Update post follow up PSMA PET/CT

[slpdvmmd]

Just updated my profile to include recent events.

In brief, in March 2023 I had a PSMA PET/CT which Dr. Kwon at Mayo clinic somehow got my insurance to pay for even though my PSA was undetectable. It defined a abdominal retro-aortic mass that was significantly avid. Underwent 4 weeks of standard IMRT with Dr. Ryan Phillips at Mayo in April/May so my ski season ended a little early (or so I though but stopped and hiked and skied Bridger Bowl on the way to Rochester and stopped at Powder River Pass and hiked and skied on the way back. Later skied in the Beartooth twice to include the Gardiner Headwall).

Anyhow to get back on topic. Just got a follow-up PSMA PET/CT and it was clear so will return in 4 months for Choline CT. Some will no doubt argue for FDG PET/CT but Kwon is a believer in choline and the literature by my read is far from absolute in defining what scan is best when. So since he made the right call and was willing to fight for in getting the PSMA PET/CT I will follow his plan.

Hope the timing of the scan doesn't wreck my ski season.

Currently have Covid but have worked part-time all summer to go to Portillo, Chile to ski in two weeks. So no matter what will have that time on the boards.

Hanging in there at 71.

[TeleGuy]

Stop it on the ski stories, you're killing me! I felt like a newborn calf deposited at the top of the lift a month after my chemo last winter, but every week felt a little better. Muscles are wasting somewhat from the years on ADT

I also had a PSMA PET scan with an undetectable PSA one year after I finished LU77-PSMA treatments. It also showed a couple of lymph nodes with low levels of activity but we decided not to treat at that time, might have been better if we had but I just don't think that the world quite knows what to do with this new information these scans give us.

[slpdvmmd in reply to TeleGuy]

Sorry but I just like to put a little hope and motivation to try to keep living despite this horrible understated disease. I agree know one has the real answer. The best hope is changing this completely from an operative disease to a inhibitor and or monoclonal antibody disease plus or minus some radiation IMO. Wish you well TeleGuy. I tele'd for 35 years before going to the dark side after a big knee operation. Still miss it.

[TeleGuy in reply to slpdvmmd]

And of course I was just kidding about "you're killing me," I LOVE the way skiing gets me up and out on the weekends and sometimes weekdays, and the trees that have been here longer than I have and will outlive me connect me with something larger. The coming ski season is iffy, just started a clinical trial that I'll report on when I have a chance.

[TTJJ1 in reply to TeleGuy]

Just wondering, how many rounds of LU77. and what was PSA prior to LU77?

[TeleGuy in reply to TTJJ1]

I did five rounds in the pre-chemo state, going to Germany during the pandemic which was an amazing thing in itself. My PSA is kind of irrelevant; since my cancer is aggressive, my PSA of just over 3 doesn't really reflect how much was going on.

[TTJJ1 in reply to TeleGuy]

Thanks for the reply. My cancer is aggressive as well. I am scheduled for my 5th infusion in a few weeks. Before starting Pluvicto PSA 68.37, after my 4th infusion down to 9. I am scheduled for PSMA-PET/CT and blood draw next week. Always helpful to hear from others. Thanks for the reply, Best Wishes, Stay strong.

[GoBucks]

So..... you like skiing? 😉

[slpdvmmd in reply to GoBucks]

yes i do

[treedown]

Chile sounds awesome. Perfect for a QOL post with pics. I am familiar with the Beartooths, not so much Bridger Bowl. Beautiful country. My son learned how to ski in Beartooths and got his first job last winter at our local PNW ski area. I guess learning to ski on -20 degrees and 30 mph winds didn't scare him off the sport. Glad things are looking up and Sr Kwon is taking good care of you. May it keep the bastard beast down for a good long time.

[slpdvmmd in reply to treedown]

My son got hooked young after instruction, and patrolling now works at a backcountry ski guide. I always like to tell people he did finish his degree in economics. But in all seriousness he living the dream and is very honest about how tough it is to long term be in the "industry". But his only responsibility is his two dogs and himself so I say live you dream because as well all know you never know what is around the next corner.

[treedown in reply to slpdvmmd]

That's good advice and in my opinion he is living the dream. My son recently took up sailing and on a recent regatta somebody took some pictures of him on the boat leaning off. The very place I often thought I would like to be. Its funny how our children doing what we wish we had is as good as doing it ourselves. Living the dream in person or in our children. Its all good :0)

Don't forget to post when you get back from Chile.

[j-o-h-n]

I used to ski but gave it up when I found out I was supposed to ski downhill......

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 08/25/2023 5:35 PM DST

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

Thanks by best wishes to you and all us fighting this tricky beast.