Update on Dad and ideas πŸ’‘ - Advanced Prostate...

Advanced Prostate Cancer

20,782 members β€’ 25,888 posts

Update on Dad and ideas πŸ’‘

CBurnett profile image
CBurnett
β€’14 Replies

Dad entered hospital last week after 3rd round of docetaxal chemo. He was having difficulty breathing which they related to too much dilaudid slow release. He is still in the hospital as they are trying to figure out his pain meds.(should have been done back in December) Did a conference call today with his oncologist who feels chemo may not be working because of pain level and PSA. Starting PSA was 59.6, 46, 43. Wasn't happy with only a slight drop. She said if drop is not significant this time then we may need to try something new. Looking for thoughts, ideas, suggestions on next step, help of any sort. You guys have been my knowledge that I bring with me to every meeting with doctors. I can't thank you enough already for your help. His current line of treatment- docetaxel chemo every three weeks, prednisone, xgeva every 4 weeks, and Lupron every 4 months. For pain they have him on a fentenol patch and started him on naboline.

Thank you again for all your help.

Written by
CBurnett profile image
CBurnett
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
14 Replies
β€’
erjlg3 profile image
erjlg3

I don't have any knowledgeable info I just wanted to let you know that you and your dad are in my thoughts and my prayers. Sending healing hugs for both of you. Most sincere, Jackie

CBurnett profile image
CBurnett in reply to erjlg3

Thank you Jackie. Never a battle I ever wanted to fight, but we will do our best. Xo

patandemma profile image
patandemma

patandemma CBurnett

RE: shortness of breath

As you may know,Docetaxel can cause major fluid retention in some patients (me). This can definitely result in shortness of breath.

If his appetite has been poor for 3 cycles of docetaxel and he has NOT lost significant weight,that may be a clue that retaining fluid is the reason he has not lost weight.

In my case I put myself on a course of diuretics and lost about 20 pounds. Marked increase in endurance and strength due to ability to exercise more.

Good luck with searching for a more effective therapy

CBurnett profile image
CBurnett

What diuretics did you use? His appitetite has stayed fairly well. He eats three good meals a day- usually small portions but a fair amount.

patandemma profile image
patandemma

Is he eating the same amount as he did BEFORE chemo?

How does his weight compare to pre-chemo?

I used lasix and aldactone together

CBurnett profile image
CBurnett in reply to patandemma

Smaller healthier meals but not equivalent as before. Has always ha a big belly.

Jay10 profile image
Jay10

Sending you a big hug from the UK, hope you get the meds sorted so that your dad feels more comfortable soon.

rococo profile image
rococo

I think they still do respiratory.therapy. it isn't rocket science just proper breathing and keeping lungs clear.

JoelT profile image
JoelT

There is a good article published in the Canadian Journal of Oncology showed that the more robust the PSA response the better the survival advantage. If he does not have a better response after one more round and given his side effects, he should instead consider and discuss with his doctor an alternative treatment.

Joel

CBurnett profile image
CBurnett in reply to JoelT

Any suggestions on what treatments he should ask or try next?

JoelT profile image
JoelT in reply to CBurnett

What treatments gas he had and what type responses has he had? Has he had any genetic screening?

Joel

CBurnett profile image
CBurnett

Hi Joe. He's only done 3 rounds of docetaxal, prednisone, Lupron and Xgeva. Lupron worked for first two shots so urologist skipped next then PSA went up so restarted. With docetaxal he's handled chemo well but psa has only gone from 59 to 46 to 43. His sister had the genetic screening and it was negative so his doctor said he didn't need it done. However his father passed away years ago from prostate cancer.

Cancer09 profile image
Cancer09

It seems that there is a universal plan for this cancer ..casodex .zytiga .xtandi .taxotere .jevtana ..xgeva and lupron in between courses ..the dr here in fla gave a weekly taxotere treatment .less harsh then every 3 weeks ..my husband tried xofigo for pain ..that was his last attempt with this cancer ...he had pain flares and it depleted his blood levels ..fight the flight

rfurgason profile image
rfurgason

Trouble breathing can definitely be fluid retention backing up into his lungs. A diuretic like lasix would certainly help if this was the case. A Chest Xray could confirm if fluid in lungs. The pain med shouldnt give him difficulty breathing but rather it slows down his respirations. respirations should be between 12 and 20 a minute normally. First though, even though i am saying this last, just want you to know I am rooting for you and my thoughts are with you. Take care. Anne and Ron

You may also like...

Update On Dad's Duke visit

on Xtandi 23 days and his PSA is currently 113, also Lupron q 6mo shot and Xgeva 1 injection so...

Update on my Dad: Liver Mets, next steps?

bicalutimide and Lupron, then did a walking tour in May, which left him very fatigued and set him...

UPDATE on my dad. A story of hope.❀️ #advancedPC

He is 85. His PSA was 5000. (Today 28 months later his PSA is 0.031 and still dropping) He was...

Update on my dad. Need help, hope. Docetaxel over 80?

mainly in hip. If you could see him, though, you'd never guess he's 83! His psa went from 31 in...

**UPDATE** & Help Needed - Dad with PSA 1200 stage 4 Original post is linked below

to his oncologist whilst I was with him. Dad has had pelvic fractures since diagnosis and his...