Lorelei, when I had my PSA jump early this year I had new scans done and
a small amount of free fluid was seen in the pelvis. As I worsened, and
in preparation for my radiation, another pelvic scan was done and there
was an increase in fluid. Shortly after this I developed rapid abdominal
distention, shortness of breath (you probably remember this from
pregnancy). This is seldom seen as part of prostate metastasis, so it
wasn't until real discomfort that I was heavily diuresed and had my
first paracentesis. About 450cc of bloody fluid was removed, and
prostate cancer cells were found. I have had two more taps, once last
week when I had my paralytic ileus and this week with my fever spike to
104.8. My girth is under control now, as I am responding well to
spironolactone and furosemide. I breathe easily and sort of forget the
ascites except as part of the whole.

If you want to pursue this with your doctor, he might suggest plain
abdominal X-rays. I believe the most productive study, before jumping to
the huge high prices, would be an ultrasound. It is this study that is
used to select a spot for the paracentesis needle, so is obviously
highly accurate and instructive. Tell your doctor that the question has
been causing chronic anxiety and that you would both be much more
comfortable (and less bother to him) if your husband could have an
ultrasound looking for ascites.
    Larry