Dad just diagnosed, PSA 236

[StayingSTRNG]

Honestly just looking to see what to expect! My dad (65) got diagnosed with prostate cancer but initially they thought it may be lymphoma because his prostate looked fine and he had very enlarged lymph nodes. His PSA was over 236 and he has confirmed Mets on his pelvis, and on his spine, specifically on the T1 vertebrae where there is now a fracture. He also has a blood clot that is being managed and monitored

No treatment has been started yet, we are still waiting on more information and to speak in person with the oncologist. We are stressing of course but just really want to know what to maybe expect and maybe some tips. We also are wondering if anyone has diet tips because right now he has little to no fat due to weight loss, it has been hard to get injections even through the belly as a result. Thank you in advance!

[NotAlwaysSunshine]

Hello - How old/young is your father and where approximately do you live? There are many treatments available. Do you research. My husband is 61 with advanced PC. We are 3 years into this and he's doing pretty good despite the diagnosis. As far as diet - everyone has their own opinion. Our oncologist says anything in moderation.

[StayingSTRNG in reply to NotAlwaysSunshine]

He is 65, we live in Canada

[Tall_Allen]

Discuss "triplet therapy" with his doctor:

prostatecancer.news/2021/05...

Medical marijuana may increase his appetite.

[jazj]

You found a great place to get input. I would add, get second opinions on treatment plans and if you get conflicting info, then a third opinion may be warranted (which this community might provide that function for you.) I'd also ask for frankness about cost/benefit ratio - costs being side effect severity related to quality of life and benefit being, realistic actual benefit in the big picture of things.

[Stoneartist]

From my experience they should start him on Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and chemotherapy (Docetaxel) immediately - after a short course of casodex. (Even better is triplet therapy as suggested by Tall-Allen) The injections (Zoladex) put a tiny ampule just under the skin so it should work with little body fat. Everybody reacts differently and there are always side effects - the most noticeble being hair loss - it grows back again. The lymphodema is most probably caused by metastasis in the lymph nodes and should subside once the treatment gets a hold (I had swelling in the groin - gone after 4 weeks). Good luck

[StayingSTRNG in reply to Stoneartist]

Hi, thank you for your response. I do have a question for you. Currently he is on the ADT, however they have informed us that he is not an ideal candidate for the docetaxel right now. And will not be unless his performance status improves. He’s still mobile but has some trouble getting up and walking for very long. Is this true that it cant be done? Because I feel like I’ve seen people in worse conditions who were eligible (I may be mistaken).

[Stoneartist in reply to StayingSTRNG]

He needs to be fit enough to tolerate chemo - and that has to be a medical decision. You can discuss with the MO on how they draw the line. But all evidence suggests that chemo is good if he is strong enough to tackle it.

[j-o-h-n]

Listen to Tall_Allen.....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 07/01/2022 6:55 PM DST

[Kevinski65]

limit fats and sugar