Just last Wednesday night, I went to the er with severe back spasm. A ct of the lumber showed suspicious lesions. Blood work revealed a psa of 352. Bone scan Wednesday showed bone Mets throughout and involvement in bladder and trace in the kidneys. I have a biopsy scheduled on Monday and an appt at MD Anderson in Jax on Friday.
I had went to my primary care dr in March and had routine blood work. Unfortunately, the dr told me everything “looked good, see you back in a year” and didn’t inform me of my psa level, which was 9.3
I am 64. And other than a little stiffness in my upper back, I feel fine.
So sorry to hear about the situation, but glad you found this group of support. My story is pretty much the same as yours with a few small differences. My starting PSA was 463 with exetensive bone mets.
Most likely, you will go on androgen deprivation therapy. There are 2 options for a more aggressive approach: early Zytiga (an androgen blocker) or early Docetaxel chemotherapy. You can find out more about these by looking into the CHAARTED, STAMPEDE and LATITUDE trials. I'm guessing your doctor will offer you these options so I it would be good to know before your appointment in my opinion.
I did the early chemotherapy which had very tolerable side effects. Feel free to private message me if you want any more details or have any questions.
Good luck with your appointment and treatment.
Pretty much the same. Diagnosed Feb 2018 Whilst in New Zealand. Thought I’d overdone golf practice. Turned out that PSA 500 Gleason 4+5 three vertebrae partially eaten away, one showing spinal cord. Plus, one met on left pelvic area where sciatic nerve goes through the pelvis. The Doctors strongly recommended immediate radiation on those locations- one shot on five consecutive days. Followed up with a Zoldex shot, taken every three months in stomach. Finally got okay to fly home and take up treatment here in BC Canada. I was given a choice of Chemo (Docetaxel) first or Hormone treatment first (Aberitone). I read all I could as well emailed the Oncologist in New Zealand for a second opinion. My choice was kill the little ba......s first. New Zealand confirmed. Subsequently BC Cancer said best choice. I have completed 4 Chemo session, this last being the worst for side effects- dizziness and extreme hot flashes. They have subsided now, 18 days after Chemo. I have tingling in the tongue, neuropathy in the soles of both feet, a wildly changing Systolic when taking my blood pressure, which with dizziness tends to leave me wobbly on my feet. Oh yes, only since Chem #4, Sentive teeth and gums to cold foods and drinks, which makes it difficult to get the stated 8 glasses of water a day. My usual intake is 4 glasses, plus two cups tea and two smoothies wRmed to room temperature. My sinuses constantly drip. My digestive tract has a lots of grumbling, with burps and farts galore, even though I watch my diet to match all recommended foods.. Chemo brain memory loss or befuddlement is ongoing. I’m told it does get better. Two more Chemo to go.
I Pray that your suffering fades to a more manageable place. ...