Whats my next step?

[BBoston]

I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer at age 53. I had my prostate removed along with my seminal vesicle and my lymph nodes. I had 42 radiation treatments following my surgery. I also took one shot of hormone treatments. I have gone nearly 5 years with good PSA counts. Recently I have had trouble with severe back pain and stiffness. I can feel my spine popping and shifting when I move. Also have numbness and tingling in both arms and sometimes my legs. Muscle fatigue and soreness is also a problem everyday. Is this related to my cancer battle, or am I just getting old? I have heard that Prostate cancer can spread to the bones or spine, but not sure what to look out for.

[paulcross4]

I would advise you to get a bone and ct scan.

[Hidden]

You really need to have an oncologist order a bone scan, a ct scan and quite possibly a MRI of your spine ASAP. Your symptoms are not to be taken lightly.

[dmt1121]

I think that your oncologist is going to help you evaluate your best options for diagnosing what's going on. I would suggest having your questions ready in advance and bring someone with you to make sure all the questions are asked and you get satisfactory answers. You certainly need to get some sort of imaging and blood tests may or may not be needed, depending how recently you have had them. I also had severe lower back pain that persisted and I had an MRI. It showed 3 compressed discs which I am getting PT for. So, it is not always what you may be expecting.

Approach it with an open mind and get the tests done to tell you what is going on...one step at a time. Good luck. Keep us posted.

[larry_dammit]

When was your last bone scan ? Yes lost my father in law to aggressive cancer after he had his prostate removed. You need a checkup ar least every 6 months.

[Jackpine]

Get the scans ASAP if it’s come back hit it hard and from as many directions as possible. I’m 4 years in with a similar situation no treatments for the last 15 months but PSA just quadrupled in 2, months. Since my diagnosis I’ve never dropped below 0.2 and then only do one reading then back up above 1.5 so we can find it again and hit it again. I have aches and pains but I’ll blame them on age.

Stay positive and active

[Lombardi24]

Hey Bboston. I had mine removed at 54 4 yrs ago at Dana Farber. My cancer has also spread to the seminal vesicles. Did your team have a bone scan done prior to surgery or did they scheduling one for post surgery? What did they tell you to expect post surgery?

[BBoston in reply to Lombardi24]

I had a bone scan before my sugery. It was negative. I had no issues with back pain at that time. I just had a PSA test done. Waiting on results now. Im hoping my pain is a result of aging, but as you know, after cancer, everything is a bit worrisome!

[Lombardi24 in reply to BBoston]

Yes. And I completely understand your fear. Are they planning another bone scan soon to check for lesions? Who is your oncologist? Are you going to Dana F?

[Lombardi24]

Am hoping your PSA will show no activity. 💪💪💪

[Godschild62]

Go get checked out ASAP. I would go to Emerg. You could have spinal cord compression from the cancer.

cancernetwork.com/oncology-...

[Godschild62]

Praying you're ok...