We went to my husband oncologist this pass Wednesday. My husband has been on xofigo for the past four months, his ps a went from 250 in May to 309 this july, doctor ordered bone scan and ct scan. Since he has been on xofigo he has trouble sleeping, hot flashes, cold, extreme loss is energy, more pain in the lower back and knees. He has to lay down in the afternoon every day cause he is so exhausted. His doctor doesn't want to give him any sleeping pills, he wants him to retrain himself to not nap during the day, so he can sleep at night???? Retrain, he is exhausted all the time and because of night sweats and getting up to use the bathroom, he doesn't get hardly any sleep at night. Doctor said try melatonin, he did before and it didn't work. What the hell!!! My husband has stage 4 prostate cancer and he can even get sleeping pills??? I'm I wrong for thinking this way?? Going out of my mind! Hate to see my husband this way.
Just need to vent.: We went to my... - Advanced Prostate...
Just need to vent.
I understand the genuine concern of a caring wife, Sadly, the powerful medical Industrial and legal complex has practically enslaved doctors and fitted them into tight box . Once who have independent thinking are intimidated by hired legal guns which forces them to use certain meds/treatments (SOC) and not use their own mind. Most doctors comply out of fear.
I would suggest you make an appointment for your husband with a psychiatrist who can evaluate his sleep problem and prescribe an effective sleep aid.
We live in a fear driven society and are mostly afraid to speak our ideas... I wish your husband full 8 hours of restful sleep which he deserves certainly.
Seems crazy to me that he would not prescribe a sleeping pill. I’d speak to your husband’s internal medicine doctor instead of the MO and get a prescription.
Good luck! We are pulling for you and your husband!
James
You should definitely consult another doctor. The current one is not meeting your husband's needs.
When the cancer is running fast like dear hubbies one might hope the taxon chemos might hit them hardest. I wouldn’t wait til he was too sick to survive the assault on his compromised physiology. Just my gut feeling.
I really think more xofigo only means more wasted time. God I hate telling it the way I see it....I just feel I have to say something.
I’d try over the counter unisom. Actually works better for me than lunesta that the dr prescribed.
As I write this it's 3:35am. My personal physician gives me Ambian. I use it in extreme need. Can't remember when it was last refilled? I do fight or stay busy every day so my sleep cycle is regular. Even when my night is yukky like tonight.
Ambian is my go to when it's REALLY needed. As info all my Oncologists approve of me having it.
I used Ambien for years and was addicted to it. Those years seem lost when I look back. I would try anything other than Ambien first.
(Re-thinking oncologist response...).I feel he might be worried about your husband falling down at night and as he has weak bones ..getting a fracture...He got fearful and did not prescribe a sleep aid.
But, still its a minimum decency to explain to you what his concerns are about not able to write a sleeping pill...and suggest you go to a psychiatrist and get it plus have a social worker visit home need to check safety and fall precautions etc.
Thank you all for your respones, I really appreciate all of them. I called my husband primary doctor this morning and he is giving him some sleeping pills, hopefully they will work. Now just have to wait and see what's going on with the bone scan and ct scan. Thanks again for letting me vent!
I would highly recommend THC / CBD if you have access. Makes my husband sleep like a baby - no waking up whatsoever. Or - if he has nausea, there are melatonin patches, melatonin cream (Amazon) and also melatonin suppositories - all seem to work well for my husband when his nausea prevents him from taking anything orally.
And yes - the DR sounds like he should be replaced!
I wish THC was legal in Wisconsin, I think we both would be using it....lol
oh that is unfortunate - sorry to hear. Is there any legislation there allowing it for cancer patients?
Not yet but hopefully soon.
What about just CBD? That actually works for me. I get it from the health food store. Or maybe you know someone who will make a trip to Colorado.
I'm on Ambien and I got that through my regular physician, not the oncologist. My mom's doctor won't prescribe it to her, though. I understand if the physician has safety concerns for older folks. Soft music, a nice diffuser and a happy bedtime ritual can work wonders...even if you don't have a medication cocktail before bed.
I understand the tired during the day part. If I didn’t take 2 Ritalin each day would nap all day and probably be awake at night. Not suggesting he take them but it works for me. I take one at 6:30 am and one 1:00 pm. Might ask your doc if it is a possibility to help stay awake. I sleep like a baby if I can stay up till 9:30 or 10:00
Good luck
See a new MO.... Where are you located? Maybe someone here can recommend one.
Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.
j-o-h-n Saturday 07/20/2019 8:08 PM DST
Only thing is, my husband really likes this doctor. We see his urologist the first week in August and I have a bunch of questions for him about the MO, and see what he has to say. Thanks!!
Wisconsin
"likes his doctor" and I used to like my ex-wife.... I'm not trying to convince you to see a new MO it was just a suggestion. As they say "whatever floats your (his) boat"... Hopefully you'll get some feedback from his Urologist to help him.
BTW why not put a pee cup by the bed at night so it will make it easier and quicker to fall back to sleep. One member here suggested a used Gatorade bottle because of the wide opening.
I wish you both -
Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.
j-o-h-n Sunday 07/21/2019 12:40 PM DST
You should definitely consider another MO opinion. ASAP. Can’t hurt. Might help.
Approved for Xofigo
Wants to end treatment 
Need to share some bad news..this is finally written by his Wife (widow)
New to HealthUnlocked
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