My dad was diagnosed with metastatic PC 4 years ago. It had broke out of the prostate and spread to bones, but not to tissues or organs. He has had lots of treaments (no HT as he had his testes removed instead), most recently the Radium 223 trial which was unsuccessful, and chemo at a 65% dose as he wasnt strong enough for 100% (doctor had hoped to avoid using chemo for a couple of years as my dad is only 55) Prior to chemo his PSA was back up at 600+. After 3 doses of chemo, we went for review prior to 4th dose, and his doctor advised that he didnt believe the chemo was working and not to go ahead with this session. Dads PSA had risen to above 1000 since starting chemo. Doctor decided CT scan and another PSA test before making decision for what to do. So this Monday we went back to hospital. CT showed still spreading in bones (still no sign in tissues or organs though), and doctor confirmed chemo hadnt worked, and broke the news that there were no other treatments available. Were now waiting on mcmillan coming out tomorrow to discuss palliative care needs. My dad is in a lot of pain in his knees to the extent that he cant walk without a frame, and is spending most of his day in bed. He is trying to keep eating but very small portions if he eats at all. He is having very bad coughing fits and feeling sick a lot. CT scan also showed fracture on rib and some fluid in lungs, and also small fracture in knee. Doctors couldnt give u any indication of how long he might have so were playng the waiting game, but were having to plough on and make arrangements assuming were going to lose him sooner rather than later. My mum has lost her sight over the last few years, so weve got to get things in place so that she will be able to manage independently when the worst happens. But the not knowing how long he will be with us for is making us scared to plan anything, or even to nip out for a couple of hours in case anything happens. We knew he couldnt be cured when we started this journey, but we didnt know it would be so bloody difficult to know what/when the end will be.
