After some additional administrative shenanigans late last week, I was finally able to confirm that UCLA had everything they needed, and we scheduled the PSMA PET scan for 30 November 2021. It’s a bit further out than I would have liked, but it is what it is.

They still need to get pre-approval from my insurance company, and they were quick to remind me that it’s $3,300 out-of-pocket if the insurance doesn’t approve it. “You can pay by credit card,” and she rattled off the list of cards that they didn’t accept.

At least it’s on the calendar for now.

It will be interesting because I go for my next PSA test the first week of November with the appointment with the urologist on 9 November. Having a fresh PSA number going into the scan may be helpful, or not.

There are some guidelines to follow in advance of the scan:

• Fast for 6 hours in advance of the scan; only drink water.
• No vigorous exercise 24 hours in advance.
• Okay to take any medicine, but only with water.
• I need to have a “Basic Metabolic Panel” done within 8 weeks of the scheduled date, and I must bring a printed copy of the results to the scan. The scan will not be done if I don’t have them.

I’ve already got my hotel reservation for the scan, as getting to UCLA from San Diego on the same day would be tricky given the uncertainty of traffic.

So that’s that. Finally. 😌

I’ll worry about what the scan results will show later.

Be well!