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Posted 1/14/2008 1:17 AM (GMT 0)

Hello,

I'm new here and have a question. My uncle was diagnosed with prostate cancer over 10 years ago. He chose not to treat it. It appears that the cancer has spread, but I'm not 100% sure. He is very elderly. about a month ago he began having severe pain in his pelvic/lower back area. The pain was so intense that we had to take him to the ER. They did a CAT scan and it showed "multiple fractures to the sacrum." The doctors said that that is what typically happens when prostate cancer spreads to the bone. He is now in hospice care and very weak. However, I would like to know conclusively if that is what has happened. Two years ago his PSA level was at 9. They are going to run another PSA test and they said if it is elevated from the 9 where it was 2 years ago then we will know for sure that the cancer has spread to the bone. My question is (1) is that statement correct, and (2) what "magic number" tells us that the cancer has spread? Thank you for your help.

Posted 1/14/2008 1:45 AM (GMT 0)

cathy2820,

I am no expert on advanced prostate cancer which is cancer that has gotten out of the prostate gland but I can share with you general knowledge that I have gained and others on the forum will do the same.  First, prostate cancer that has been diagnosed 10 years ago and no treatment chosen most likely has moved into other areas.  The pelvis bone area is the most common site for this to occur.  The PSA number is not an absolute indicator.  There have been men with PSA's of less then 1.0 that have had prostate cancer and those with PSA's of 20 to 30 that do not.  A PSA of 9 is considered high but in it self would not indicate advanced prostate cancer.  Since the prostate cancer was already diagnosed then the 9 is associated with the cancer.  If the new PSA test comes back elevated then it would indicate that the cancer has spread as the PSA is generated by prostate cells no matter whether they are normal or malignant.  The more prostate cancer cells there are the higher the PSA no matter where these cells may be in the body.  Sounds like the medical personnel you are conversing are knowledgable and giving you the best answers that they can.  I am sorry for your uncle.  Hope this helps.

Tamu

Posted 1/14/2008 1:49 AM (GMT 0)
 Hi ~ Cathy & Loved Ones ,   W elcome     to…    ~ HealingWell ~   and   A    “ Special ”    Warm Welcome   to   You !   Knowledge gives us POWER….   POWER takes away the fear.   ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~     Click   on   link   below for important information that will help you ~ help us!!   Welcome New Members ~ to HealingWell       The information (link) listed above is to help you get around the forum!       This is a journey best traveled with friends.            Welcome ~ New Friend from all the members here... on HealingWell.com   v       IdahoSurvivor ~   Moderator for Prostate Cancer Forum http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1160/1313099593_9f819e3ff8.jpg   v       bluebird ~   Moderator for Prostate Cancer Forum http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb179/mamabluebird1955/mamabluebirdWelcome.jpg
Posted 1/14/2008 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
 Hi ~ Cathy, Good questions and and an excellent response from Tamu!!  Other members will be on board to share with you... it is the weekend and it's usually a little slower at this time.  Make sure you check periodically and please ~ keep us close.  Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. In Friendship, Lee & Buddy
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