As per my previous post, my father was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer last year. He is currently 56 years old. Chemo and radiation helped in the first 6 months, then stopped working. His cancer was quite aggressive and had spread to his spine, bones and a few lesions on his liver. Currently, none of the chemo or ADT works anymore. He was put in a clinical trial in Montreal, Canada, but the doctor explicitly said no promises, especially since his prognosis was poor. He experienced lots of pain and had a hard time with his usual functions, currently relying on pain medications.
I just want to seek some advice from current cancer patients and/or caregivers on what the expectations are from here and what else to do at this point besides preparing for the worst outcome.
I do want to say thank you to the people who have shared their experiences with me. It is a tough journey for everyone.
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Aliannado
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When he got diagnosed, it was already stage 4 and spread to the bladder and lymph nodes so surgery at that point was redundant. He had 10 rounds of radiation last August. It helped with the pain and symptoms but then again, since it had already spread to his lymph nodes at the point of diagnosis, it was difficult to control the condition.
This person is going to a trial for therapy involving ac-225 at a clinical trial at Mayo Clinic. I have heard very promising things said about this drug when all others fail. This is the member patient: healthunlocked.com/user/GSDF maybe your dad can get on this trial. There is more info at the Mayo Clinic!
my hubby had the same just be there for him enjoying each day you both have and they as in the medical side should and will help to control his bone pain and if there is anymore that can be done I’m certain they will know good luck
I'm not a medical professional, just a prostate cancer patient. I want to share some of the things I have learned in fighting "the monster". Read my bio. The gist of it is that there are ways to kill prostate cancer cells without having to wait for standard medical therapy. There are things that can be done daily at home, without having to wait for scheduling doctor appointments and therapy...time is of the essence.
I see you use heat. Just ordered a large infrared pad for my husband from Hoogahealth. It also does PEMP. Will have to report how he likes it. Though he sleeps well at night getting it for fatigue during the day and deep muscle relaxation and recovery after workouts. And I’m planning to use it too! Hooga has an infrared sauna blanket. there are usually discounts you can find says the temp gets to 167F.
He’s the same age you are. Similar story with prostate radiated several years ago but now has recurred with Mets. On Lupron and Erleada. Combo seems to be working but it’s only been 9 months
I would likely have advised against the V8 even low sodium as too processed. Best with fresh tomatoes—try some heirlooms. I also got him some lycopene. Adding spirulina tablets to his daily regimen for green nutrition he is not getting enough in his diet he’s a picky eater and likes sweets too much!! Which is the worst for this I know!!
Have mentioned here before I also brew a pitcher of green tea daily it keeps him off soda pop! Had read the green tea good for you guys too.
Key with a heating pad is to get temperature inside the body to the tumor, to 106 F without burning yourself. Key with tomatoes is the redder the better, and they need to be cooked and taken with oil in order to get to bloodstream. Also, they only act when in the small intestine, so they need to be taken several times per day to kill PC cells faster than they can reproduce. Lycopene pills effectiveness is questionable, too. They do not hurt anything, and can do a lot to aid longevity,
Use fabric to insulate from high temperatures to avoid scalding skin. Keep temperatures below 130F. Strive for periods of 110-115F, 1 to 10 minutes at a time. Pay attention and avoid burns.
Sorry but I must ask. Do you mind updating your dear Dad's bio? All info is voluntary but it will help him and help us too. Thank you! You're a great daughter...
I’d advise you to go to a major center such as Mayo in MN, MD Anderson in Tx, Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC or John’s Hopkins in Baltimore. NIH in Bethesda, MD may be another option. These centers are cutting edge and would be your dad’s best chance. Understand that the prognosis is poor but if there is something to do, these are the places to go.
Thank you for your suggestion. This could be our next option. We are from Canada, so going to the US can be pricey and too much of a trip for his condition right now. Hopefully, there is something to look forward too.
Have you and your father considered palliative or hospice care? I also struggle with pain related to stage 4 prostate cancer with bone mets, and I'm in palliative care at the moment. The staff there has a little different outlook about my cancer, in that they are helping me to live with the pain and the decreased function by prescribing and managing pain meds. Also, they have been very helpful in helping me get some physical therapy to keep myself as functional as possible. Part of the staff includes a social worker who has helped with depression, etc. It's been very helpful for my family and myself. Hospice for me would be the next step, if two medical doctors agree that I have less than a 50% chance of surviving more than six months. I'm not trying to be maudlin here - these two programs have helped me to regain some comfort and joy in every day. God bless you and your father as you travel along this pothole-strewn path.
Thank you for mentioning this…..we started palliative care for my Joe a number of months ago to help him understand that hospice will follow at some point. He keeps wanting to fight, even if for one more month……and so we fight.
Palliative care and pain management docs have been a huge help to him and to me as his caregiver.
you are a wonderful person taking a are of your father and I commend you . I take care of my husband who I believe suffers more than he tells me. He’s very private and I hope he will get the palliative care soon
So, what I’m not saying very well, is that many of us here, will offer advice that will help you because you’re not alone.
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