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Question about bone mets.

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Posted 5/14/2008 6:17 AM (GMT -5)
I am newly Dx.  I am having numbing feeling in my ribs when I lay on my side.  Is it possible I could have bone mets. already?

Yes, I am paranoid right now...

Age 42

PSA 2.4 11/03

PSA 2.57 7/06

PSA 2.75 8/07

PSA 2.75 3/08

4 out of 52 cores "small focus"

3+3=6

Deciding on treatment.

Posted 5/14/2008 6:53 AM (GMT -5)
I doubt it!! Have you done a bone and cat scan after biopsy result?
Posted 5/14/2008 6:59 AM (GMT -5)
No.  I was told unless your PSA is over 20 they won't do one..

Posted 5/14/2008 7:07 AM (GMT -5)
After my diagnose, the doctor told me that I don't need any scan. I was having pain in my right pelvic bone so he ordered the bone scan anyway and told me that they will not find anything. I also told him that a few years ago I had a chunk of bone taken from that area to do a fusion of my cervical spine and probably that is the reason for the pain. I just wanted to be 100% sure so I went ahaead and did the bone scan which came out negative.

Kris

Posted 5/14/2008 10:19 AM (GMT -5)

Chris, given your biopsy results, it is highly doubtful you have bone mets.

By the way, some docs order the scans for everyone who has a positive biopsy.

I know you are paranoid.  The mental anguish can be great, but try not to focus on everything being worst case.  I did that for a few weeks, then tried to look for the good.

Best of luck.

Posted 5/14/2008 11:32 AM (GMT -5)
Chris--Your numbers are too low for any metastases.  After my positive biopsy I began feeling pains that raised the same question in my mind.  The urologist said a bone scan wasn't needed with my low PSA and early-stage cancer based on the biopsy.  Your results look similar to mine.  Anxiety goes with the territory.

Take care and hang in there...Tim

Posted 5/14/2008 11:49 AM (GMT -5)
I had flank pain for several weeks after my biopsy, especially when lying on my left side. I wouldn't worry too much with numbers as low as yours.
Posted 5/14/2008 12:48 PM (GMT -5)

Hi Chris!  Looking at your profile, I would say it is pretty unlikely.  However, we did the same thing when my father was diagnosed.  He is 20 years older than you, so you can imagine how many aches he has.  Your mind will convince you of the worst if you let it! Again, looking at your profile, it looks like you were able to catch it early and have a great shot at a cure.  Hang in there and keep posting! 

Doting

Posted 5/14/2008 2:21 PM (GMT -5)
CrisP

My friend, my highest PSA has been 7.7 and I had a bone scan and I guess about all the tests so don't take that they won't do a bone scan as gosple. Ask for or rather insist on one. If for no other reason than your peace of mind


Thinking and praying for you.

Richard
Posted 5/14/2008 2:22 PM (GMT -5)
Last post is for ChrisR

Sorry typo

Richard

Posted 5/14/2008 6:09 PM (GMT -5)

ChrisR,

Like the other posters, I think it most unlikely that you have bone mets.

I saw my urologist recently about a similar problem, fearing that I too might have bone mets. He said that PSA would be "in the hundreds" before you would have physical symptoms from mets.

Posted 5/14/2008 6:42 PM (GMT -5)
As soon as my husband was diagnosed he started having leg and hip pain. It was nothing but the anxiety was getting to him I believe. Do whatever you need to do that will give you peace of mind.
Posted 5/14/2008 6:58 PM (GMT -5)
ChrisR-

I agree that the likelihood is small, but I disagree with your doc about the bone scan. If for no other reason than your peace of mind, it should be done. It's an easy test and no big deal. Assert yourself - you're the boss and the doc works for you (and you can fire him at any time and "emlploy" another). Good luck.

-Les
Posted 5/14/2008 7:54 PM (GMT -5)
Hi ChrisR. Les is right. It is you body and your life. Get all the tests so you can to put your mind at ease. This is a real tough time. After the results of my biposy I hurt from head to toe. I thought my prostate was going to explode and all my bones hurt even after the bone scan. I really freaked out when I had blood in my semen. My first urologist did not tell me about the possibility that might happen. So, I saw another Dr. who eventually removed my prostate. Get a second opinion and go to a facility with a multidiciplinary approach to treating the cancer. Hear from all types of Dr's, make your decision and don't look back. It is your journey. Let us know how you are doing and your decision. We all care for each other on this site. By the way Les, have you got the vette yet?

Mika

Mika
Posted 5/14/2008 7:58 PM (GMT -5)
Yes, Mika, I picked it up a few hours ago. Lots of new electronics to get used to.

Thanks for asking.

-Les
Posted 5/17/2008 2:58 AM (GMT -5)
I agree with Les: get the bone scan done. It's better for your piece of mind, if anything it will provide you with a baseline. It is better to investigate than to make assumptions. Dutchy
Posted 5/17/2008 8:18 AM (GMT -5)
ChrisR you have a valid concern because you have PC, however I, like the others would have to agree that is highly unlikely of any bone mets. If the doctors had any doubts I am sure they would order a bone scan. Are you feeling the pressure from family and friends to have a bone scan? Please feel free at anytime to voice your concerns here at HW, also if you like to chat further send me an email.

peace and love
Dale
Posted 5/17/2008 8:48 AM (GMT -5)
My doc initially did not want to order a bone scan unless my PSA was over 10, but as close as I was, he went ahead. Seems many MDs have different thresholds for additional testing. Immediately following my dx, my mind was in overtime imagining all kinds of aches and pains, but really nothing other than mind over matter. If you have the resources or insurance coverage for testing, get everything that makes you and your family comfortable, don't let the MD restrict your care, after all, you are the one with cancer, not him.

Randy
Posted 5/17/2008 9:36 AM (GMT -5)
Chris,

You have a slowly rising (repeat this 10 times) PSA, a Gleason 3+3 and a clinical diagnosis using 52 cores. There is no better way to pretty much assure you that your cancer is in an early stage, short of removing it. The next step to this is to remove it so the diagnosis can be absolutely confirmed. Doing tests just to do them seems invasive when the risk of lymph node involvement is <1%. Just another test with your early stage probably won't provide the comfort you seek. Trusting in the tests you've had appears to be quite a safe bet. No guarentees but it is about the best we can do sometimes. Good Luck

Swim
Posted 5/18/2008 5:38 PM (GMT -5)
Chris

It is extremely unlikely about bone mets. Gleason grade is low and only 4/52 (or say less than 1 out of 12). If you hadn't gone for a 52 core low chance that it would have even been picked up.

I used to imagine all kinds of pelvic pains etc but the urologist said there is no need for bone scan etc.

The prognosis for complete cure is as good as it can get. Do a bone scan if it gives you peace of mind. But do not do too many biopsies again because i read some where about spread through needle involvement. You know what to do, do plenty of research and then decide.

All the best
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