Is it possible to have chemo again after radiation?

[dvcarola2]

After 4yrs and several treatment protocols (zytiga, docetaxel, xtandi, lu177, cabazitaxel, cabazitaxel+carbo) my husband now has numerous mets on the spine and his pca has traveled to the rectum as well. Nothing worked. PSA kept rising altho his pca emits little PSA. His PSA is just 60 now but he has numerous mets along the spine, ribs, shoulders, lymph nodes, rectum. No known genetic mutations as per Foundation One. So, we are now exploring radiation (IMRT, SBRT, etc) since he has not done it yet.

And yday we discussed with a radiation oncologist and he said we needed to get clearance from our main onco first because if we do radiation (IMRT), it might be harder later on for chemo drugs to penetrate the spots that were radiated because the nerves normally shrinks after radiation. I wanted to ask if this is really the case? He also mentioned about thrombosis?

He also said radiation is normally done at the very end when we have exhausted all treatment options. I just find it hard to believe because Ive read in this forum of people doing chemo or other treatment options after they had radiation. I might be wrong so need your help and opinions please. TIA.

[Tall_Allen]

What is the purpose of the radiation?

[dvcarola2 in reply to Tall_Allen]

First, to protect the spine as it gets painful at times. Also, i think it would be better to have the spine radiated now while he still can walk and not when he can no longer walk at all.

Second, hoping to get the prostate bed/rectal area radiated because there is already some obstruction and husband goes to poop several times a day because only a little comes out everytime.

Third, to buy us a little more time.

[Tall_Allen in reply to dvcarola2]

3. It will not buy you more time.

2. It will probably increase, not decrease, rectal problems

1. It will probably relieve pain. That is the only reason to do it.

[dvcarola2 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Ok thank you for your honest inputs TA.

[GP24]

Obstructions are usually treated with surgery. An MRI will show what is causing the obstruction and then you can discuss with a surgeon if he can help.

[dvcarola2 in reply to GP24]

Thank you GP34, yes we are seeing the colorectal surgeon on Monday to see if he can remove the obstruction.

[Fastingguy]

End of life chemo didn‘t resonate with me after Xtandi for nearly four years. I chose hospice instead because of comorbid pulmonary fibrosis which is further advanced than the cancer. Enjoying what‘s left of my life (I‘m 74). All the best to you and your husband.

[dvcarola2 in reply to Fastingguy]

Thank you and same to you. May you also have a meaningful and wonderful time with your loved ones in the remaining time ahead.