Situation: age 74 Based in UK (Scotland): 2018. Gleason score 3+4 - 7. Biopsy was 12 core with 8 targeted. Results were targeted 8 = 4 positive - General 4 = Nil positive. Noted as Stage T3a. PSA 33.2 but no mets and MRI/Bone Scan and x-ray all show no indication that PC has spread other than bulging of the capsule.
Started formal treatment in Dec 18 – was advised that cancer was Locally Advanced - Treatment started with 3 weeks of Bicalutamide then overlapped with Lupron with a one-month injection late December 18, followed by a program of 3-month injections Jan 19 through to Oct 20. Treatment included 22 sessions VMAT (RapidArc) which was completed in Jul 19, resulting in 60 Grey over a four-week period.
During Lupron treatment, PSA level of <0.1 has been recorded on all bloods post Apr 19 to date, and T showing <1.0.
Last month’s bloods showed that PSA still <0.1 and T had climbed to 15.7 however, the markers indicate that my phosphate and calcium levels are outside the norms. Phosphate 0.75 and Calcium 2.63. I have not changed my diet during treatment, and dairy products have been consumed as normal.., milk, cheese etc.
Should I be worried?
Written by
StuartS
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Those are in mmol/L, I hope, which means they aren't seriously low. It probably has nothing to do with the radiation. Fluctuations are normal - look for consistently low readings. Since they are both low, parathyroid problems are ruled out. Was your Vitamin D level adequate? How about magnesium? Serum pH (I assume you're not using antacids)? Urinary calcium and phosphate? Creatinine? ALP? Have you had a DEXA scan to track bone mineral density?
The most usable source of calcium and phosphate are bony fish like sardines, anchovies, herring, and canned salmon. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, chard) are good too. It sounds like you are already using dairy sources.
Thanks for your comprehensive response. Firstly, the levels quoted are mmol/L.
Creatinine is 64 umol/l; ALP 72U/L;
Your assumption regarding antacids is unfortunately incorrect. I take antacids on
a semi-regular basis (Rennies) – probable 2 tabs twice a week if I have had a spicy meal, and having now just read package ingredients, I see that they contain calcium and magnesium carbonate. Given you raised the antacid topic, do I take it that this could have an effect on the blood numbers?
We in the UK appear to have a slightly different set of criteria from the US regarding blood marker protocols. On my last bloods, there is no reference to Vit D levels, nor to Magnesium or Serum pH levels. For the record, our markers include: Urea; Creatinine; Sodium; Potassium; Chloride; eGFR result/1.73m2; Bilirubin; ALP; AST; ALT; Calcium; Adjusted Calcium; Phosphate; Total Protein; Albumin; Globulin; Cholesterol; Triglyceride; LDL Cholesterol; HDL Cholesterol; Cholesterol Ratio; Haemoglobin; White Cell Count; Platelets; RBC; Haematocrit; MCV; MCH; MCHC; Neutrophils; Lymphocytes; Monocytes; Eosinophils; Basophils and of course PSA and Testosterone. In addition, it is not normal protocol to get a personal copy of the blood work results. My cancer support team will mail me with the PSA and T results, and should include any pertinent additional information where levels fall outside the normal parameters. I have to cajole and press them for a copy of my bloods, and I am not always successful!
I take note of your recommended foodstuffs; I guess Haggis is now off the menu (Scottish joke)!!
Thanks..., she is 5 years old..., high maintenance..., but great with it. She has kept me focused during the past 3 years of treatment and is not slow in getting me up and out in the mornings!
Yours looks similar breed, but difficult to see with small photo. Nothing like having a dog in support.
Skye is a rough coat, Red Merle with blue eyes. Three years old, medium drive. Loves to push and protect the chickens. Tennis balls are her favorite. Three mile hikes each morning. Best friend ever, for life.
Islay is also rough coat... from a nearby sheep hill farm. She doesn't work sheep but is quite good at agility, though her age points more to tennis ball retrieval... game set and match!!!
Also based in Scotland. During one doc visit I asked for copies of recent blood tests aftet my RP and aRT in 2015. He was happy to print them off there and then. Other times I have phoned in a request and after approval been able to pick up a copy from reception.
I have managed to get the majority of my blood reports during the past 3 years, usually from my cancer support team, though they don't appear too keen to give them to me. I check the details of each new test result and see what changes there are in relation to previous tests and my diet/exercise regime. However, getting the reports has always been difficult, and I get the impression that the medical profession in UK in general, feel that we should not have access to these reports!
Antacids, although they may use calcium and magnesium to raise stomach pH, decrease absorption of those minerals into the blood. When pH is too high, minerals do not stay dissolved in the blood. Try laying off the antacids for a few weeks and retest. The other blood and urine tests are things you would ask your doctor to get.
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Radiation at low PSA levels
Testosterone level rising toward end of Lupron cycle
How can my Dad get his Calcium level up?
Calcium, confused
