Bone scan advice

User

Posted 18 Sep 2025 at 11:48

I am new on here, i have had urination problems. PSA 6.8 urology advised antibiotics for prostititis. Still had the same problems after 6 weeks antibiotics and PSA shot up to 20.2 after 3 months from 6.8.

I was sent for prostate MRI scan which come back.and phoned to go for a biopsy, consultant showed me scan and said suggests t3a.

Biopsy done same day.

He also said that there were a couple of bone lesions that were not on a previous ct scan 5 years ago for an unrelated issue.

I was told to go for a bone scan, i attended and was told i will have the scan then to wait to see if i need any other xrays or scans straight after. The operative did the bone scan and told me to wait to see if i need any other xrays, scans. He came back about 10 minutes later and said they have everything they need and i dont need any more scans.

My question is why would i need more scans after bone scan. Can the operative tell if i have bone mets straight away?

Just not sure why i might have needed more scans, been a wirlwind couple of weeks.

Waiting for results now

User

Posted 18 Sep 2025 at 20:13

Thanks Chris

I hope you doing well.

User

Posted 18 Sep 2025 at 22:39

Hi Dean,

I'm sorry that you're having prostate problems and you've had to join the club, but welcome to the forum.

Your quick rise in PSA will almost certainly be connected to your prostatitis.

When I had my bone scan they found lytic areas which they initially thought could be cancerous but fortunately, like DaveyH's, turned out to be arthritis.

Only a biopsy can tell IF you've got prostate cancer and IF you have, how aggressive it is likely to be.

Please keep us updated and good luck with the biopsy results, mate.

Edited by member 18 Sep 2025 at 22:52 | Reason: Typo

User

Posted 14 Oct 2025 at 11:16

Dear Dean, I'm sorry you find yourself in this boat but my husband had the same diagnosis in August - T3b N1 M1b Gleeson 4 + 5 and a psa of 6.4. It was a huge shock so really sympathise with what you're going through. His pathway since has been bicultamide for two weeks to stop a testerone flare then having a decapeptyl injection after that. He took the 6 month dose. After that it's been 2 x daily darolutamide tablets which reduced his psa by 90% in the first month from 7.1 to 0.73 and his testerone fell like a stone so the adt (androgen deprivation therapy) is doing its job. Last week he started chemo. Docetaxel 6 x with three weeks inbetween to restore white and red cells the so called triplet therapy. We found waiting for the results the hardest thing after the initial diagnosis but now he's in the 'treatment' sausage machine it is better but the change takes time to get your head around. It's been just 3 months for us and it's a steep learning curve so hopefully this info will help.

Edited by member 14 Oct 2025 at 11:22 | Reason: Spelling

User

Posted 01 Nov 2025 at 14:07

Hi Dean. Sorry to learn about your diagnosis looks like they plan to hit it hard and early.

At your relatively young age your Oncologist must believe you're up to the challenge.

Best of luck with your treatment plan, it's all a bit of a whirlwind taking in the diagnosis then on with the treatment, just need to take it one step at a time.

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User

Posted 18 Sep 2025 at 17:16

I am not sure if the operative can tell off a bone scan as I think it needs someone medically trained to interpret the scan. I know from experience that the waiting for results is the hardest bit. If you’ve not heard within a week or so I’d ring up and mither them. Cheers. Simon

User

Posted 18 Sep 2025 at 17:57

Thanks Simon

Just not sure why they wanted me to wait to see if i needed more scans.

Yes, the waiting and thinking about it is the hardest.

User

Posted 18 Sep 2025 at 18:50

Dean, I have often been asked to hang about after scans so they can check the images. I wouldn't read too much into it. Injuries can show up on bone scans, that may look suspicious but when properly looked at do not require further investigation.

Thanks Chris

User

Posted 18 Sep 2025 at 18:57

Thanks Chris

Just have to try and stop thinking about the results.

