Psa

[Chrisnarth]

Hubby's psa shot up from 154 to 279 in four weeks he has had lots of treatment including chemo we feel chemo feed the cancer as his psa was 18.5 when he started it dec last yr do you think this is the beginning of the end for him

[Tall_Allen]

Chemo can't feed the cancer. The cancer can be resistant to it, however.

[Bluebird11]

Chris... I don't have an answer about chemo and the psa numbers.. I'm not sure I'd put it in the area of feeding the cancer though, again.. I don't know. It could have weakened his immune system, that is one possibility.. the other in alternative means and a long shot is when things die off they can raise numbers .. yet this is since December.? Does he detoxify in some way so that what is being killed off leaves his body . There are gentle ways of detoxing.. like skin brushing and showering.. there are baths that can be taken.. focused breathing.. earthing on the ground is something a lot of people do.

One thing is that I feel for you.. I am always getting the message to not give up hope..

There are so many levels to grief that we caregivers feel.. There are so many thoughts of all kinds that enter our mind. When I find myself thinking morbidly or in that mode.. I really try to be aware. I don't beat myself up for it.. I just come into the moment and say.. he's still here with me.. and I'm going to savor it all.. and, of course, sometimes, just fall apart.. or distract myself.

Although, it's tough.. it's a steep road...one that is so integral to be on with him.

Tough stuff... I'm sure you know the roller coaster ride.. Often I say, I just don't give a damn about the numbers. I'm not going to live by numbers, yet they are indicators.. while saying that, I hear the numbers and they do affect me....

How does he feel? That's important..

I know how much isolation is a part of coping or grieving. We each went into our corners. We are switching that up. I feel that I'm crying on one level, grateful on another, numb.. so many emotions.

I'm sorry I got into the feeling emotional side. Though when you said, the beginning of the end for him.. I thought.. there is no beginning .. there is no end.. there just is.. moment to moment.. Wishing you both strength.. and courage to be with this all... we just don't know.. we learn to live with uncertainty... a lesson much of the world is now experiencing...

We are brave courageous people...

[Chrisnarth in reply to Bluebird11]

Thank you for your kind words his health is up and down at the moment today is a good day but he struggles walk with the pain in his hips and spine x

[Magnus1964]

Has he been through radiation or any ADT drugs, i.e. casodex, xtandi, zytiga?

[Chrisnarth in reply to Magnus1964]

Not radiotherapy but had the rest hes now on morphine for pain x

[Chrisnarth]

Just not radiotherapy but everything else

[ctarleton]

I know these are such difficult times for you. Seeing PSA numbers go up like that can really be frightening. For whatever it may anecdotally be worth, you might not want to focus so much on the actual PSA number, itself. It will be what it will be. The overall picture of what shows up on scans, and where it shows up, and what kinds of palliation he is getting for any other pain or symptoms could take precedence.

Again, anecdotally of course, but I was "alive" at original diagnosis with very widespread mets and a ridiculous PSA of 5,006. I knew a man from a support group who had gone through many treatments, but was still hanging in there despite the fact that his PSA had risen again into the 2,000s.

Regardless of how long he may yet live, now might be a good time to call in any additional consulting reinforcements for managing any symptoms or pain he may be having. The same might be true for aligning any extra assistance for home care or equipment, and caregiver aid and respite care. .... Just some thoughts...

Charles

[Hidden]

Chemotherapy is not going to “feed” his cancer. It is going to kill the little bastards. Now there may be more little bastards in his body than the chemotherapy can kill without killing him first. It takes a strong body to withstand the effects of of chemotherapy. Hopefully he is also on hormone therapy to help.

GD

[Fairwind]

If his cancer is confined to his bones, R-223 might work for him..If you can afford it, travel to Germany where Lu-177 and other advanced treatments are available..It's a shame but the U.S. has fallen way behind in the field of Nuclear Medicine..

[Chrisnarth in reply to Fairwind]

We live in England hes starting radium 225 on Wednesday but was told it will ease the pain but not kill the cancer .the cancer is also in his lymph nodes and bladder

[j-o-h-n]

Greeting Chris.... can you give us more bio info regarding your dear husband? Age? All prior treatments? Doctor's name(s)? All info is voluntary but it helps us help him and helps us too.

Thank you!!!

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 06/08/2020 5:46 PM DST