For fellow Gleason 10 diagnoses.
I found that when I was diagnosed I found it difficult to find any information about what I could expect.
I know that none of us have the same reactions to the same medication but still I’ll list what I’ve be through so they might see what could transpire.
I was diagnosed back in 2013 age 53, psa 9.Something, all 14 cores positive for pc. Stage 4, metastasized prostate cancer.
I have been through:
Lupron continuous from beginning, Strive, Docetaxal, Xtandi, Radium 223, Cabazitaxel, Mitoxantrone and other radiation treatments for pain etc.
Throughout the years I’ve been admitted to the hospital for adjustment to my pain meds a few times.
In January I had Gamma Knife Brain surgery for cancer above my brain stem and optical nerve.
Since that surgery I have had a titanium rod put in my left femur as it broke when I attempted to get into the shower.
Approximately 8 weeks later I had another titanium rod put into my other femur as it was too weak and was going to break also.
In addition to those surgeries I’ve been to the emergency room on a couple different occasions. Once for pain when I thought I had a broken ankle (it wasn’t), once for a fever of 101.4 (got antibiotics and two blood transfusions).
I’ve been admitted to the hospital for corrections to my pain meds.
Been put on carboplatin.
Now I’m on cytoxan. It appears that it is not working so my oncologist is trying to get me on erleada but so far the insurance company has denied it twice.
Because of the chance of further bone breakage I no longer walk and use a power chair to get around.
I now have to push like I’m birthing a baby to pass urine and have lost all feeling so I can’t feel when I have a bowel movement but I haven’t gotten to the point that I soil myself. (Just had radiation in an attempt to get some feeling back).
My bone pain is again beginning to get worse so hopefully I’ll get approved and the new drug will help.
On a lighter note I’m continually told that I look great and you wouldn’t know that I had cancer.
I know that I am running out of options other than pain relief but my team of Mo, Ro, Neurologist, Palliative Dr’s etc. still hold out hope for a decent quality of life and even if I am questionable they are all very supportive.