My dad was diagnosed with PC a month ago. He has it in his pelvis (which is now broken so he is immobile), one lymph node and one spot about half way up his back. We've already asked for a second opinion, but while we wait, I'm curious what your experience has been.
The radiation oncologist said she will not do radiation on the spine because she wants to focus on the pelvis. I feel like leaving the spot on the spine is equally detrimental. She never really answered why but said "he only has two to four years so I want to focus on the pelvis". I feel like if we ignore the spine, yes, he certainly will only have two years! Maybe she has a good reason, but she did not share it with us, hence the second opinion.
Before he broke his pelvis he was healthy. We had no idea he had PC. So he's not too frail for treatment. His heart is fine, no diabetes, etc.
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Everything TA just said is spot on. The strange comment from any oncologist "he only has two to four years so I want to focus on the pelvis" bothers me. Doctors cannot possibly predict end of life that far out and those that do are fools. You are wise to seek another Radiology consult. The spine is tricky but not to be ignored. A consult should clarify an effective timeline for treating both. And if you like the consultant, consider switching because comments like that are rare and not helpful and frankly tick me off. There are many many men on this forum who far surpass that dismal prognosis, if that's what it was. I'm 9 1/2 year in. Sounds like you got this. Also it would be helpful if you fill out your dad's bio. The more you're willing to share, the better input you'll get from us.
Only 66! Same age as me when I was diagnosed, including three cancer compromised vertebrae. I did get triplet therapy as Tall Allen above mentioned. Very good so far - spine still working - almost 3 years. (Also because the doctors felt it was too late, and I had a lot of referrals to palliative care, I have not had any surgery or radiation - or the consequences and side effects of those treatments.) A big success for your Dad!
Thank you! All the reading I've been doing has shown triple therapy to be quite successful for many people. I'm pushing hard for this and I hope it will happen.
Hi J, I was diagnosed with a situation like your dad's March 1. I had spots on my pelvis, sacrum and C7 vertebrae. The spine was very near my throat so I went through a few weeks of painful sore throat but other than that, all was taken care of. Sounds like you need a second opinion if, for nothing else, to set your mind at ease. I'm 71. The radiation, for me, wasn't that big of a deal and whether you are doing two or 3 spots, as long as you aren't right by some critical spot, not sure why it would be an issue. Best wishes, Rick
Re-read "swwags" post above. It's spot on or on the spot....
Maybe a good idea to copy and paste your post in your dear Dad's bio. Helpful to you/him and to us. (add some more info if possible) All info is voluntary. If I were your Dad I would think about changing to another R.O. asap. Our regards to your Dad and keep posting here.
Just too many “spots” for me to keep track of. Perhaps we could just refer to them as “poker spots” or is it poker dots. I am confused with all the spots.
Thank you for all of this. Your words mean a lot. They canceled his MRI, which we are asking for as it would give more detail than the CT, but they did do a bone scan. We did see the bone scan. The pelvis is a mess and the spot on his spine is massive, but we're keeping ourselves hopeful. He certainly wants mobility and he wants to watch my kids (5 and 10) grow up. We are aiming for years of quality life.
Hi that's a tough road, blessings to you and him, advice all do Not give the situation energy by claiming it repeatedly, saying how sick he is and how bad this seems gives the negative power and makes to harder to heal. Really switch up on his diet to include high antioxidant fruits and veggies, and proteins, mix the sugar down to zero, up the natural salt intake non ionized, sea salt because that's what they're gonna run when he's in hospital sodium chloride. Get a2nd opinion before you cut or chemo/ radiate anything, the body has to fight harder to put back minerals and vitamins taken when under these medications and treatments. SUNLIGHT the great natural vitamin D supply is highly conducive to healing. And of you can get him to sirens time outside by a lake or pond that helps rejuvenate the spirit. Positive affirmation is real, and holistic medicine does help because the body heals or can destroy itself.
This post is only to calm your fears about your RO not radiating the spine. Spring of 2022 I could not walk without crutches. My Psa was 5664 and the cancer was in my spine, pelvis, femurs, ribs, lungs and lymph nodes. I now hunt, fish and work around the house. This includes moving my 80# canoe by myself and shooting deer and getting them to the truck by myself either by dragging or with the aid if a cart. I also had two compression fractures and three herniated discs.
I have very conservative doctors. Their opinion is treat the symptoms to give the highest possible quality of life possible since I am not curable. There was no radiation done. I started Lupron and rode that horse for a little over a year and went on abiraterone which is what I am still on. The only scans I had were after being on Lupron for a year and the term intraval resolution was used quite a bit. Spelling might not be correct.lol.
Another thing, I do quite a bit of praying. There is no scientific logic as to why I can do all the things I do so I give all the glory to God. The drugs have helped me more than anyone ever expected with incredibly minimal side effects. Again, thank you Lord. I pray that you will be even more blessed than I have and that God will give you the wisdom to find the right treatments and the courage and strength to take them. God bless.
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