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Hi, my dad was diagnosed with advanced stage prostate cancer 2.5 years ago when he was 80. I have since been trying to gain as much understanding as possible, but some things are not always clear and due to work committments I can’t accompany my dad to appointments (my mum tends to go with him and then pass on the updates to me). I do worry that sometimes my dad doesn’t really fully get what is going on. As far as I know, my dad began taking a combination of tablets and had a 3 monthly hormone injection to begin with after his diagnosis. That went quite well and his PSA levels lowered. Then about 9 months in or so, his PSA levels got higher and he underwent a treatment called Radium (I think). That was also supposed to help his hip/bones (the cancer has spread to bones). I think my dad had about 4-6 treatments like this and my understanding is that they helped somewhat. However not long after his PSA went up again and I think it was concluded that he should not take the tablets any longer and just have the injection. Since then, he has had some scans but no other treatment than the 3 monthly injection. At a recent appointment my dad was informed that he would not be an ideal candidate for chemotherapy (various reasons) and was basically told he would just continue the 3 monthly injection which he gets at his local GP. He was basically told he needn’t come into hospital anymore unless there was some kind of ‘new’ problem or emergency etc. My mum said that the doctor said he would be ok ‘for some time’ having just the hormone injection. I understand my dad is getting on in age and he was in a way ‘lucky’ maybe to be diagnosed so late in life. But of course, him being my dad, I do worry about him and only want what is best for him. I am saddened that it feels almost like the hospital has exhausted their options and of course I worry about my dad’s outlook. I think his PSA had at one time gone down from initially a very high figure (cant remember it exactly), but recently it was confirmed as 400. I worry that the injection alone wont perhaps help him going forward, but then again I do know of other people (actually wven older than my dad) who have been surviving off of the hormone injection alone. I guess I am wondering, if that on its own can still be effective for a longer period of time considering his stage and if this is so to speak the standard procedure? Thanks.
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william13158 freddie_84
Posted
I'm 55 years old have been getting hormone therapy after removing prostate for 5years it is supposed to keep the cancer at Bay by knocking the testosterone way down, which is like throwing gasoline on a fire, so low testosterone helps slow or hopefully stop the growth the spread of prostate cancer. One million prostate cancer cells can fit on your pinkey nail so they are hard to find, hope this was helpful.
textnician freddie_84
Posted
A 72 year-old, I was also diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, metastased to bones and lymph node 2.5 years ago and so beyond the stage of operations, radiotherapy or chemo. As I understood it, 3monthly injections are the standard treatment in such cases. However, I volunteered additionally for a drug trial combining three lots of tabs/caps daily of Abiraterone, Enzalutamide and Prednisolone.
As I understand it, radiotherapy to bones in this case is to ease symptoms, not to inhibit the overal cancer. Once my combo stops working, the drugs will cease and I will be on injection alone. I've not yet had bone pains, so maybe that's what the drug combo has been suppressing. I asked the oncologist whether there was a standard progression of treatment and he said no, everybody reacts differently.
I realise that doesn't actually tell you much but if Dad has already lasted 2.5 years and is still here, then he and I are in the same postion -- and long may it last!
All the best!
freddie_84 textnician
Posted
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