What to ask - radiologist

[Mish80]

Hi again,

My dad had an MRI for the spot on his spine which showed up in a recent pet scan. His PSA is 1.4. As I am unable to go to his appointment with his radiologist what questions can I pass on to ask ? Also what could the MRI tell us? Feeling anxious right now...

[NPfisherman]

I take it that this was a PSMA scan that found the lesion, since that is what he had previously??

The questions to ask his RO is do they plan to treat the met lesion and when...?? Will he be placed on ADT prior to his radiation (he should !!!)??....some synergy with ADT and SBRT... Intermittent ADT or longer term?? How many sessions will it take to rid him of the met lesion? Will they do a f/u scan to confirm no growth of lesion or bone remodeling after treatment--usually 3 to 6 months?

What did I miss guys??

Don Pescado

[Mish80 in reply to NPfisherman]

Thanks Don P. Yes this was the pmsa scan that showed up the lesion on the spine just two weeks ago. I take it the MRI was just a more detailed scan of that spot to determine exact location, size etc? Dad won’t let me come to the appointment as I think he thinks that the MRI will reveal more bad news. Hence I’m making him take my questions in with him. So he should start hormone therapy ASAP? Time on that before radiation or having both at the same time?

[NPfisherman in reply to Mish80]

Time on that before radiation---2 months...it will get his PSA to undetectable most likely and then drop the radiation hammer on it.... Wishing you all the best...

Don Pescado

[Tall_Allen]

The main question is whether it is worthwhile irradiating the met or not. That will depend upon an assessment of safety, pain, and the risk of spinal compression. The MRI provided detail on size and place more detailed than the PET scan. If it responds to hormone therapy, and there is a risk of radiation to vital organs, and it is not causing pain, he may be better off only having hormone therapy now.

[Mish80 in reply to Tall_Allen]

They are also doing radiation to the prostate bed... prostate removed 2010

[j-o-h-n]

From Tall_Allen "he may be better off only having hormone therapy now."

Insist that your Dad takes you along to discuss any procedures. Listen to Tall_Allen he knows his stuff. If you have siblings they can help you tie him and gag him when go to see a competent ONCOLOGIST with Tall_Allen's recommendation. You must go with him, if you don't I will. BTW where are you located?

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Wednesday 03/20/2019 6:37 DST

[Mish80 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Thanks Sir,

I am in Australia. Dad wouldn’t let me come to his radiologist appointment however my mum went with him with questions. He has also seen an oncologist who is working with the radiologist.

[j-o-h-n in reply to Mish80]

Great. He needs someone to ask questions and women definitely ask questions...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Thursday 03/21/2019 11:49 AM DST

[Mish80 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Ha! This is true, and it is why women should be running the world

[j-o-h-n in reply to Mish80]

I agree... But only on day's that don't end in Y. 🤢

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n ThursdaY 03/21/2019 7:27 PM DST