Hey fellow PCa brothers, I had extensive back surgery in 2018 requiring titanium rods with two chromium screws in each vertebrae from my sacrum up to T-10. The implanted metals make my scans of that area look like a lightning storm in the images causing very poor viewing for the Radiologist. They do see contrast uptake in my L-5-L-3 region and at T-11 but cannot be positive enough to call it metastasis. They do say highly suspect due to the uptake. Any other warriors out there have this issue? Any suggestions of imaging types to get a better view and more definitive diagnosis? I’m 13 yrs out from G-9, positive surgical margins and 3 positive pelvic nodes from surgical biopsy. Also positive PSMA for uptake in 3 each left supraclavicular nodes. Being 13 years out from dx I’m getting nervous about metastasis between my pelvic region/nodes and those supraclavicular nodes.
In it to win it until I can’t.
God bless,
GB
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Linebacker75
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Best scan if I have titanium rods with two chromium screws in each vertebrae from my sacrum up to T-10.
ChatGPT said:
If you have titanium rods and chromium screws in your spine, typically, the best scans to assess the condition of the implants and surrounding structures would be X-rays or a CT scan.
X-rays: These are commonly used to assess the position of spinal hardware, such as rods and screws. They provide a clear view of bone alignment and implant placement. X-rays are also useful for detecting potential complications like screw loosening or rod fractures.
CT scan: If there's a need for more detailed imaging or if complications such as infection, hardware failure, or unusual positioning are suspected, a CT scan can provide a 3D view. It’s especially helpful in seeing bone and metal structure interactions, though it involves more radiation than an X-ray.
MRI: Typically, MRI scans are avoided when there is metal hardware in the body because metal can distort the magnetic field and create artifacts in the image. However, some newer titanium and chromium implants are MRI-compatible, so it’s worth asking your doctor if an MRI is a viable option for checking soft tissue around your spine.
Each scan has its pros and cons, depending on what you need to assess. For ongoing monitoring or suspected issues with the implants, an X-ray is usually the first choice, while a CT scan is more useful for detailed evaluations. You should discuss with your doctor which is best for your specific case.
Yeah, TA I would but I’m doing some estate planning right now and my attorney was asking because depending on my time line I have a couple routes that can be taken concerning taxes. . I’m trying to help my family not donate too much of my hard earned money to da governor. I’m also aware that even with the knowledge knowing it would not affect my expiration date. Thanks for the reply.
Read your bio and the average age for death in the USA is 76. Using that info your best planning horizon is about 8 to 10 years. Not sure knowing more detailed information will really affect your planning horizon either up or down.
I did a little AI searching and with my co-morbidities, my years since dx and my current PCa situation it looks like 3-5 years is my “presumed” time line”. I try not to worry myself with how many years I have left unless it concerns my family and this estate planning took me there. I’m gonna keep plugging away at life until God taps me on the shoulder and says, time to go”.
Sorry I got confused and thought you were actually someone else who was asking about financial planning and time line for cancer. Please forgive my comment.
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Vacation from Lupron/Zytiga - Temporary or Permanent!
I’m frustrated (damned if we do and damned if we don’t question doctors)
My father diagnosed with Stage IV prostate cancer mets to lymph nodes supraclavicular
