67 yo dad with stage 4 PC

[A-rat-22]

Hi all, my dad recently got diagnosed with Acinar adenocarcinoma; Gleason's score (4+3=7) - Grade Group 3, his PSA is 235. PC has spread outside his prostate to lymph nodes and bones. He has started hormone therapy with Degarelix and already received his first round of chemo Docetaxel. He will be doing 5 more rounds of chemo every 2 weeks and then reviewed further to see how he is responding.

His oncologist’s notes read - intent of treatment is palliative and non curative. This diagnosis came out of nowhere for us and i am very worried. Anyone with similar labs as my dad who are cancer free? Is it true that at this stage it cannot be cured?

[ci17im35]

Hi. My Dad also just got the news that it's in his bones. We are just at the beginning stages of this waiting to see oncology 12/6. I'm so scared and so is he. His pain sucks and he's already thinking he's going to die. Keep us posted on your Dad. Prayers sent and lots of hugs. ❤️

[meowlicious99 in reply to ci17im35]

Pain will get better once he starts ADT soon. We had the same situation but saw a huge difference after ADT took effect. He is not going to die any time soon. Good luck!

[ci17im35 in reply to meowlicious99]

Thank you sooo much for the uplifting response. Good luck to you all too. ❤️😊🙏

[Soumen79]

Hi, there are lot of good knowledgeable persons who will come up with great advice, meanwhile you can have a look at my profile and understand this is by no means end of the road.

First line of treatment is generally very effective for advanced pc and quick and sustained response is quite normal. Count of year is quite individualistic but if you persist then I would say median survival of 5 yrs is now thing of past, with new arsenal of first line therapies we expect more than that.

First line therapy generally combines adt, abiraterone/darolutamide/xtandi and chemo in case patient is fit enough to receive that. In my opinion you should chase for this triplet therapy.

Little bit of lifestyle change helps inflammation and weight management and other physical parameters - I try to follow plant based diet without dairy product, a good dose of exercise, sleep, keep away from anything irritating, meditation - all these will not be achieved in one day, but as this traumatic phase begins to wane off with first line therapy, getting into these seems a good idea to me.

Dont worry, fight strongly.

[Soumen79 in reply to Soumen79]

Sorry I just missed that you are already receiving 2 of the triplet therapy, in my opinion its better to throw all three, check your doc opinion.

[A-rat-22 in reply to Soumen79]

thank you! Keeping our fingers crossed. The diagnosis came as a shock. Feels like our entire world has changed in a day.

[A-rat-22]

I see that you are based in India, where did you get your treatment? My dad is getting treated at Medanta, Gurgaon. Do you have any recommendations for second opinion?

[meowlicious99 in reply to A-rat-22]

You can get a teleconsult at tata memorial . you can find out how to do this via google search,

[Soumen79 in reply to A-rat-22]

I am from kolkata, India. Medanta medacity is very good, you can definitely take second opinion vis tele consultation from tata memorial mumbai,

tmc.gov.in/m_reg_new

[meowlicious99]

Chemo + ADT sounds reasonable. I believe adding a second gen for triplet might be recommended by your oncologist in near future.

Those are pretty much all the options you have at the moment. There are more as you go along this journey. I think curative intent is hard once cancer has spread to bones but like others have said people have lived a long time with non-curative pca.

[RealtorDude]

I’m involved with “Healing Strong” cancer survivor and thrivers from all over the country. I found Dr. Gary Onik in Fort Lauderdale Florida through a member. I have prostate cancer also I have consulted with him for his immunotherapy which for me has been the most hope for prostate cancer spread outside of the prostate. I highly recommend that you research him on his website and other reviews on him from Google. garyonikmd.com/ If you or your dad haven’t accepted Jesus Christ as your savior, now is a good time to seek Him and ask for His divine guidance and mercy. God bless you and your family.

[GSDF in reply to RealtorDude]

Right on, brother!

[Finlay66]

I'm in a similar position with cancer in the bones. You can see my story in my profile. My only additional comment is to say that based on current treatments the cancer is incurable but that could change of course and drug advancements seem to be quite fast.

Degarelix is a very good drug and has done wonders for me in term of bone pain. I also receive Zometa alongside chemo. Best wishes.

[Tall_Allen]

There are no known medical technologies that can cure HIV, diabetes, or metastatic prostate cancer. However, with the right therapies, one can live with it for a very long time and maybe die of something else first.

The latest advance for men like your father is called "triplet therapy." This would involve adding abiraterone or darolutamide to the docetaxel and Degarelix he is already receiving. It is important that they all be given at the same time. Discuss with his oncologist.

prostatecancer.news/2021/05...

[A-rat-22 in reply to Tall_Allen]

thanks a lot! I think they did not add the third due to his preexisting heart condition. But will bring it up with the doctor.

[meowlicious99 in reply to A-rat-22]

A-rat-22 I believe darolutamide isn't easily available in India ( Please confirm this on your side). Neither is apalutamide . Only two widely available options in India are abiraterone and enzalutamide. Both are widely considered to be safe but there are obviously increased risk of CV adverse events. You can discuss with your oncologist and make a decision. Good luck!

[Boywonder56]

All in here with advanced pc...are living with same dx......

[Jp2sea]

Yes as noted, I think most on this forum are living with this unfortunate disease, and we all have hope to live and enjoy for years. Keep smiling and enjoying the time you/ we have.