Colonoscopy and APC - Any issues? - Advanced Prostate...

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Colonoscopy and APC - Any issues?

JazzMan42 profile image
14 Replies

My last colonoscopy was more than 10 years ago. My gastro doc wants me to get one now. My question is whether the procedure will cause any negative effects on my APC?

I am 79 years old, diagnosed with APC in November 2018 with a Gleason of 5+4=9. My therapy is Prednisone + Zytiga + Orgovyx. My PSA has stabilized for the last couple of years at 0.4. I take Prolia shots (6 months). All my blood numbers are normal.

Can the insertion of the device spread cancer cells or do any other harm to my body? Advice from the knowledgeable brothers on this site is much appreciated.

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14 Replies
treedown profile image
treedown

This came up for me but only in relation to how far after radiation it would be safe. I got different answer from different Dr's so I went with Cologuard for now and will do a colonoscopy in the future.

Tall_Allen profile image
Tall_Allen

There is no prostate cancer in your colon to spread. Have the colonoscopy.

Radtech40 profile image
Radtech40

I am the administrator for a Colonoscopy & Endoscopy Center, I also have a medical background, it will not do harm to your APC, however, perforation is a risk with all of these procedures but that rarely happens and would not spread your cancer as Tall Allen said, it is not in your colon. You are close to the cut off age of having these procedures unless you've had a history of polyps or family history of ca of the colon. If you are uneasy about the procedure, yes you could do cologuard but keep in mind with cologuard, if it comes back positive, you then need the scope and the scope will then be considered "diagnostic" and not preventative and it will cost a bit more out of pocket. Bottom line, it will not affect your APC and do what you feel is comfortable for you, the prep is the worst part, when I had mine I did clenpiq, very LOW volume prep. Good luck!!

CAMPSOUPS profile image
CAMPSOUPS in reply to Radtech40

Yea the prep. Need to get my colonoscopy as well. I pee often on a limited fluid intake. I will have to wear a diaper when doing the prep I believe.

JazzMan42 profile image
JazzMan42 in reply to Radtech40

Thanks for a detailed response.

maley2711 profile image
maley2711 in reply to Radtech40

I feared the prep... MOM had several bad experiences 15-20 years ago....maybe different prep back then? anyway, prep with Miralax and Gatorade was a breeze...advise for evryone..... I did need more prep than initially advised to reach clear disharge

JazzMan42 profile image
JazzMan42 in reply to Radtech40

As I am now almost 80 (July) I wonder if any kind of colonoscopy or stool test is needed? My research shows some experts saying not needed after 75, others still think it is a good idea. I have had no history of polyps (last colonoscopy a little over 10 years ago). As usual there is no definitive advice on medical issues. But I am interested in what those on this site would suggest. Thanks.

keepinon profile image
keepinon

I had a colonoscopy about 1.5 years after salvage radiation. No issues.

Shooter1 profile image
Shooter1

I had colonoscopy and endoscopy together with an esophageal stretching done together. No problems after prep... All at once and treatment, way to go. Life Is Good, but sometimes treatments kind of suck..

CAMPSOUPS profile image
CAMPSOUPS in reply to Shooter1

We're all getting old here together. Part of that means I see things I never knew.ESOPHAGEAL STRETCHING ! WTF is that.

Your a stronger man than I.

Shooter1 profile image
Shooter1 in reply to CAMPSOUPS

It was done 4 times as problems showed up. Difficulty swallowing. Three bites of dinner and it backed up. Worst was 2 hrs not even able to swallow saliva. You get kind of dehydrated after dumping 3 liters of spit. Stretched to 60 mm and 3 sets of scar tissue cut out. Old spinal injury so I don't feel heart burn and damage over years added up. Stretching has worked great. Now I can eat a full meal...

CAMPSOUPS profile image
CAMPSOUPS in reply to Shooter1

Wow. Way to go. Facing that. Going thru with that. But no choice right? We have to eat and swallow spit. That's about 2 &1/2 inches.

Shooter1 profile image
Shooter1 in reply to CAMPSOUPS

Sounds big.. Maybe it is the swiss #60 stretcher?? Started with a 30 and worked up.. Maybe Radteck40 can bring some size ID to let us know..

miscdenver profile image
miscdenver

I had made an appt for Colonocopy+Endoscopy just before I was Dx'd for PCa. The appt date came up before my IMRT 20-session treatment was to begin. My RO recommended to keep the appt and I did. I had a serious attack of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) about 3 years prior so was worried about the Endo results but all came out clear.No issues related to PCa so far. I completed the IMRT and a Brachy boost. Now waiting for my first post-treatment PSA test in two weeks.

Fingers crossed.

Good Luck to you !

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