Some hope, but don't let PSA mislead you

RicktheRock

Regular Member

Joined : Jul 2016

Posts : 61

Posted 9/16/2016 1:17 PM (GMT -5)

At this time my 5th infusion of Jevtana and Carboplatin seem to be succeeding in knocking the beast down. My PSA was 0.79 and rising from undetectable in June of 2015. The way I recall is the doc I had been seeing said, it may be a long time before we had to do anything to intervene. Well, I thought otherwise because the trend was not my friend even though it was a slow creep up.

I went in for a Choline 11 pet scan at Mayo in May and it revealed 10 or so hotspots. Also, I was advised to get an MRI to check for liver/lung lesions. Good advice as there was a lesion in my liver. At that point decided to drive 250 miles round trip to see an expert. Fortunately his practice was that close to me. He started me on Jevtana and Carboplatin in June.

Follow up PSA down to .01 at one lab and .04 at another. That is typical disparity between labs. The good news is the PSA is down, however the Pca is devious and PSA does not always tell the real story.

After my 6th infusion in October I will get another scan and MRI w/contrast. If the liver lesion is still active I will have chemo or spheres injected directly into the liver tumor.

One Dr. Says cancer has dug in molecularly and this process will keep repeating.

My thoughts are the chemo is systemic and perhaps it can get the dug in heterogenic Pca Cells? When I had this disease down (no activity on the C-11 in Feb., 2015) no MRI was done on soft tissue perhaps a MRI would have revealed a liver lesion even though my PSA was undetectable. Also, I had to stop Taxotere after 4th infusion and began taking Xtandi. So, I don't know if and where the Pca was re-engineering or even if that could have been determined.

My new Dr. Says what makes you think you can't hit a home run? Get it all. Gotta like his attitude.

At last years PCRI conference Dr. Kwon talked about knocking the disease down and then wiping it out. He does get long term remissions.

I like the last two scenarios.

Reality is nobody knows. Be vigilant.

Cyclone-ISU

Veteran Member

Joined : Oct 2014

Posts : 3411

Posted 9/17/2016 1:10 PM (GMT -5)

Hello Rick The Rock !

It's great to hear from you --- and I'm VERY pleased to see that you are having newfound success from your latest JEVTANA & CARBOPLATIN chemotherapy treatments. That kind of success means more than words can say ... just wanted to let you know that I was happy to hear the news of your treatment success.

We definitely have several "crossovers" in our story ...

Like you, I have also journeyed to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, just as you have done. I have had the CHOLINE-PET scan at Mayo, each time I have visited there. I have also added Dr. KWON to my medical team as an additional consultant, just as you have done. I have also pursued the TAXOTERE chemotherapy treatments, as you have also done. It's easy to see that we definitely have some common threads woven into our treatment history, Rick The Rock.

Your latest treatments seem to be giving your P.S.A. scores a "one ... two ... three ... KNOCKOUT" punch in the boxing ring. The treatments seem to really showing their positive impact, and for that, I give thanks for your sake. We have to do what it takes ... seeing what works ... and staying determined throughout it all.

It sounds like you and your doctors are staying right on top of your case --- you're making informed decisions --- you've got clear-cut, diagnostic imaging and scan results which are helping to guide your future treatment pathway. It sounds like you are being vigilant and you've DEFINITELY got your head in the game, seeking out top-notch expertise.

Just wanted to reach out, from across the miles, to extend my congratulations to you on the treatment success you are experiencing. You have my unwavering support, as a fellow "brother in the battle" ...

Thanks for keeping in touch here on the forum ... let us know how you're faring ... meanwhile, my best to you, each and every day, as your treatments continue, Rick The Rock.

Handshake of friendship and support,
"Cyclone Fan" ~ Iowa State University

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