My Dad: Stage 4 Prostate Cancer. Please Help.

[MsMorale]

My dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 Prostate Cancer 2 1/2 years ago. They first started him on Prednisone With Abiraterone and then that failed months in. The doctor then prescribed Xtandi and that also failed. He then tried a clinical trial drug (I don't know the name of that) along with chemotherapy and he became sick and hospitalized. He has been hospitalized with a few different things since then. Pneumonia, Colon Infection, Ulcer, etc.

The recent pill that the doctor prescribed is Erleada and that may also be failing. My dad was recently in the hospital because his blood was really low and he needed a transfusion. The hospital that he was in was supposed to send over lab work with his PSA results, but the doctor said that he did not receive them, so he scheduled an appointment for him in 2 weeks once he gets labwork to see where his PSA is currently. My dad's blood pressure was also low at his appointment today, so he could not even get his Lupron shot. My dad has lost a lot of weight and his appetite is not as good as it used to be. The doctor does not seem too optimistic about my dad doing chemotherapy again, so he started the talk about palliative care and hospice care. But when my dad was on chemotherapy, his PSA was low.

I feel like the doctor is giving up on my dad and I don't know what I should do.

I wish that I could be more descriptive, but this all that I can explain about this. I am sorry if I am all over the place with this, but I am out of it and in tears as I type this.

Any help with be appreciated. Thank you.

[Tall_Allen]

Has he had a biopsy of a metastasis?

[MsMorale in reply to Tall_Allen]

Yes! He did have a biopsy done before when he was signing up to do the clinical trial, but I do not know the details of that unfortunately. 😔

[MarylandGuy]

has your dad been tested for brca mutations? Certain drugs come into play if so. Also did they try nubeqa?

[MsMorale in reply to MarylandGuy]

I will have to look into it to see if they tested him for brca mutations. He has also never taken nubeqa. I feel like there has to be something out there for him to take. 😔

[j-o-h-n]

Hello Dear Ms.Morale,

You've come to the right place for information and help for your dear Dad. Would you please be kind enough to update his bio? Age? Location (State, city or country), being treated at what Pca medical facility? Meds? Dr(s) Name(s) and specialty (if possible) and any other pertinent data. All info is voluntary but can help him and help us too. Thank you and God Bless your Dad and his entire family.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[MsMorale in reply to j-o-h-n]

Thank you so much for responding j-o-h-n. My dad is 75 years old. We live in Los Angeles, CA. He’s currently being treated at the Oncology Institute in Los Angeles for the metastatic Prostate cancer. I’ll hold off on the Dr’s name for now, but he’s an oncologist. As far as we know so far it spread to his bones. He recently had a colonoscopy, endoscopy and other than an ulcer that he dealt with last month, they did not find any other abnormalities. My dad is currently taking Erleada.

[j-o-h-n]

Thank you for your quick response. If you are not satisfied with either the treatment center or his Doctor(s) then you may wish to post here and ask if someone(s) can suggest/recommend other facilities or doctors in your area in L.A. Remember all data in his/your bio is strictly voluntary. Again your dear Dad has our Regards and don't be surprised if you have to buy him 10 extra candles in 10 years.....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[MsMorale in reply to j-o-h-n]

Thank you again j-o-h-n. I really appreciate it. I would love to see if someone can recommend other doctors in the LA area. I have to do this and make sure that I can put those 10 extra candles on.

[j-o-h-n]

You're very welcome,

Just post (same format as you posted here) requesting members to name resources in the LA area. I suspect that you'll get some good solid responses. Take care and you are a lovely daughter who your dear Dad can be proud of. Regards.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[MsMorale in reply to j-o-h-n]

Aww I really appreciate those words j-o-h-n. It means a lot. 🤗 I will fight to make sure that I do all that I can to help my dad.

I was able to contact the "Second Opinion" phone line at UCLA Health and they took my dad's information and contacted one of their oncologist offices in the LA area. I spoke to a very nice woman who made me feel like there are still good people out there, along with you and others on this board who have been so kind and helpful. They matched my dad with a prostate cancer doctor that she mentioned to be a really good choice for my dad's situation. I will be receiving a call tomorrow from them to schedule an appointment with the oncologist at UCLA. I am praying that this doctor can help my dad.

[j-o-h-n]

Good News.... Dad needs a big hug and a kiss right now........ (from you, not me LOL)...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[MsMorale in reply to j-o-h-n]

Yes he will j-o-h-n, from me. 😂 Thank you again.

[larry_dammit]

wow that’s bad, my doctor started with chemo, then to Xtandi. The chemo wasn’t bad but I got a bone shot the following day that put me in bed for a few days. Losing weight , my dr told me to eat anything I could to keep my weight up the cancer would make its own sugar no matter what I ate. Love ice cream,apple pie, chocolate anything sweet. Potatoes and gravy

[MsMorale in reply to larry_dammit]

Thank you for the information. I really appreciate it. 😊 My dad has needed a few blood transfusions and back and forth to the hospital, so he hasn’t been able to make his oncologist appointment. I am hopeful that he can go soon and maybe try Xtandi again or another medication.