Mel,
Give us an update on your bowel movements! Just kidding.

Oh the doctors and their egos. I think you are doing the right thing with Dr. Lam. Good luck with the test, we are anxious to hear the results. Maybe not as anxious as you!

Beautiful day in the high 70's down here in WPB!

Bill from Florida

Gunner:

The subway system is amazing!!!

That is such an amazing, expansive place. The subway system coupled with the multitude of signs made it easy to get anywhere.

We like the hotel

Mel

Well, already got some test results back. They did a blood draw today, before the MRI. Mayo has a portal that patients can access, and results are posted immediately.

Unfortunately, my PSA, that went from 0.04 to 1.8 in 4 months, is now at 2.9, just 3 weeks later.

On the positive side, all other tests reported so far were good, including the ALP and CEA (Cancer markers).

So, we will do the C11 thing and see what that says. An HT return is getting closer, too.

Mel

Mel,

Yes the subway at Mayo is great and very easy to go building to building and grab whatever you need on the way from all of the retail shops. It is a very interesting place. I hope you have a good experience there on Gonda, Hilton, Charlton, etc. It is an impressive system with the way they get you through the blood draws and appointments.

On your PSA, remember that this is a different lab than where you got your last measurement. I would guess you will get some variance on the PSA when tested in different labs. Also, it seems like your timing is good to get these tests done simultaneously with the rising PSA.

Have a good scan tomorrow,

Update:

It's been a tough two days. Tests! We have had problems doing IV's. They managed, but my veins are probably blown out from all my lab tests over the years. Does that happen?

I've gotten my latest test results. Mayo posts them ASAP on their portal, accessed by patients. My PSA continues to shoot up. Now 2.90. From 0.04 to 1.8 to 2.9. On the positive side, my T is also shooting up: from 10 while on HT to 140 to 210 to 305 today. So, at least the PSA continues to move in tandem to my T. Also, CEA and ALP levels are great. These are markers of cancer activity in the GI tract and the bones, respectively.

I'll get answers tomorrow. My nerves are shot with all this stuff. Tests/worry.

Regardless, I know I am not done with Mayo. If they find it in a few places where they can do something (surgery or their special stereotactic radiation), then we continue., with a good chance of a lasting remission. If it is all over the place, then they may push for provenge, but I'll discuss it with Dr. Lam. Frankly, my reading of the aforementioned results says go back on HT. Lather, rinse, repeat. If nothing shows up, that's relatively good news and we do the HT thing again.

Rochester/Mayo is amazing. Beautiful structures. Lots to see and do. The workers are well-trained, just like tour guides. They even have a huge concierge desk and the admitting area looks like a check-in at a fine hotel. But both Cheryl and I noticed an overwhelming sadness here. Many (most?) of the "guests" are clearly in horrible, life-threatening situations. Many folks in wheelchairs and stumbling with walkers. Many deformed folks. Many Parkinsons/ALS situations. Very sad. The worst are the children.

Mel

Wish you well Mel. Mayo are great team hospitals, been to the one in Jacksonville Fl. You are in good hands. Sorry to see anyone having to put up with the crap it takes to stay one step ahead.

Ron

Mel
CEA and ALP are great? Do you mean these values are high? Or, they are within the desired range. I watch these #'s too as well with LDH.
I always say that Mayo is one of the Best and Worst places in the world. Amazing care model and facility with world class doctors. But, as you mentioned, there are extreme cases and on any given day you can see some very sick people.