Losing Dad to Metastatic Bone Cancer - Radium 223

 

Hello, I am new to this site and wanted to find if some of you or your loved ones have been on Radium 223. My awesome father was diagnosed 3 years ago with metastatic bone cancer. He did pretty well for the first couple of years of staying active, rafting and even zip lining. Pretty nice for someone 70. The third year became a little rough and the doctors at Duke decided to go with Radium 223. He thought about it and decided to move forward. The first injection went well although he became very tired. The second and third injection completely wiped him out physically and emotionally. Muscles became weaker and became dependent on a walker and assistance with transfers. We feel, the Radium treatments made my father worse with weakness and fatigue. He has been on a downward slope for the last few months but mustered up enough energy for thanksgiving with the family...What a day that was to remember. He is now bedridden and in pain which breaks my heart to see. Hospice is at the house and my mom is putting on the brave face and I try to get down there to see them as much as I can. He has very little time left in this world but trying to spend every moment I have with him. Anyway, I probaly got a little off track.... just love my dad! 

 

 

  • Hi Pierce76,

    My thoughts are with you and your lovely Dad! X

     

  • Hi

    I am also new to this site.  It is interesting to see your post.  My husband was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer on January 2009.  He has had several bouts of radiotheraphy and 2 lots of chemotherapy.  The last was Cabazitaxel from January to August this year. Before this had even finished it was obvious he was in more pain and had developed a lump on his sternum.  It was decided to give him Radium 223 therapy although it was uncertain as funding for this was being withdrawn.  He was accepted and had first treatment on 6th November. We were warned he could feel worse before improving, but both consultant and Palliative Care Consultant have enthused over this treatment.  Since the end of September his pain medication has been increased regularly almost every 2 weeks.  His bone pain has increased to such an extent he is having difficulty walking and if he needs to walk more than 20 metres we have to use a wheelchair.  Also because of the increased medication he is sleeping more during the day. After starting the treatment he has felt worse and suffers with nausea.  His appetite is suffering and he has lost about 8kg in 5/6 weeks. I haven't read anything yet from someone who has had completed this treatment.  The only reports I have seen have been negative ones.  I admit I am concerned, but hope after his 3rd treatment he will start to feel better.

  • Hi Pierce76,

    Sending love and prayers to you all!

    We found out 4 weeks ago that mum had metastatic cancer in her liver and peritoneum with bowel as primary...this was a huge shock as she went in to hospital with PE and pneumonia. The difference in her has been immense! It's so hard! xx