Endorectal MRI, Calypso Marker Placement, Abiraterone

I received the results from my endoMRI last week. I know that interpretation of the images is not a perfect world, but since I am not having a prostatectomy, this will be the best staging I receive. This was 3 Tesla MRI with contrast so I think the images are close to the best you can get from an MRI.

The good news is that the fleshy mass that was found in my CAT scan is not cancer. This mass is posterior to the prostrate and the CAT scan was unable to tell if the origin was the prostrate or the rectum. Apparently the MRI images interpret this as a part of my rectum, albeit an unusual feature. This is a huge relief and I believe the interpretation of the images is sound.

There were two extracapsular extenstions found, one of which is at the transition to the right seminal vesicle. The cancer is on the right side and no evidence seminal vesicle is invaded. Lymph nodes were negative. This puts my staging at T3a. It sounds strange to say it, but I am taking this as good news. It could of been much worse for me.

I had my Calypso markers placed and my last prostate biopsy for the clinical trial I am participating in . My RT starts in April for 8 weeks. It will feel good to have RT started and even better to have it finished.

On the clinical trial front, (Neo-adjuvant HT with Lupron+Abiraterone+Prednisone, followed by RT), I am doing well on the Abiraterone. Liver function is normal. My blood pressure is a little high, but controlled with medication. My last PSA was 0.05, which is down in 3 months from 48. Again, I will take victory where I can find it, and I believe a significant drop is a very good sign. Hopefully this clinical trial and others will find some benefit to an neo-adjuvant double/triple androgen blockade. There are more medications in the works, so I feel lucky to have this opportunity and hopefully others as needed.


-Winter

142,

John Denver ? - That is indeed a nightmare! ;)

-Winter