MRI

[Spaceman210]

I had an endorectal MRI for rising PSA (bounced around between 0.10 and 0.16) at MD Anderson in January. Their report said there was no indication of recurrence and described, "Cluster of tiny signal voids in the prostatectormy bed, likely represent postsurgical changes. Scattered subcentimeter in short axis nodes without suspicious features." So, I went away happy, until....

With about the same values (0.13 and 0.15) obtained every 4 months since, I inquired at Univ. of Heidelberg and also the NIRS in Japan due to their carbon-ion therapy options. U of H. did not even charge to read my images (!) and both replied within days. They both stated I DO have indication of recurrence so disagreed with MDA! (Unfortunately they are not able to treat for this situation at present. Japan does not perform prostate salvage therapy, and U of H is awaiting results of their trial that has concluded.)

My point and hope is that some of you can seek second imaging interpretations if any doubt exists. Today I am headed over to UCLA to talk to Dr. Reiter about the possible usefulness of a PSMA Ga-68 PET scan.

[407ca]

I am not an expert but I do think the PSMA PET is much more accurate.

I say this due to my own experience. It was a PSMA PET done in Finland that spotted mets that all the scans I had had in the U S. had missed.

My lesions were everywhere from 7mm to nearly 2cm in size but the Axumin PET I had in Florida did not really identify them, the PSMA did.

[Spaceman210 in reply to 407ca]

Thanks, best wishes!

[j-o-h-n]

I've had two endorectal MRIs. First one was unpleasant. Second one was, as if the doctor placed a hot poker up there and there was excruciating non stop pain for 45 minutes. I can take pain but that was P A I N. 🤬🤬🤬

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Thursday 11/22/2018 12:55 PM EST

[Spaceman210 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Wow, sorry. Mine at MD Anderson was only mildly uncomfortable. Theu were in process of upgrading all 18 (!!)machines to accommodate heavyweights!