I had a radical prostatectomy July 2015. Biochemical recurrence picked up 1/9/16 with PSA of 0.3 rapidly rising to 0.7 by 30/11/16.
(See profile for full story).
I had an MRI at the end of October (gadolinium enhanced) showing a tumour on the prostate bed.
A PET scan using F18 Choline was done on 20/12/16 which showed the tumour above on prostate bed (subtle uptake of radionuclide) and a second more aggressive tumour at a "seminal vesicle remnant" or in that area. No spread visible thus far. I started hormone therapy straight after the PET scan. (Leuprorelin along with an initial three weeks of 50mg Bicalutamide for tumour flare)
Oncologist told me on 9/1/17 he didn't want to proceed with radiotherapy as the tumour at the seminal vesicle site is surrounded by bowel and the side effects of radiotherapy would be life changing. I was told I would now be on hormone therapy to control the cancer but no attempt would be made to cure it. I .asked for a second opinion and whether surgery and/or chemotherapy would be sensible?
I was told a definite no regarding the chemo as "it isn't appropriate for you at this point". The surgical option I am still waiting to hear about.
Three oncologists had a look at my scans and had a discussion about treatment so I am now going back to see them at the end of February with PSA figures. I will then possibly go for a planning scan with a full bladder (apparently my bladder wasn't full during the PET Scan) to see if that moves some of the bowel etc. to a point where the toxicity of radiotherapy might be reduced enough to go ahead with it. I have to be honest and say I am finding all of this extremely difficult to deal with. Treatment options seem complicated and I am worried I will receive hormone therapy until it stops working them chemo then........
I am exhausted trying to get options looked at that might improve my situation. The medics seem to be stalling and time is ticking. The tumour found in the PET scan seems quite aggressive. Has anyone else been in this position?
