**UPDATE** & Help Needed - Dad with PSA 1200 stage 4 Original post is linked below

[kikinini]

healthunlocked.com/advanced...

Hi all,

Your info and well wishes served me so well last week, just trying to squeeze a little more out of you..been AWOL for a few days, have been with Dad in hospital. He was beginning to do well, walking unaided, feet swelling gone, was able to move and dress himself. I thought things were looking up. Spoke to his oncologist whilst I was with him.

Dad has had pelvic fractures since diagnosis and his pelvis has caused him a lot of pain. We asked for radiation on the pelvis and the hospital doing the radiation wanted an up to date CT scan, after which he was sent for an x-ray. Transpires he has an impending fracture (along with his previous fractures) and so they will not do any RT to his pelvis, not wanting to compromise bone marrow. So he has to be 'cautious'.

He was discharged 2 days ago after being given his 2nd chemo and also a HT injection and is at home now. Very weak (obviously double whammy of chemo and HT) but for some time now he has had a distended belly which I know is fluid build up. He has had this for at least 2 months, and feels so bloated and uncomfortable when he eats (appetite very good btw). Each time I met the oncologist, I would mention his tummy but there was always something more urgent to deal with.

I know this may sound like a silly question, considering everything else that is happening with Dad, but how worried should I be about about his ascites(?) Will this only get worse? He looks so frail and weak, and I do not know what this signifies. Liver issues?

The one time I saw the oncologist, he seemed almost resigned to the fact that not much can be done about his cancer....saying 'his symptom load/burden is very high".

Trying to find any semblance of hope....please!

Thanks in advance

Omer

[Tall_Allen]

He can get some relief from the ascites by having the fluid drained. They usually use paracentesis, but if it is going to be a frequent procedure, they may want to implant a permanent catheter through the skin.

[kikinini in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks Tall_Allen, as usual the voice of reason

Also, does him having this fluid build up mean that the disease is progressing?

[Tall_Allen in reply to kikinini]

Ascites is associated with cancer progression.

[MyDad76]

You say: “but for some time now he has had a distended belly which I know is fluid build up.”

Did doctors determine by tests that he has a fluid build up? I think you could also turn to your GP how to manage ascites (if this is the case).

[kikinini in reply to MyDad76]

Yes they have said it is fluid build up but have not offered any solution, so I may just call his GP on Monday and see what they say. Thanks for that

[CAMPSOUPS in reply to kikinini]

You were saying he has a good appetite. How was it just prior to starting chemo?

[Kenn2017]

I was given a Zoledronic acid infusion to prevent bone fractures. I personally self medicate with fenbenzadole and have cut my PSA by over 50%. I wish you and your father love and wellness..

[MyDad76]

Hi Omer just wanted to say I've been thinking of you and your dad. Hope things are not too tough.