Cancer return alert without scan or PSA ?

[positive-thinking]

I'm more curious than anything to hear if you knew the cancer had returned somehow before any scan or blood test really told you? Pain? Bladder issues? Other signs ??? I'm wondering how many really knew somehow or sensed it and it was later confirmed ? Most people are very in-tuned to their own body and sometimes the littlest thing may be off that was a sign ( does not mean we always pay attention to this ) .

[fireandice123]

I’ve never felt anything when my cancer returned. It was always a surprise because I felt perfectly fine. In fact, throughout this whole journey I’ve never felt anything that felt like cancer. The only things I’ve felt are the side effects from my treatments. Of course enduring those SEs is what has almost certainly prevented me to date from feeling what cancer feels like.

[positive-thinking in reply to fireandice123]

So good to hear that you dont notice the cancer at all. My husband is just starting this journey and I worry so much that he will have pain or urination issues . Thanks for the reply, the best to you

[mrscruffy]

Nothing here and I have been doing this for 7+ years

[positive-thinking in reply to mrscruffy]

Wow ! Amazing !

[lgutman in reply to positive-thinking]

My father is very symptomatic. He was diagnosed at stage 4 and I knew when the first, and second drug started to fail before the blood test results. More incontinence, pain, lost weight, more tired.

[positive-thinking in reply to lgutman]

I'm so very sorry to hear this, I hope they have found a new treatment and he is doing better. Bless you and your Dad

[positive-thinking]

I hope it continues to be this way for you. My husband had issues with peeing for years and doctor always kept saying it was nothing , I think he had cancer way back than . Sadly who knows and makes no difference now that he has been diagnosed with cancer . The best to you

[London441]

I feel fine and always did, except for urinary frequency. Figured it was BPH and took supplements to ‘control’ it while Pca advanced for years. ‘Figuring’ has brought me trouble at various points in my life.

Concur with FireandIce 123 that treatments brought plenty of symptoms instead. However, having learned of those possible with metastatic disease I have no complaints.

Instead of worrying about what awaits your husband, think about his current physical health. The less fat he is carrying, the fewer other diseases he has, the better his numbers, the better his habits, the more fit and strong he is, the better he will both respond to treatments and tolerate them. Exercise is the one thing 100% within his control, and nothing else he can do is nearly as important.

[john510185]

My experience too, 100%.

[Leaffan57]

nothing, nada zilch….blood test showed the increase, still never had any symptoms. Just dealing with the side effects of the surgery, radiation, Eligard and Erleada.

[vintage42]

"... curious... to hear if you knew the cancer had returned somehow before any scan or blood test really told you? Pain? Bladder issues? ... how many really knew somehow or sensed it and it was later confirmed ?"

My cancer remained in the prostate after radiation, and then grew larger there and spread to two lymph nodes. I think I was beginning to feel something in the prostate at that point. Before that, I had not felt any symptoms from the cancer itself. I also did not feel any effects from the radiation, and hardly any from the ADT of Orgovyx and Zytiga which I have only recently started taking.

Often the first symptom of prostate cancer is bone pain, and by then the disease can be quite advanced. PSA and scans are a much better early warning.

[Apd66]

I felt it. Pain is what drove me to the hospital. Was already stage 4 by then but did not have pain or urinary issues before that. Now. I can tell when it’s coming back and when a treatment is failing by a pain that is pretty distinct when it comes on. Bone Mets on my spine are the most painful.

[Channelhomec]

Only by PSAtest every six month's no other symptoms

[dmt1121]

I had no idea, just did a routine annual digital exam and PSA test and was referred to a urologist, who sent me for a biopsy. I did had ED for a year prior. I was told it was from poor blood flow but that might also have been related to the PCa.

I think unless it has metastasized to the bones, you may not otherwise know. At the low PSA numbers, you may not be eligible for scans. Mine was relatively low and scanning technology was just figuring out how to scan for PSA.

I think this could be classified, like so many cancers, as a "silent killer" in cases like mine where it was already stage 4 but had not caused any pain yet.

[CharlieBC]

I was aware that my metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer had morphed into neuroendocrine cancer when I noticed a small lump under my jaw. I monitored it, and when it didn't go away, I got a scan than confirmed it.

[positive-thinking in reply to CharlieBC]

Thanks for the reply, so glad you got this scan. Cancer definately makes a person pay way more attention to detail when it comes to anything going on with the body. Hope you have treatment that is keeping everything at bay . The best to you

[CharlieBC]

I know it wasn't exactly the situation you brought up, but I guess I was just trying to say that intuition and awareness of your body is an asset in this mess.

[fast_eddie]

Who knew that prostate cancer could produce breast growth in a man? Oh wait, that was a side effect of eligard that they never bothered to warn me about. The cancer itself has never produced any symptoms.

[positive-thinking in reply to fast_eddie]

The side effects of this crap that saves lives is brutal ! I keep trying to remind myself that we are lucky that this medication exists . I look over at my husband sleeping every afternoon and how he has aged in such a short time . But I'm forever thankful that he is still here and aging . Wish you the very best and hope you are living your best life

[Tacho]

I never felt anything prior to my diagnosis and when diagnosed due to PSA level at 163, metastises to lymph nodes and pelvic area. Was put on Casodex and Lupron shot on 12/28/23, Feb PSA down to 53, MArch PSA down to 21.20 and Eligard shot given because Lupron not approved. Anyhow, on 4/8(Eclipse day) PSA down to 6.49 and also taking Xtandi pills 4xday. The meds SE are what is more challenging for me: night sweats, hot flushes and sudden sweat, joint and muscle aches as well as back pain. Yes, glad to be alive another day but no radiation to date. Meds seem to be working. Now I have tinnitus. UGGH. Prayers and positive vibes to all who are going through this.

[j-o-h-n]

I knew since I still had a pain in my ass.....even after my ex-wife was gone for a couple of days...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[Surfer33 in reply to j-o-h-n]

👍. Thats one of your better ones John! Made me laugh😆 No disrespect to the wives though .

[j-o-h-n in reply to Surfer33]

It also made my ex-wife laugh or should I say shriek.....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 02/24/2025 10:14 AM EST

[Karmaji]

I ask my Onco what are the markers for PC waking up from deep sleep....

Nothing....no man land...he smiles

With me, i used to have frequent pee...had since a kid..

No effect on QOL or libido or energy..

Then by chance URO with DRE says in 5 minutes that I have T3....just the touch.

Well middle age castration and radiation treatments are very cruel...

May be this will change with deep knowing thru AI

Till then...life force within....then may be without

[positive-thinking in reply to Karmaji]

I love your writing and thought outlooks . Keep strong