User

Posted 18 Sep 2025 at 20:00

No news is good news. I’ve had 4 bone scans. I knew instantly on my fourth scan that I had multiple mets starting.

A I could see it on the scanner display. I was lit up white

B. They needed a load more x-rays after

So I think you’re good 🤞

User

Posted 18 Sep 2025 at 20:13

Thanks Chris

I hope you doing well.

User

Posted 18 Sep 2025 at 20:43

Sorry

Another question, any idea why PSA would go up so fast from 6 to 20 in three months.

Edited by member 18 Sep 2025 at 20:44 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 18 Sep 2025 at 20:53

Hi Dean, as has been suggested already, you were probably asked to wait just to make sure they have the images they need. The radiographer is the technician that operates the scanner. The images go off to a radiologist who interprets the image to diagnose any potential issues. You’ll have to wait normally a week or two for the results.

With me the bone scan found a “hot spot” on my spine lumber 2, potential metastasis. I was then sent for a PSMA PET scan about 3 weeks later to confirm or otherwise. Then another 2 to 3 weeks to get the result. In my case the PET scan didn’t find any mets. The bone scan gave a false positive on a degenerative condition, probably a bit of arthritis. It was a massive relief, but I went through around 5 to 6 weeks of purgatory thinking my prostate cancer had spread.

Good luck with your scan results !

User

Posted 18 Sep 2025 at 22:39

Hi Dean,

I'm sorry that you're having prostate problems and you've had to join the club, but welcome to the forum.

Your quick rise in PSA will almost certainly be connected to your prostatitis.

When I had my bone scan they found lytic areas which they initially thought could be cancerous but fortunately, like DaveyH's, turned out to be arthritis.

Only a biopsy can tell IF you've got prostate cancer and IF you have, how aggressive it is likely to be.

Please keep us updated and good luck with the biopsy results, mate.

Edited by member 18 Sep 2025 at 22:52 | Reason: Typo

User

Posted 14 Oct 2025 at 08:53

Well, i have had my results. The worst scenario i imagined was confirmed. I have advanced prostate cancer G9 with mets on pelvis and rib.

I was started straight away on bicalutamide before i have an injection.

Had a weekend to sort my head out and tell the family, now to try and get motivated to plan the next few weeks and find out what is next.

Any advice or what to expect is welcome and appreciated.

User

Posted 14 Oct 2025 at 11:08

Hi again, Dean.

I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis.

There are several people on the forum dealing with metastasis. I'm sure that they'll be along to help and advise.

User

Posted 14 Oct 2025 at 11:16

Edited by member 14 Oct 2025 at 11:22 | Reason: Spelling

User

Posted 14 Oct 2025 at 19:44

That is much appreciated,

It was a massive shock, head a bit of a mash. Not sure what i should be doing, got diagnosis given some tablets and a pack. I did not take that much in after staging. A little better now. I am waiting for the injection. Took week off work to speak to kids and family.

Thanks for info, i was told that i may have chemo but i thought this was used last. I am a little unsure when it is used. I have an appointment being booked at Weston Park where i will get more information on the treatment.I have been told i can work but chemo might need time off.

I wish you and your Husband the best. I dont feel any pain in my bones and went to GP for feeling the urge to wee. Was on antibiotics for 6 weeks before sending me for MRI. I think the mind is the hardest part for me and my partner.

Bless you for the heads up.

User

Posted 14 Oct 2025 at 22:13

Dear Dean,

Just wanted to send a note of support. After the initial shock, and a lot of spontaneous crying for us (even though we are not the crying types and I had only once seen my husband cry). The constant appointments became routine, and we started scheduling as many things as we could to enjoy. And planned everything we possibly could so when things got rough we had supplies on hand.

It's really hard to know what to expect and the waiting is hard. My OH has avoided chemo so far but others on here can advise.

I found this community helps a lot when my head is in a mash.

Thinking of you and wishing you the best.

User

Posted 17 Oct 2025 at 11:02

Thankyou for your reply

I have the 3 month injection planned in for 28th of October and then to Weston Park Hospital on the 30th to find out what is next.

