What's next?

[Shamrock46]

As I've written before, my husband stopped all treatment and is receiving palliative care. Just got the results of his 3-mo. PSA and it's jumped from 40 to 91. Wondering if there's any way to know if/when symptoms will start appearing due to PCa's further or worsening spread? He experiences some pain on both sides of his pelvis when walking a lot or when rolling over on either side while sleeping...that kind wakes him up. He was taking a Hydrocodone (7.5-325) before bed but he told the NP it wasn't working so she just prescribed a low dose (15mg) of morphine ER) that's supposed to last 12 hrs. and allow him to get some sleep. Trying to stay prepared for what's next. Thanks in advance for any info.

[7hcpgolfer]

My heart goes out to you and your husband! May God bless you!

[Mcrpca]

I highly recommend Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rset by Sammy Winemaker, MD. She is a palliative care specialist and very knowledgeable about dealing with a life changing diagnosis. I found the last few chapters most valuable. I’m dealing with a husband with similar issues to yours.

[HikerWife in reply to Mcrpca]

Thanks for the recommendation - just ordered.

[Shamrock46 in reply to HikerWife]

Me too! Thank you!

[Mcrpca in reply to Shamrock46]

Don’t hesitate to skip to the last 3 chapters.

[Mcrpca in reply to HikerWife]

Don’t hesitate to skip to the last 3 chapters.

[spencoid2]

So sorry to hear. I have been using low dose (15m g) morphine to be able to tolerate moderate (definitely not severe) pain that was keeping me awake. I thought the time released would be better so as to not have to get up to take a pill or have one wear off and have to wait for another to be effective. I was not terribly impressed with the time released stuff in terms of efficacy. Maybe if you take it throughout the day and maintained a constant dose? I would suggest having the quick acting version as well. But be sure to wait for the full active period of time release to end before even considering taking a quick acting. My doctor warned that it can lead to respiratory arrest.

[tarhoosier]

I wish you the best and take care of yourself while all this transpires. My offering is that under current standards and ethics NO patient should suffer from pain. It is too easily addressed with our drugs. Fear not asking for more/different.

You are stronger than you know.

[j-o-h-n]

Four-Leaf Clover

BY ELLA HIGGINSON

I know a place where the sun is like gold,

And the cherry blooms burst with snow,

And down underneath is the loveliest nook,

Where the four-leaf clovers grow.

One leaf is for hope, and one is for faith,

And one is for love, you know,

And God put another in for luck—

If you search, you will find where they grow.

But you must have hope, and you must have faith,

You must love and be strong – and so—

If you work, if you wait, you will find the place

Where the four-leaf clovers grow.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Wednesday 01/10/2024 8:03 PM EST

[Amadeus71]

🙏❤💪

[VanHalen84]

My heart goes out to you both. I'm dealing with PCa and separately nerve disease. The doctors have tried to prescribe me many different medications for pain and sleep, none of which well or left me drowsy the next day. I found thc gummies last April and they have been wonderful for sleep. I take 30-45mg an hour prior to bed and sleep through the night and wake up with minimal drowsiness. Prayers!