Chemotherapy or paying for Abiraterone

Hi, my husband was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. He had psa level of 61, but the cancer has not spread to his lymph nodes or bones. We went to see the oncologist today and she said he would be having radiotherapy, but recommended that he have either chemotherapy or Abiraterone before the radiotherapy. She said that we would have to pay £500.00 a month for 2 years for the Abiraterone, if we lived in Wales or Scotland we wouldn’t have to pay. We are so confused and don’t know what to do. She told us to make a decision quickly. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

  • Helo Anniee24

    I'm sorry to hear about your husband's recent diagnosis. It's naturally a worrying time for you and understandable that needing to make a choice about treatment options may have left you feeling overwhelmed and with lots of unanswered questions. 

    We do have some information on our website about treatment for prostate cancer that may be helpful but you might find it useful to give our nurses a call and talk things through with them. Whilst they won't be able to tell you what to do, they will be able to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can as well as help you and your husband to think about the questions that you might want to ask the specialists to help you make the right decision. If you'd like to talk with them they're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Whatever decision your husband, and you, make regarding his treatment I hope that things run smoothly and that he has a good response to the medication and radiotherapy. 

    Do let us know how he gets on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator