Radiation Therapy : Me again. My dad... - Advanced Prostate...

Advanced Prostate Cancer

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Radiation Therapy

FrancescaO profile image
12 Replies

Me again. My dad just had his first consultation for radiation treatment. So many questions after we left as this particular Doctor was absolutely horrible. Needless to say we won’t be going back to her, but now my dad does not want radiation treatment. He is 94 and just recently diagnosed with Bone Mets. He was scheduled for MRI but had to reschedule as even laying down on hard surface was too painful. He was on Norco but now being prescribed Morphine and Dexamethasone. Trying to keep him as comfortable as possible and it seems to be working. He is a very young 94, extremely positive and doesn’t want to end up in hospital. Oncologist told us that with radiation a side effect may be trouble swallowing and he may be hospitalized. I know that would be very difficult for my dad. My parents live independently in their own home and I know besides his health my mom is a major concern for him. Does anyone have more input on radiation therapy? Thank you!

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FrancescaO profile image
FrancescaO
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12 Replies
FrancescaO profile image
FrancescaO

Thank you for the reply. It helps with questions I can present to Doctors. The concern I have the radiation doctor had said they were going to do an MRI and a pre set up for the treatment so they will know exactly where treatment is needed (his pain is in shoulders and back) and now they are saying they’re not going to do an MRI and just start treatment. Where? His whole back? Not a lot of communication with doctors.

Just an idea for pain relieve in addition to therapies: What about cannabis oil instead morphine? Or to dose with less morphine. Could be interesting to try since less side effects. Could also help during radiotherapy against side effects from therapy.

FrancescaO profile image
FrancescaO in reply to

My dad is open to alternative treatment. The biggest issue is when he was told he wouldn’t be able to swallow and possibly have to be put in hospital.

Mac59 profile image
Mac59 in reply to

Hi

My husband has stage 4 prostate cancer and just had radiation as a one off to his hip for pain. It has made it worse. He is on stronger pain killers now and wndone for break through which is helping but doesn't take it away fully. How do you get access to the cannibas oil? Does your GP have to get it for you? Not slit of medical doctors agree with it. Thanks in advance. Jill

in reply to Mac59

We are in Switzerland here we have legal access to CBD oil, THC only illegally doing our own oil.

Taking it sublingual.

In US many states do have medical cannabis. You should contact John Malaca from United Patients and try to connect to a cannabis doctor (for ratio, strains). CKC Facebook group can also help.

It is a worth a trial, does not work for every body.

Mac59 profile image
Mac59 in reply to

Thank you. We are in Australia. It is difficult to find a doctor that does support medicinal Cannabis but will keep fighting on. Thanks again.

YostConner profile image
YostConner

I’m sorry I don’t remember the real name, but when I had radiation that affected swallowing, they prescribed what they referred to as “magic mouthwash.” It helped a lot. Good wishes to your dad.

FrancescaO profile image
FrancescaO in reply to YostConner

Thank you...I’m taking lots of notes!

YostConner profile image
YostConner in reply to FrancescaO

From the net: “The most common ingredients are diphenhydramine, viscous lidocaine, antacid, nystatin, and corticosteroids (Chan & Ignoffo, 2005). Administration is usually 30 ml every 4–6 hours (“Magic Mouthwash Recipes,” 2009).” can’t guarantee mine was the same, but the radiation oncologist should be familiar with it.

FrancescaO profile image
FrancescaO in reply to YostConner

Thank you!

Tall_Allen profile image
Tall_Allen

The radiation should give him immediate (within a week or two) relief of pain from his bone mets. They only have to zap him once or twice with SBRT (8-10 Gy). SBRT is very precise. They can additionally limit the dose to the salivary glands by contouring them - a CT is usually adequate, he doesn't need an MRI.

94 just make his life and pain free and let it go. come on there is no cure and at this time of his life let him enjoy the time he has left. if u want him to go threw all of the treatments that are available then do so,but he could get sick, painful and who knows how his frail body will handle. without the treatments he could live another 2 more years before his body goes so let it do its thing dude

charlie

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