I just read an abstract about using half-body irradiation (HBI) to control pain and quality of life (QOL) issues in cancer patients with multiple bone metastases (mets). I had never heard of HBI and since advanced prostate cancer commonly progresses to create bone metastases, I thought that it would be a good topic to explore. [...]
As advanced prostate cancer progresses it becomes inevitable that we will develop bone metastases. The treatments available are designed to slow disease progression, to relieve pain and to avoid the complications that result from bones being weakened by the cancer. Weakened bones become very susceptible to fractures, with prostate cancer the most likely sight for [...]
In today’s New York Times Gina Kolata wrote a very interesting article about the unreliability of MRIs for diagnostic purposes. She wrote from the perspective of orthopedic injuries, but since MRIs are main stays for us suffering with prostate cancer, there is an important message for us. Her story revolves around a running injury that [...]
Coincidentally, when I experienced my PSA recurrence of prostate cancer my rheumatologist suggested that I have an MRI to check up on the status of spinal involvement from my arthritis. After going through the usual struggles with the insurance company, I did have the MRI. While still dealing with the emotional issues of learning about [...]
As prostate cancer spreads, it tends to move outward, usually first spreading locally. The most common first stops are in the lymph nodes adjoining the prostate bed or in the location of the most immediate bones, the pelvis, upper thighs and the lower spine. Many men will experience pain, especially pelvic area pain, as the [...]