Should I request a Pet Scan

[Aussieguy1]

I know it’s highly unlikely that the pain I’ve been experiencing in my right flank, kidney area is related to my PCa. As earlier stated Gleason 6, Last PSA 5.4. Due to see my URO again late March, PSA before visit, he will have results, coming up time for second MRI and biopsy.

Is the MRI a good enough diagnostic tool to show PCa spread or should I discuss the PSMA PET scan. My right flank pain has been consistent for a few weeks now. No fever, no blood in urine. Some nausea, also feeling of low energy even after a fairly decent sleep.

Pain prevents me from lying on right side, is felt just from light touching or pressure, presents mostly as a dull ache, but sometimes catches me out with an intense presentation.

My URO and from my own research and readings, plus this invaluable forum informs me that I have low grade PCa and the chance of dying of something else is far greater then it ever changing from a Gleason 6. Just concerned about this pain.

Thanks for anyone’s guidance/advice/input.

Regards

Ian

[Tall_Allen]

PSMA is not a good scan for early PC. With a GS6 and your low PSA it is almost impossible that it has metastasized. Look for other causes for your pain (sciatica?).

[Aussieguy1 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks Tall_Allen.

If I had a fever or signs of a UTI. I’d be convinced it was a kidney infection. But no signs of kidney infection other then pain in area of right loin.

You have reassured me though just by confirming my low risk of spread.

I can’t explain the nausea and fatigue, probably just some viral illness.

Thanks for your reply.

[HopingForTheBest1]

Should your insurance not cover it, make sure to shop around and ask the provider if they have a "self-pay option". I had been denied for a PET scan, and luckily found a provider who charged me out of pocket significantly less than what the insurance company would have paid.

[Aussieguy1 in reply to HopingForTheBest1]

Thank you for your reply.

I am in Australia. I think depending on diagnosis, or if you are a health care card holder, or have a pension card you may either pay upfront and be reimbursed by Medicare or be bulk billed by the provider. In my case I think payment would be upfront then the gap reimbursement through Medicare.

I don’t see my urologist until the end of March but I will have a chat with my GP on Monday.

Tall_Allen has reassured me that the pain is highly unlikely to be associated with my low grade Gleason 6.

I really appreciate your response. Thanks, I wish you well with your own journey with this disease.

[bobdc6 in reply to Aussieguy1]

Your GP can probably tell you more about this than your uro.

[paige20180 in reply to Aussieguy1]

Good to know Aussiegu you live in the best country for an inexpensive PET Scan if you ever need it. Our RO in Minnesota, USA said yesterday he sends his patients to Australia for scans. $700 versus $14,500. We are going to Germany for a PSMA. Hope you feel better soon!

[j-o-h-n]

kidney stone(s)???

Drink plenty of water (water and more water)....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 02/14/2020 10:51 PM EST

[Aussieguy1 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Thanks John. I’ve been doing just that. Also cranberry juice.

[j-o-h-n]

Yep.... plenty of that too..... (I forgot about it - I take tablet form)...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Saturday 02/15/2020 11:28 AM EST