Rising PSA Again after Gallium68 PETScan

[scranbag]

Hi, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018. Diagnosis was Gelason 7, (4+3). PSA was 8.14. I had RT to the prostate plus HRT, (Bicumaltide), PSA dropped to 1.15. I stopped HRT, on advice from my consultant, but my PSA rose again over 6 months to 8.47. I had a Gallium38 Pet Scan and it showed 20-30 cancerous nodes in the pelvic area. I had a further 20 sessions of RT to the whole pelvic area plus HRT. PSA dropped again to 0.56. Last month's PSA test showed my PSA up again to 0.69. Should I be concerned at this point or should I let it run for another 6 Months? Thanks, I am from Northern Ireland under the NHS.

[GP24]

All you could do is start with hormone therapy now or do it later. I would do it later, after the PSA value rose to 3 ng/ml and get another PSMA PET/CT then. Based on that decide how to proceed.

[scranbag in reply to GP24]

thanks for this

[Tall_Allen]

Please clarify. You should have had 2-3 years of hormone therapy after RT- are you still taking Lupron?

[scranbag in reply to Tall_Allen]

I am taking Bicalutamide 40mg after my 2nd bout of radiotherapy, do I need to take anything else with this? thanks.

[Tall_Allen in reply to scranbag]

Bicalutamide eventually feeds the androgen receptor. Stop taking it and switch to Lupron injections or similar.

[scranbag in reply to Tall_Allen]

Many thanks for this advice

[j-o-h-n]

Greetings, I know you answered some of the following but don't be a scranbag and answer the rest. Thank you....

Please tell us your bio. Age? Location? When diagnosed? Treatment(s)? Treatment center(s)? Scores Psa/Gleason? Medications? Doctor's name(s)?

All info is voluntary, but it helps us help you and helps us too. When you respond, copy and paste it in your home page for your use and for other members’ reference.

THANK YOU AND KEEP POSTING!!!

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 10/29/2021 11:37 PM DST

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

Hi John,

My age is 61, (my birthday was a couple of days ago). I am from Northern Ireland and was diagnosed with PC in June 2018. My diagnosis was Gleason 7, (4+3), T3B, N Stage No, M Stage, MO. PSA at diagnosis was 8.14ng/ml. My treatments were HT - 40mg Bicumaltide and 20mg Tamoxifen. I had 20 sessions of RT to all of the prostate area in May 2019 and my PSA dropped to 1.15ng/ml. An MRI of the prostate was then showing that the RT had worked and there were no signs of cancer. At this point, my consultant Professor Joe O'Sullivan took me off HT. Joe works at the Belfast City Hospital and Queens University Research for PC. I continued to have my three monthly PSA tests and my PSA level rose from 1.15ng/ml to 8.47ng/ml over 6 months. I then had another standard MRI and bone scan which showed no signs of cancer. Joe then recommended I have a Gallium68 PET scan. This was not available under the NHS The London Clinic in Harley Street, London, offers this scan privately. I paid circa' £3000 to have this scan in November 2020. The scan revealed 20 - 30 very small cancerous growths in my pelvic lymph nodes, hence the rise in my PSA since my initial RT. I then followed up with another 20 sessions of RT to all of the Pelvic Bed and my PSA then dropped to 0.56ng/ml in June 2021. I continued to date to take Bicumaaltide 40mg. My last PSA reading in October 2021 shows that my PSA has risen slightly again to 0.69ng. Throughout my treatment, I continue to work as an Anti-social Behaviour Officer, (Drugs), for Belfast City Council. I have had the usual side effects from the HT and occasional bowel issues from the RT. More recently, I have had muscle loss to my right upper thigh and a grumbling burning pain in the upper thigh. An MRI of my lower spine shows that all is clear. I was wondering if the 40 sessions of RT has caused Radiation-Induced neoplasms? I am still waiting for my next consultation with Professor O'Sullivan. From about the age of 30 I suffered for about 20 years from alcoholism. I have remained alcohol-free for the past 12 years and often wonder if all that partying and associated behaviour was the tinder box for my PC. I had an uncle who did die from PC in his 70's but it was discovered too late. There are no other known records of PC in my family. If you need to ask anything further or give me some advice, please reply and I will get back to you. Thanks for the initial response.

Jeremy

[j-o-h-n]

Hello Jeremy,

First: Thank you for you quick and DETAILED response.

Second: Drinking alcohol did not lead to your Pca.

Third: Your uncle having Pca maybe the cause because of his history.

Forth: Copy some or all of you detailed response and paste it in your home page.

Fifth: You've come to the right place for information and help.

Sixth: I Know just a little information concerning Pca.

Seventh: You will be around for many many years (at least 25).

Keep Posting!!!

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 11/01/2021 12:19 PM DST

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

Thanks John, this is very helpful and cheered me up somewhat! thanks again, Jeremy