My MO at USC sent me to a second Axumin PET scan, although my last PSA was undetectable < 0.008
I have Gleason 9 (4+5) RRP surgery September 2017 tumor confined to the capsule, BCR (recurrence) April 2019 with 3 consequence rise in PSA from 0.05 0.09 and 0.11.
38 rounds of SRT August 2019 with 6 monthly injections of Fermagon, PSA went down to undetectable < 0.008.
After the BCR and with PSA of 0.11 he sent me to Axumin PET scan (before SRT/ADT) which shows nothing other than non-specific 1 subcentimeter inguinal lymph node and L1-L2 with right hip degenerative bone changes (I am 54 years old) with the recommendation of follow-up with this lymph node finding although of mentioning it is unlikely a metastasis.
I had some moderate back and hip pain recently in my right hip, and my PCP sent me for a CT scan, the radiologist reading that I have prostate cancer mentioned "possible bone metastasis" for the same areas that showed degenerative bone changes in the first Axumin PET scan 2019.
My PCP sent me to a bone scan which was negative for bone metastaisis.
I am checking my PSA every 3 months which is still undetectable < 0.008.
I told my MO that I am worried so he said that he can refer me for an Axumin PET scan at USC, for which I got insurance approval but will have to pay $ 1,400 out of pocket.
Now I am thinking that why should I rush to Axumin PET scan with undetectable PSA? Is there a change in the guideline? also, what are the chances to find any metastatic lesions with a PSA < 0.008?
I am thinking to postpone the Axumin PET scan until a reasonable PSA level reached.
I forgot to say that my last Testestron level was 102 up from < 10 after the 6 Firmagon injections.
My next PSA and T level test is in 2 weeks from now.
Please advise should I do the Axumin scan now or wait for a detectable PSA?
Thank you for reading my post.