Update. Opinions needed. Thanks

User

Posted 25 Jun 2025 at 20:51

Hi all. I’m the one who’s post is about my 84 year old friend. He had a CT scan and not MRI as I thought. He also had a pelvic X-ray

He has today refused dexamethasone which he was advised to take.

He is T3A, I think that’s what the nurse said. He has a met to his upper spine.

He’s no appetite at all (as previously said) he puts a bit of food in his mouth, shakes his head and spits it out. He has lost so much weight, he’s just bones.

His PSA is rising.

My question is…Can the X-ray and CT scan miss mets? It just seems to me he’s too poorly for his stage. The nurse did say the couldn’t get a clear picture of his bowels. I just feel he’s got something other going on to have such a bad appetite.

Thanks.

Julie

User

Posted 26 Jun 2025 at 14:26

Julie, I think many of us will admire what you are doing for this gentleman, but many like me may not be able to offer you any practical answers. I do know that not all scans are 100 percent infallible.

Not sure if you have already called the prostate cancer nurses on the number at the top of the page.

Thanks Chris

User

Posted 26 Jun 2025 at 15:11

Hi Julie.

Cancer cells can be microscopic and may not show up on any sort of scan unless a sufficient number are grouped together. It appears some have showed in your friend's spine and could also be unseen elsewhere. It's a pity he has refused Medication and if not eating sufficiently is going to lose weight of course. One can't rule out that he might have another problem, even unconnected with his PCa. Perhaps a full examination by his GP might be helpful? That's assuming he would attend!

Barry

User

Posted 26 Jun 2025 at 16:02

Hi Chris,

i think they’re just leaving him now. None mets and no treatment other than HT which isn’t working.
His PSA has gone from 13 to 18 in 8 weeks. Next test due 21st of July,

He is getting terrible left shoulder pain that’s caused by the spine met. He’s very tired.

I’ll just carry on until I can see he needs more help than I can offer.
thank you

Julie

User

Posted 26 Jun 2025 at 16:24

Hi Barry,

I feel there is something else going on. He’s stubborn and won’t visit a doctor unless absolutely necessary.

I’m just going to have to go with the flow now. PSA up from 13 to 18 in 8 weeks, and no treatment apart from the HT. pain from spine met in left shoulder is agony but won’t take any painkillers.

Thanks.

Julia

User

Posted 26 Jun 2025 at 21:41

Julie, I have had a PSA go from 6.7 to 13.4 in a matter of a few weeks so don't read to much into it. Not sure if you fully understand about the site nurses,they have no involvement in our treatment and don't have our details. They are there to give expert opinion and offer support to people like me and you who need a bit of help or the the answer to an odd question.

Thanks Chris

User

Posted 27 Jun 2025 at 20:41

The dexamethasone will improve his appetite and his pain. He should take it

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