We are still in the head spinning stage but slowly getting our heads around it all.

Mrs has said same, we need to focus on the things to enjoy.

Best wishes D

User

Posted 17 Oct 2025 at 12:45

Dear Dean, As "the missus", I was obsessed at first at getting the diagnosis and a treatment plan. But once that was settled, then I tried to take on planning things that would be fun and doable. My OH had no symptoms that were real obstacles. Hence the shock. But it meant that there were time windows when we could do things like getaways. I was surprised more than a year later when he told me the weekend away I scheduled before his first major and worrisome treatment was one of the best holidays of his life. It was not that we did something so new and special. But he said he could get out of his head when he needed to. I have scheduled us a lot of weekend getaways. Each paced with what was doable and enjoyable. We only went away once during radiation, but it was good we planned for late mornings, short walks, proximity to toilets, early nights. The purposeful extreme spending time together was new for us after decades together. We just got busy with other things. I cannot say that I am not scared of what is to come. But I am grateful we appreciate our time together in a completely new way. Hope this is helpful. And really wishing you and your missus the best.

User

Posted 01 Nov 2025 at 12:15

I have seen onco and going down the same route. i start the Chemo in three weeks. I have mets in ribs, pelvis and spine which was another blow as i was not told spine. I am still working although i can take what time i need for Chemo, I just wanted to ask how is the fella finding the Chemo.I hope you are both doing as well as can be.

They seem to think hitting it hard at the beginning is the best action for me.

Dean

User

Posted 01 Nov 2025 at 14:07

Hi Dean. Sorry to learn about your diagnosis looks like they plan to hit it hard and early.

At your relatively young age your Oncologist must believe you're up to the challenge.

Best of luck with your treatment plan, it's all a bit of a whirlwind taking in the diagnosis then on with the treatment, just need to take it one step at a time.

User

Posted 02 Nov 2025 at 13:22

Hi Dean,

My husband is on the triplet path as I posted previously. He has bone mets in his spine, pelvis, ribs and maybe his eye socket...they're not too sure about that one plus mets in his abdominal lymph nodes. He has just had his second round of chemo and he has suffered few side effects. His beard barely grows and for 2 days afterwards his mouth tastes funny but not that bad. The daily steroids have kept any fatigue at bay but he does sleep long and deep and they have ensured his appetite is very very good! 🥓🍗 I believe if you're fit to start with that helps but we have no idea as to the impact of the remaining 4 rounds but we're keeping everything crossed! Each journey is unique and I hope yours goes uniquely well...

LeftField

User

Posted 04 Dec 2025 at 11:38

I'm having my bone scan Friday but already put on a course of bicalutamide tablets for 3 months and then beam radiation treatment for a month 5 days a week

User

Posted 10 Jan 2026 at 10:21

Hope everyone enjoyed Christmas period and are doing well.

Just a quck catch up, now i am settled into the chemo. I know that there are a few of us at nearly the same stage.

First 4 weeks on hormone treatment PSA dropped to 4 from 20.1. Had a scan that shows no soft tissue involvment other than a small nodule on lung described as most likely benign. Something i will explore further.at next appointment.

I then started chemo and have had two sessions. Session 1 - ice cap uncomfortable but ok. side affects. Three days after fatigue for one day and some aches and pains for a couple of days but not to bad after that.

Session 2 - No real fatigue issues, but some electric like spasms all over for a day. A little constipated for two days but managable. Some chest soreness. Onco not concerned.

Hot Flushes are becoming a constant 4 or 5 times a day.

Ready for session three, had bloods today and blood pressure which has risen a little.. PSA test taken.

I have worked after a week of Chemo each session which helps me keep my mind on track and exercise when i feel ok back at the Gym doing light exercise. I have noticed a decline is breathing when exercising but i expect this is usual.

So the horrid wait for PSA and round 3 Tuesday. Hope all are getting through the chemo and treatment ok.

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