...but our story is ended. My Dad passed away on 11/16/19. I feel very remiss for not posting sooner, but it has been hard. Only just now am I able to breathe without feeling as though a knife is stuck in my chest.
There is a twist to my Dad's story that I have wanted to share, in the hope that it will help someone else. My Dad went to the hospital for a liver biopsy at the end of October. He was kept there for a week, with very little information forthcoming (which has been a peeve of mine throughout this ordeal). Through his patient portal, I was finally able to read the biopsy results myself and a phrase used there indicated that what had been previously determined to be liver metastases might actually be damage from another cause. That got me researching as to what that cause might be and, with the help of a naturopath I have worked with for a number of years, we were able to confirm that my Dad had chronic, undiagnosed Hepatitis C, in addition to PCa. He likely acquired the virus during his Vietnam service. Knowing that piece made so many inconsistencies I had been seeing click into place! And it gave Dad comfort to understand, at last, why his condition worsened so quickly. It is indescribably bittersweet that by the time we knew the full truth, it was too late to help Dad. I wish life had Instant Replay - how differently we would have approached this the second time around!
I will post further about some of the indicators and pieces I have put together that may be helpful for others. For the moment, I will add only this: the CDC has recently said that all Americans born between 1945-1965 should be tested for Hep C (Canda has issued a similar recommendation). *It is particularly important for anyone who served in Vietnam*, as the incidence of the disease is prevalent in that age range and the risk is exacerbated by war service (no concrete reason has been given, but there is a theory that the vaccine gun used at that time may have helped to spread the virus). Also, anyone who received blood transfusions or a donated organ prior to 1992 should be tested as well.
My Mom and I would like to express our deepest and most sincere thanks all of you who have posted questions, experiences, suggestions and wisdom here. You gave us hope when we had none. We will forever be grateful for that kindness and for your willingness to share your time and knowledge.
I hope to be able to continue to contribute to this forum, albeit it in a very small way, due to the brevity of our experience. At the very least, I can continue to send prayers and good wishes. I love reading about new breakthroughs in treatment, as well as the successes you each post. Both give me hope that someday soon, this beast will be fully tamed!
I wish you all the very best in your journeys - may the answers you need reach you in time.
-Sunlight
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Sunlight12
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Hi Sunlight, sorry to hear about your Dad. I was cured from Hep C about 20 years ago and luckily had 20 years for my liver to heal before being diagnosed with PC. I had to be taken off of Abiraterone because of high liver enzymes and I switched from Lupron to Eligard because for the first month of Lupron my liver enzymes also elevated. According to my MO not everyone checks their liver enzymes when taking Lupron so some guys may not know that the enzymes are elevated. My MO suspects that my enzymes may have elevated from Lupron due to my past history with Hep C. Anyway I don’t have the elevated enzymes with my current therapy of Eligard and Darolutamide but it was very stressful in the beginning not knowing if there were drugs that wouldn’t elevate my enzymes. Would be a good idea for all guys to check for Hep C. Peace to you and your family.
Sorry to hear the news. This once again proves that life is unpredictable. Thats where I tend to believe in destiny. God/ Universe has a plan for us and only his plan works. We can only pray.
So sorry to hear. You loved your dad and wanted the best for him, and that's still an inspiring story even if it was significantly shorter than we'd all hoped for.
Yours is a very sad story. I now understand why my PC doctor had me take the Hep-C test recently. I hope that you have some wonderful memories with your Dad that will fill some of that empty feeling.
You seem like someone who will be able to move on with your life and that's what dad's want for their children. Have a great, happy and healthy life!
Thank you so much for sharing this sad news and taking the time to communicate this well-composed and specific information. God bless you and your mom.
Thank you for your very helpful post. Hope you pain will ease soon. But not the anger at why so many things are not shared freely by our treatment professionals.
My sincere condolences to you. It is understandable that you needed time before posting. There is no need to express any type of apology to anyone. You took the time you needed. Know that the information in your post is valuable and it is appreciated. Thank you.
Very sorry for the loss of your dad; the pain is overwhelming, but you and your family were there for your dad every step of the way (and beyond), and I'm sure he knew and felt that, every step of the way - I'm sure it provided him with immeasurable comfort throughout his journey.
What a ray of sunlight you are...all should be as blessed to have sucj caring offspring...sorry for your loss may the good memories supercede the painful ones...he must be happy knowing he raised a angel here on earth.....its just a box of rain.....B.W...
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**UPDATE** & Help Needed - Dad with PSA 1200 stage 4 Original post is linked below
How would one look for clinical trials.
Stage 4 Bladder Cancer?
