Help me ask

[Sea5]

Hi all, yesterday my dad’s local oncologist conferred with Dr. Andrew Armstrong at Duke, at Dr. A’s request. They apparently agree on the remaining options for my Dad: chemo, Provenge, Xofigo. It was a bummer to hear the onco tell me that Dr. A said we didn’t need to come see him now...we like Dr. A so much and I obviously had been feeling very hopeful that he might have something to offer us. (I’m keeping the appt. we have scheduled for late September.)

I’ve been taking notes on all the advice and info I’ve gathered here, but would appreciate hearing what questions jump to mind that you would ask the doc. For example, “Would it be helpful to have genetic testing done?” Or “why do you feel we’re ineligible for such and such treatment?” I apologize, I don’t mean for anyone to have to repeat what they’ve said to me, but I’m just wanting to be sure I’m not missing out on inquiring about something that might be of help.

Currently my dad is on Lupron, and 2 tablets daily of Xtandi. He went off Zytiga when they found he needed radiation to spine and sternum. He also had radiation to one hip. We are waiting to hear from docs at a larger hospital about the possibility of a lung biopsy. His dentist is sending him to an oral surgeon to have a spot in his mouth biopsied. He’s 86 and as I said in my first post, he wants to live...he’s a very compliant patient who will do what the doc says to do. He’s a realist with a strong streak of optimism.

[BarronS]

I would see if you can get into any lu-177 trials. I looked them up and there seems to be one location in almost every state. Worth a shot if it's close to your or your father is willing to travel a few hours once every few weeks.

Besides that, what I have learned in the last few years is that it doesn't matter what age you are, almost everybody wants to keep living.

[Sea5 in reply to BarronS]

Thanks BarronS...great idea to look into that trial! And you’re right, I guess we’re wired to keep humanity going. I guess I see my dad’s willingness to do whatever a doc might suggest to possibly improve, and the fact that he for a good while just kept on asking docs if there was any chance of going into remission, as he had with non-Hodgkins lymphoma years ago...i hope I inherited at least a little of my dad’s optimism and perseverance.

[Hidden]

He sounds like a wonderful man.. good luck in healing him..

[Hidden]

This forum is full of really tough guys that inspire us all!

His PSA history should be used as the main guide of what is going on, and that will also give an indication of how much time there is to experiment.

[j-o-h-n]

I know this may sound pollyannaish and basic. But I would ask the doctor "what would you do if it were your Dad?"

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 08/30/2019 12:16 PM DST - Pinnes

[Sea5 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Thank you, that is a great question to ask!! Really appreciate your replying.