Hello again- another update on my dad that I am finding hard to write. The short story- he is my hero who saved my children and I from domestic violence and my now ex-husband and dedicated what should have been his retirement to being like a dad to my kids and an amazing support to me through all of this.
My parents live in Ohio; Dad (age 83) found out through increasing pain (DX 2017-Zytiga, Zometa, Lupron, Xtandi and now Xofigo) and an MRI last week that the cancer is attacking among other spots right at a nerve in his spine that leads to his legs. Immediate spot radiation began to in my dad's words, "try to save his legs." Dr. said without it, he would be paralyzed as the cancer would cut off that nerve. He has done well with the radiation, is on a steroid at the moment which had really pepped him up, generally has felt better than he had felt in a long time, more energy, better appetite, etc. Then today the shoe drops.
My brother calls me while I am in Target with my kids-today the oncologist told him (Dad) that that MRI showed the cancer in his bone marrow, that his plan now should be hospice and that the docetaxel that was planned should not happen (this is still he is too old and weak argument). The oncologist said it would weaken him too much. Dad's PSA was 31 in 1/30, 300 on 4/30 and apparently 800 yesterday based on the notes I could read in his online record. I talked to my kids tonight and we all cried. The oncologist said because it is in the bone marrow, there is nothing else to be done. Am I crazy to not accept that? My dad had been so upbeat and feeling better and ready to charge on into docetaxel and kill some of the bastar_ _. (I don't say that word :)) as some of you have put it) in chemo next after Xofigo; he was riding an exercise bike and eating strawberries and enjoying them, and today it is this. Is it really over? I need the truth- I don't want the sugar coated if it is- but if this is just the oncologist saying you'er 83 and we are not recommending more treatment for you because you are too old again, then I want to ask some questions. Anyone has chemo success with something like docetaxel with bone marrow involvement? You all are so patient and helpful- I could never than you enough for always being there!
Lora
Written by
missh2
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Well things sound bad but not necessarily as bad as you might think. My friend, Mark ...Urang ( read his bio ) has been out of treatment possibilities for a couple of years or more ...he has had PCa for over 22 years. His psa is running around 500+ right now, a few months ago it was in the 250s. He recently had radiation for a spot on his spine for extreme pain , it cured the pain mostly but his legs didn’t work afterwards. Now, a few months later he is walking again , going to stores, driving into town etc.
The point being that even after treatments are over and there is lots going on, a person with PCa can go on and on for a considerable time. Many months to years are possible ... just because treatment is over, that doesn’t necessarily mean its the end of everything right away. Your dad being 83 has lived a long time, I’m only 74 and I’d love to make it to 83 ( I won’t) So if he has the ability to hang for a couple / few more years ( even without treatment ) , he will have probably naturally expired from other circumstances and technically beat the cancer anyway. Its hard to say how everything eventually plays out but there might be far more time left than you expect.
Just say’in 💪💪💪👍👍👍
Prostate cancer can respond to treatment regardless of where it is in the body.
If he still has treatments that will work, they will work on the prostate cancer in his bone marrow. His numbers can improve with chemo. He does need to have certain minimums (blood counts) to start chemotherapy, but those are not dependant on his age.
You can look at the prescribing information for Docetaxel and see what those values are.
If he still wants to fight, I feel his doctor shouldn't be telling him he can't just based on age. He can also take 1/3 the dose weekly to make the side effects easier to tolerate. He can always stop if it isn't working or is not tolerable.
If his bone marrow is already compromised, docetaxel could make it worse. How are his blood numbers - WBC, RBC and platelets? How is his liver and kidney function? You can ask his oncologist to explain how he arrived at his assessment.
I’m sorry that the Dr would act like this due to his age.. As his advocate you can support and love him. That’s about it..It sounds like he is doing well and eating strawberries. Others may be able to advise . I welcome you here always. Please let us know how things proceed. God bless🙏
As I consider how I might proceed if and when I come to a point such as this, I always come back to the difficulty in weighing my quality of life versus the extension of my LENGTH of life.
Of course, we all want to live better AND longer. But...
So I don't think it's always just a matter, well, too old so don't bother. It can also be a matter of a certain treatment having a great impact on QoL for either better or worse. Whatever treatments are being considered, it really makes sense to consider possible impacts on QoL.
It's always a personal choice as to whether a severe lowering of QoL is worth the extra time it might buy. Obviously if that lower QoL is temporary, and you get through it to reach another period of really great QoL, then it's going to be worth it. But one cannot always predict these things, and the odds do not always determine the outcomes.
Personally, I like to think my last hurrah when "nothing more can be done" will be to get TRT and see what happens when my testosterone levels go up over 2000. It may very well be that such a risk will backfire and end up causing WORSE levels of pain and lower QoL, but at least I will have made an effort and escaped the "standard of care" that has said that all remaining mainstream therapies are a waste of time and effort.
Does he have a bloodline history of cancers. If so then immediately get Genetic Counseling and Testing for mutant genes. 2 PARP I inhibitors just FDA approved with good results for some metastatic patients. Just saying...
Hello to you. My father had some bone marrow involvement when he commenced Docetaxel late last year. Docetaxel can definitely help even when there is bone marrow involvement.
I would urge you to immediately find another medical oncologist who is well-versed in treating advanced prostate cancer.
Please read the posts by Nalakrats and Tall Allen very carefully. These are two very wise men.
If I were your dad, I would want to read Dr. Shamsuddin’s 2011 text “IP6 and Inositol”. This Univ. of MD Med, School researcher and professor has studied IP6 as a cancer treatment. I have written several lengthy posts here and suggest you read them and consider putting your dad on an IP6 regimen (the powder form) along with his other meds.
Your dad wants to live!!! This is wonderful!!! He sounds like a wonderful man!! I think you need to find oncologist/team to support that, to explore the best treatment, not to let anyone "write him off." We had second and third opinions in my husband's journey (he's 73 now) and I hope you do the same. 83 is a number, not a label; your dad sounds ready to roll! I hope to hear more of you and your dad's spunky journey.
"The short story- he is my hero who saved my children and I from domestic violence and my now ex-husband and dedicated what should have been his retirement to being like a dad to my kids and an amazing support to me through all of this."
If I recall correctly, you're located in Florida. Can you or your brother or another relative take him to see a new and better MO? If you need a referral for a doctor in Ohio why not post here and ask if anyone can recommend one. You're a good girl Charlie Lora....
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Update on my Dad: Liver Mets, next steps?
Bone Marrow and blood cells
Bone Marrow Transplant Begins
Spam me with any stories of hope or guidance for my Dad - Gleason 10, bone mets in spine 
