Alternative sites for prostate cancer to return

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Goood morning folks,

I'm very curious to know just whereabouts prostate cancer might return to. I understand that cells that are unaffected by an original round of radiotherapy and that leave the prostate bed then circulate around in the lymph system or blood stream (correct me if i'm wrong, please) and then settle somewhere else.

With me it's happened that they resettled at the back of my shoulder - which was quite "fortunate" because they've been easily accessible for radiotherapy. I've had my course therefore and am now on hormone therapy - probably for the rest of my days.

But I've been lucky, so to speak, that the cancer hasn't returned in an important place (e.g, the liver, lungs or such) - but does it ever return in weird or unusual places? Or even several different places?

That will provide me with some very interesting data and also, in the process, it might help me to find out about my my painfully swollen calf that no doctor has yet to find a cause for. I've had scans and investigations and blood tests without success - so I've begun to wonder if cancer might be the cause? Recurrent prostate cancer, that is. I guess it's very doubtful but who knows.

Also, how much of the body is covered when they do a scan to discover where the PSA is originating from once it's discovered that your PSA is rising. I know that they start around the head but do they scan right down to your feet? So far they haven't subjected me to a CT or MRI scan - but is it even worth it?

Mr U 7 months ago

That’s an interesting comment you’ve made there and has got me thinking.

”Also, how much of the body is covered when they do a scan to discover where the PSA is originating from once it's discovered that your PSA is rising”

My PSA rose from 133 to 712 recently and I didn’t think to ask where it was that could be the cause of the rise. (My PSA is now down to 465)

Maybe I should be asking for some clarity.

As for the scans, if it’s a whole body MRI or Bone-scan your whole body is scanned, but if you only have a CT scan it’s only likely to be your torso.

Beefy24 7 months ago

Hi Souwesterly, when I was taken back in due to my PSA increase I was given the PET Scan which is the most in depth full body scan available ( at least in my area) . Although no obvious signs came up I was then referred to RT for 33 fractions to blast the prostate bed. I saw my scan on the consultants screen and it was amazing. Hopefully some info here. Take care and good luck with your progress

Souwesterly 7 months ago in reply to Beefy24

Hello Beefy24

They must have been feeling pretty certain that things weren't at all right to give you a full PET scan, I guess.

Although my PSA had risen from almost zero to 14.2, I only had a basic CT scan and I didn't see how far down my body they covered. However, from my prone position the scanner didn't move far from my chest area, so just my torso being covered sounds reasonable.

I did see the scan result but since they'd found cancer in my shoulder, that was about the only area that they showed me.

So, thanks for your comment - may there be many more.

I take my wife everywhere, but she keeps finding her way back.

Beefy24 7 months ago in reply to Souwesterly

Hi Souwesterly, during my treatment I met several guys exactly the same as me and .3 seemed to be the benchmark for further investigation. On meeting with my oncology specialist after treatment he said there was nothing obvious but there may be microscopic evidence therefore we had to get the 33 fractions of RT. Each of us coming up as undetectable on conclusion of the treatment. Still on the Prostap injections , the fourth of which I get on the 9th September. My specialist stated that since I’m undetectable I could speak to my GP and come off the course but I’ve elected to stay with them. They put me on two years injections and I will stay with it . Fatigue, hot flushes, aches and pains become the norm but worth it in the long run hopefully. Stay positive, stay well and continued good luck to you and all others on our journey ️

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