My father has stage IV prostate and is now in bones, liver, kidneys and spit on brain. They started him on Zytiga 4 days ago but I feel it might be too late. He is now in hospital and will not eat or drink, and is very confused.
He keeps counting random numbers. I'm trying to stay positive but it's very hard.
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LLCooper
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Our prayers are with you. If possible could you please share a bit more of his history? Was his PSA levels high? What treatments has he had so far? I am only asking so that we could offer you more informed suggestions of care. Again, please know we are all pulling for the two of you. You are not alone.
He has had 6 chemo treatments and hormone treatments. His PSA was over 2,000 when diagnosed 8 months ago. The PSA levels dropped to 156 during chemo. It has been almost two months since he finished his last chemo and his PSA checked again last Thursday and it's now again over 2,000..
The Zytigawasprescribed and started on Saturday.
Sorry if this sounds like I'm rambling, I'm just exhausted.
Thank you for the information. With what he has already had, the current plan is sound. Zytiga has produced remarkable results for others. No reason it will not do the same for your dad. (I am also on Zytiga.)
Cancer is harder on the caregivers than the ones with cancer. Please try to get rest. You are doing everything you can but you will need to recharge your batteries. My prayers are going out to your whole family. Please know your family here is also pulling for your dad.
Prayers and hugs for you and your Dad. I am so sorry you have to deal with this disease. When my Dad was in the hospital I would sit with him and play his favorite music that I had downloaded. It really helped. It seems like a simple thing but some of the nurses say music therapy makes a big difference. Make him some yummy homemade soup and bring it in.. it might convince him to eat. My Dad was big soup eater. My husband and boys are too. Good nutrition will help him to feel better.( Plus most hospital food is not so good)
There is a lot of good information on this forum.. and we are here for you!
My prayers are with your father. It is very hard to accept what is happening for you and him. He is probably very depressed and the first thing i would suggest is trying to get him to enjoy something and get him to eat and drink. Don't worry if it is not the best of foods he just needs to get his liquid, food and spirits up. Hopefully the doctors will take care of the cancer.
Elevated liver enzymes (ALT) and other factors related to soft tissue mets can cause confusion and nausea. A platinum chemo such as Etoposide + Carboplatin would start to work quickly. Zytiga is going to do little or nothing at this stage. Once he gets on the chemo his appetite will improve as his numbers go down. If the oncologist is reluctant get a 2nd opinion, time is of the essence.
As you know a cooper is one who makes barrels, so I am sure you will find barrels of help here. My prayers and good wishes (barrels full) to your Dad, to you and to his entire family and friends.
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