Results/question after passing of Dad

[SaratogaNYAnthony]

We have finally received the Foundation One results. They listed 3 genomic findings of CDKN2A/B loss, microsatellite status MS-Stable, Tumor Mutation Burden-intermediate; 8 muts. There were no FDA approved or potential clinical trials. We have about 30 pages of medical terminology that we dont understand. I wish they would provide some insight on what this means.

My dad passed Feb 23 from complications of this disease. He was on his 3 rd treatment of carbo/Jevtana. Following the treatment his WBC dropped to 0.08 and platelets to 11,000 then to 1,000, went into septic shock from acquiring an infection in his gut.

My dad was diagnosed at 65 yrs old in 2011. He chose radiation and hormone therapy at the time and always regretted not having it removed. I don’t know his Gleason score but it was either 7 or 9. He did well until It metastasized in 2015 with a PSA of 800 to his spine, rib cage, pelvis, and femur. According to mother, they tried casodex, Lupron, Zytega, Radium 223, Taxotere, Cabizitaxel, Xtandi, and a cabazitaxel/carbo cocktail when it has spread to adrenal glands.

My dad became blood transfusion dependent from 2016-Feb 2018, requiring 1-2 units (bags) every Monday. This made my dad incredibly tired all of the time and decreased his overall functional mobility.

I’m not in the medical field, but how does one become blood transfusion dependent prior to chemo?

Also, my dads biggest regret was not having removal. Would that have helped him?

Thank you and thanks for your understanding as I’m trying to still comprehend it all and navigate around in this life without my Dad.

[ctarleton]

Sorry to hear of your recent loss. It sounds like your Dad had a lot of good support and a good shot at many available treatment options during the course of his disease. I hope you do not spend too much time looking backwards.

As for any early decision to choose prostate radiation or surgery, the prognosis after getting either is still roughly comparable, I think.

As for how one may become transfusion-dependent, cancer cells themselves may eventually "crowd out" normal cells in bones that make various types of blood cells, or treatments involving initial chemos, radioactive agents, or subsequent chemos or chemo combinations can sometimes seriously impair the ability of those same cells to make enough types of healthy blood cells. (But, I'm not a doctor.)

I wish you well as you remember your Dad, and everything about the entirety of his life as you continue to grieve and heal after his death.

Charles

[Daddyishealing]

I feel so sad for you because I am on here for my dad . And it shows me what an amazing daughter you are. My dad told me when I was young,,"I'll never die, I'll live on through you" carry that thought and I wish I could just hug and hold you. I'm so very sorry.

[j-o-h-n]

May your Dad find peace in the "better place'. Try to remember only the good days that you shared with him and leave the "bad stuff" behind you. As the Greeks say "life to the living".

Good Luck and Good Health.

j-o-h-n Tuesday 04/24/2018 8:16 AM EDT