Good morning, A week ago my brother aka Savkid passed away. He fought valiantly this cancer for just over 2 years since diagnosis. I am ever grateful that we had the time we did. I will miss him alot
In the last month, he became increasingly weak after the second chemo (docetaxel) treatment, so treatments were abandoned. Metasisis had moved into the shoulders and a spot was seen at he back of the cerebellum just above the spine. The pancreas appeared to be inflamed and lesions were seen in both lungs. During these last days, urine production slowed. It was then I knew that we were on to a different stage- palliative. No more tests.
His death seemed rather sudden- 5 days into palliative/comfort care. Pain management was the only treatment. I had expected that the many lesions growth would have been continuous until they sucked life from him., so the sudden death spared him what I envisioned to be a rather awful death. For this I am grateful. He gave it his all but realized in March that this disease had more grit than him. He was never going to outpace it.
My brother is now at peace. He had long accepted his destiny in 2021 after the spinal surgery but fought well and stayed with us long enough to have one more vacation, one more Christmas, and was able to witness some milestones in the life of his beloved nephew.
Thank You for all the words of encouragement, suggestions, and advice. The key thing with treatments for any initial stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis, and therefore my message; as I see it is:
1. Do chemo early when you are stronger- I suspect the results and outcome may be better than starting some of the drugs used especially if there is bone metastasis.
2. Radiation helps with pain. With spinal tumours only partially removed, revisit radiation periodically to contain the regrowth of the tumour.
3. Xtandi and Zolodex (via injection), with exercise helps, but will not be enough longterm.
Wishing all survivors continued strength and progress.
I'm so sorry. I lost my husband 2 years ago and now my brother has PC. His PSA did not fall low enough after surgery, so now he's looking at metastatic disease too (although early stages). Your advice about hit it hard early will be noted - I'm already looking ahead to more than standard of care if at all possible.
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Like you, we were surprised at how quickly the end went, but grateful for organ failure vs some of the other options. Be kind to yourself in coming days! Caregiver guilt and PTSD is a real thing. If you can find a support group, it can help to talk through the things you experienced that you can't share with anyone who hasn't been through it.
I mentioned my personal situation only so she'd know I've been where she is. I'm sorry if that came across as less than supportive? Was not meant that way at all.
It does not automatically mean metastasis. After surgery my husband had 4.4 psa. I freaked out! But got him the psma pet scan. It showed activity on 3 pelvic lymph nodes. He got radiation from a great doctor. Also had some Lupron and zytiga.
It's been 3 years since surgery and almost 2 years without any lupron or zytiga. No evidence of disease!!
I am sorry to hear about him. He was lucky to have you. Yes, I agree that a quick death is sometimes a blessing, although at the time it is hard to see it that way. Great advice, especially about early use of chemo.
Sister, Iām so sorry to hear about your brotherās passing. He was unlucky to get this disease, but extremely lucky to have such a wonderful, caring, loving sister, nephew and family. Condolences
my deepest condolences to you and the family. It sounds like your brother was surrounded by loving family when he passed. Thank you for advocating for your brother, I know you loved him very much.
I am so sorry. My husband just passed two months ago, so I know firsthand how difficult these days are. Your brother was blessed with a wonderful sister, and is wrapping you and your family in love.
My sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved brother and many thx for your recommendations, with which I fully agree. Iāve got surgery, ADT and chemo at the same time after being diagnosed. I experienced a very hard time but it paid off.
Wishing you strength for the upcoming days, some day we will all be reunited.
so sorry for your loss - you were clearly a great comfort to him in this difficult journey from diagnosis through treatments. May he rest in peace ā¤ļø
I'm so sorry. I'm glad he was spared further pain. We chose for my husband to do chemo early (dx Nov. '22) - just finished round 2. Sending wishes for peace for your family.
Sorry for your loss, but thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us . Something you said makes a lot of sense. "Start Chemo Early While Still Strong" I've never had Chemo, and will likely be too weak when (if) it's determined I need it. My treatment began with adt + zytiga prednisone and xgeva, as I too was loaded with bone mets. May your brother rest easy, and thanks again for sharing.
I think and know the patience and support you gathered around him made the journey very helpful and loving which all of us desire you gave the anchor that you are not alone until we the music stops
May your dear Brother be testing out his wings and may he wear his golden Halo just right. He will always be your Brother Angel. May God choose him to be a close Angel. Your shared love will remain with both of you forever. Take care of yourself...
Im sorry for the loss of your brother and thank you for thinking of us. I have lost two brothers so far and the way we cope is we always bring up funny things they did and the sayings they always used. Your brother will live forever in your siblings and family.
Next week on a quiet peaceful evening we will climb in, strap in, taxi out and aim the nose to the heavens...then we will flash our wigwags to your brother ......SK and Penny (woof)
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thank you for taking the time, during this period of grief, to reach out to the rest of us with your observations. God bless you.
so sorry for your loss. Your Brother is our Brother too. He is free now. His spirit has gone to the place all Spirits go. Many call this Heaven. The key is, and I hope this helps you, is that the spirit is energy. Energy always carries on. It may change forms, but it always carries on. The paper was once a living tree. If you burn the paper it creates smoke. The smoke rises into the atmosphere, and becomes rain. The rain drops from the sky and waters the plants, etc,etc., Our energy carries on as our spirit. It is all around you. You will feel your brothers spirit in many ways. Find peace, not sadness with this.
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The battle is over
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Lost the battle, but won the war
How fast should your PSA drop after the first ADT treatment.
