Morning all,
I mentioned last month that my PSA was elevated from .01 to .20. The number has gone up since my Prostatectomy in 2017. It has been a slow increase over the last seven years. Although the .20 is still relatively low, the rise is the concern.
My Urologist wanted a PET/CT scan to see what, if anything, is of concern.
The PET/CT scan showed no visible signs of any cancer in the pelvic area including the Lympth Nodes. I was referred to Radiation and Hematology Oncologist Drs. Both recommended radiation treatments as a precaution. I've been through the pre-radiation preparations over the past two weeks and will start 40 sessions of radiation in the coming weeks. They will be M-F for two months.
The PET/CT scan also showed a small spot/lesion on the upper lobe of my left kidney. This was a concern for sure. When Pam and I were talking to the Hematology doctor, he said the spot was on the 2021 MRI. He said he wasn't concerned to much about the spot as it hasn't grown in the past five years and could have been on the kidney longer than the five years. Since it hasn't shown any growth in the past five years he believes it to be benign.
After I finish the radiation treatments, he'll go in with a probe and remove the lesion for testing and we'll proceed from there.
The PET/CT scan also showed a Thoracic Aortic Ascending Aneurysm without Rupture. This was just damn scary, so for a week or two I walked very softly thinking it was a matter of time. Pam and I saw my Cardiologist yesterday and he said he wasn't concerned. He didn't like the term Aneurysm as the word alone scares people. He said my heart is strong and that there is a slight bulge but not anywhere near being what he called an aneurysm. He stated my cardiac surgeon also noted this back in 2022 and there has been no change. One less thing to be concerned about.
Now you are all up to date on why I've been absent from the forum for a few weeks.
I'll continue to build my models and post to the forum now that I have a better understanding of what the heck all this stuff meant.
Tom
Tom,
Don't know what to say here. That is a lot to unpack, hope the radiation treatments don't slow you down much.
Well, Tom, sounds like very cautious doctors doing preventative things! Hope all those treatments go smoothly.
So far my PSA is slowly increasing, but not to where the Dr wants to check for cancer. Still, even the benign symptoms are frustrating! Getting old definitely sucks!
dave
Holy cow, butty...you've had/have a lot on "your plate"..You'll be in my prayers
terry
Prayers Tom!
Health first. Like Terry said....
Philip
I don't like the word "aneurysm" either...glad it's not a big problem.
good luck with the rest. Hope to catch up soon.
Glad to hear the doctors aren't concerned about the aneurysm nor the kidney lesion and the scans showed no other issues. Good idea to get the biopsy, though. Hope the radiation treatments aren't too difficult for you.
Jeff
Tom hope everything turns out for the best.
Prayers for you.
Jerry
That's a lot to absorb. Prayers and best wishes as you work through this.
If you need anything let me know Tom. I'll be following closely.
Tom, all the best to you on a positive outcome on the radiation treatment.
I am happy that there is some good news sprinkled in your post.
Howdy Tom,
Good to hear the good news. I hope the radiation sessions go well and don't give you many side effects.
~mike