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My dad & advanced prostate cancer

Preciousgem
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Hi there my dad was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer 18 months ago. It has been so difficult for him as he also suffers from arthritis. It has been being controlled by hormone tablets until now but at last appointment with oncologist his psa level has shot up and so now he needs to begin chemo. He is also being sent for a bone scan tommorow. At each appt with oncologist when asked how he is he says he feels fine and isnt experiencing any pain. However at least 4 days out of 7 he is in bed from morning till night with pain in his back and hips. My mum doesnt know what to do and neither do i, he has also been given very strong anti depressants. 

So stressed and cant understand why he is hiding from the doctors that his quality of life is poor. 

Any advice would be appreciated x 

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    My dad is exactly the same but he has refused chemo as he didn't want to prolong his life if he's going to be ill. Literally got his PSA result yesterday My dad is on morphine at home because he had spinal cord compression over Xmas. I would call the general Macmillan number and ask for advice on getting him some pain relief - they are so helpful! But my dad was the same yesterday "I'm not in any pain" I go with him to appointments to make sure he is truthful and to clarify his crazy statements x
  • Offline in reply to Beebee79

    Hi,

    How are your dads?

     

    Mine has just been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. I'm really worried about him.- my mum isn't around anymore and I feel.dreadful at the thought of him rattling around the house by himself.

    We've got an appointment with the oncologist to discuss treatment plans next week, and I'm really not sure what to expect...

  • Offline in reply to Gemma_P86
    Hi Believe me when I say, they will give you the best options for your dad, if he is mobile all the better, as dwelling on the outcome is never good, be positive, listen to what they say, write it down if your not sure, look up what they offer on the net see which you and your dad think is the best therapy, whatever your told there good people and will look after your dad, so don't worry he will be in good hands. Joe
  • Offline in reply to Gemma_P86
    Hi, I'm sorry to hear about your dad. From what I've read, even so called terminal prostrate cancer can be treated as it's about control not cure. My dad was diagnosed last July - metastatic PCa and it was in his lymph nodes, spine, ribs etc. We were all devastated - my dad was about to turn 66 and looked so fit and well. He was started on hormone injections which most men can stay on for 2 years + before it stops working. In December my dad ended up having radiation for Spinal Cord Compression. It's really important you familiarise yourself with this so you're aware of the symptoms. So my dad had radiation over Xmas then we were told the hormone treatment had stopped working so he's on an oral chemo drug called aribertone. He's on his 3rd cycle and so far so good, no chemo side effects - again this drug, most men can stay on for another 2 years. Ask the oncologist about trials too beffort you start treatment as he won't be able to start them after hormone treatment which I think will be the first thing they'll try. Thinking of you all xx
  • Offline in reply to Beebee79

    hi, I was reading your reply in this thread and do understand it was a while ago when you wrote, but you stresses in your reply to know the signs of spinal cord compression, can you tell me what you should be looking out for?

  • Offline in reply to Redcollector

    Hello

    first it should show up on an X-ray or a scan, in my case I have to blown vertebrae l3 and l4, it causes lower back pain, I take pain killers of assorted strength for mine.

    joe

  • Offline in reply to joeven

    Thanks, I have lower back pain but also leg weakness and difficulty walking at times, not difficulty as such but more pronounced when walking.  Also if I wanted to run upstairs my legs just won’t respond to my commands 

  • Offline in reply to Redcollector

    Hello

    i have some difficulty going up stairs, but my knees are not the best, I use knee supports for that, are you on any medication ? How long have you suffered with PC ? With me it's three and a half years. I also have an elastic aged back brace which helps.

    joe

  • Offline in reply to joeven

    Hi, I have not been diagnosed with pc but for a number of reasons think I may  have it.

     

    one of my blood markers showed very high serum ferritin which I have seen can also be a prostate c indicator.

     

  • Offline in reply to Redcollector

    Hi

    i have to say, I would ask for a PSA test from your doctors, this will determine if you have PC.

    joe

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