with a PSA level that registered over 100 --- the prostate cancer had already infiltrated both of my lungs when I was first diagnosed. I was started on LUPRON shots immediately --- and I watched my PSA tumble down over the course of the next few months. When it got down to single digits, that was a huge step forward. From there, it crept down into decimals, which I did not believe would ever be possible.

We have MANY, many members here who have been helped by ADT shots such as LUPRON, FIRMAGON, and ZOLADEX. I just thought it would mean something to you to hear a first-hand testimonial from others who have had meaningful success from the ADT shots that you are starting.

Along with that, I wonder if the possibility of chemotherapy has also been discussed in your case? Many of us here with complex cases have pursued the "early chemo plan" as another way to "battle back" against the cancer. The possibility of chemotherapy treatments is definitely a topic for you and your doctors to discuss at your next consultation. If you need research references, the clinical trials known as STAMPEDE and another trial known as CHAARTED both showed the impact of adding chemotherapy, based on the individual's particular case, of course. Something to discuss with your doctor !

Let us know how you are faring --- I hope your treatments begin to exert their MIGHTY POWERS and that you will begin to hear that your treatments are beginning to have a positive effect.

We're here to support you --- encourage you --- share treatment experiences with you --- listen to you --- advise you, if needed --- and to just share support and comraderie with you, as well.

Sent with my best,
"Cyclone Fan" ~ Iowa State University

The infusion for bone strengthening was probably zometa. It is is given once every 6 months. I have had two of them. The first one had a two day cycle of bone pain, but the second one was a lot less. Both manageable with ibuprofen. Good luck you two. Take care. -JR

I've gotten prolia infusions twice annually to mitigate osteoporosis from HT and I've been told that I'll continue to get prolia shots for the rest of my life after I stop HT to help keep PCa from penetrating my bones.
Bob

Break60 and ISU-CycloneFan,
Steve is on calcium and vitamin D
The Nurse is suppose to call at 12 to set up a consultation with another oncologist at kaiser.
Have either of you had any side effects from the PROLIA?
Steve received this email today.
I hope this email finds you well. Your PSA decreased to 51 which could be a results of casodex. If anything, this is good news.
Jacky and Steve

Hey, another Prolia recipient here. My DEXA bone scan showed "osteopenia", nearly osteoporosis, after 18 months on HT. So Prolia every 6 months. Main issue I've had is that it requires insurance pre-approval. Make sure that's in place first, and my doctor's office didn't do that this spring. So, a 4 month long dance between insurance, U of Michigan, and me trying to resolve all of it.

They also requested a "clearance letter" from my dentist before starting it 2 years ago. Otherwise, the injection is easy and no side effects.

Redwing57,
I will ask Kaiser if it is covered.
We were told the Lupron would be the price of injections I hope they are coreect.
Jacky