I am so depressed

Good evening, Chinki.

Very sad reading this latest update about your dad. Sorry he has gone through so much, and is in pain.
Perhaps he should stay on the catheter longer term, until his doctor(s) can help figure out a better treatment plan for him. The constant struggle of worrying about retention problems is only adding to his stress and anxiety. I know, I went through that process many, many times a few years ago.

The antibiotics alone could be causing his current appetite loss, as they cause some people nausea and stomach aches, especially if they are being given in strong doses. The milk, ensure, and banana combination should help him keep some strength during this time, as long as he tolerates it well.

I hope for both your sakes, he has a positive turn around soon. Even though it looks dark now, never, ever give up hope.

All my best,

David

Chinki,

I don't know your dad's history, but I'm guessing all that's gone on recently has worn him down, both physically and emotionally.

I'll be praying that once his infection is gone, and if he can have the cath in long enough to figure out that issue, he'll begin to perk up.

And I'll add as David did - never ever give up hope. One truly never knows what the next day, the next week, or the next month will bring. And sometimes it can be absolutely amazing.

I wish peaceful hearts for you and your family.

Chinki,
I'm going through much of the same with my dad. Just curious, did they taper his prednisone off, or have him stop cold turkey? I've always been told you shouldn't ever go off cold turkey because you'll feel really terrible. My dads still on it, even though he's been done with Chemo for 10 weeks or so and I think it helps with energy and appetite. Another thing is my dad was terrible last November, lost 30 lbs, so weak he could barely walk and then they put him on low dose taxotere, i think it was only 1/3 of a dose and his psa went from 250 eventually down to 10. I thought November was the end for him, but some of these treatments can work well. He was out shoe shopping the day after his first chemo dose, drove for the first time in a month also. Don't loose faith.

It is positive that he is in good hands, that he can switch medicines and get immediate medical attention. That must give you some comfort. You and your Dad are in my thoughts.

As others said, never give up hope. It's been dark and dreary around this house as well but we now have a light ahead of us. We are trying the treatment that Zimac's husband is on and we are full of hope!
Never give up hope!

Chinki - I am very sorry to hear about your dad's situation. I can relate to what you are going through, since I lost my dad to prostate cancer, and was with him throughout the battle. At that time, there were fewer options for advanced cases. These days, the docs have more tools in their tool-chest.

The only thoughts I can offer that might be of some help:

(1) Keep in mind how important your support is. It should make you feel good that you are there for your dad when he needs you. There is no way that what you dad is dealing with will be easy -- but it would be a lot harder without you by his side.

(2) Make sure you eat well and get exercise, sleep, take some time off, etc. This can be all-consuming and you will be more useful if you take care of yourself.

(3) Make sure the docs and nurses are focused on how your dad feels, controlling pain, keeping him comfortable, etc., and not only on "fighting the cancer." That does not mean your dad should not fight hard -- as hard as he wants and for as long as he wants. But being comfortable and as pain free as possible is also very important. So, when there is pain or medication side effects, tell the docs about them and don't minimize them and ask what can be done to address them.

(4) I hope that your dad recovers and has a long life ahead of him. With all the advanced medications now, there is a better chance than there ever has been to control this beast. But if there ever comes a time when your dad is ready to stop fighting -- remember that is a decision that each of us is entitled to make, and it is important, in my opinion, for a sick person to know that, if they make such a decision, their family will support them in it.

Best wishes, Medved

Chinki,
I'm curious why they took him off prednisone at all. I found it to be a miracle drug when I had a nasty bout with polymyalgia. I took it in one dose or another for 3 years with no problems. Without it, I could not function independently.
I didn't get all the details about your dad, but I couldn't help wonder about the prednisone. Did he have bad SE's?

chinki,

Motrin isn't much of a pain med for someone dealing with serious pain like your dad is undergoing. Any particular reason why his doctor(s) don't have him on something more serious? Perhaps he has other complications that prevent this?

Also, why didn't they taper him off the Prednisone, which would be the normal course? That is a rough med to go cold turkey off of, I went through that episode some 20 years ago when they found out I was very allergic to it. I had a terrible time, even during the tapering period.

Sounds like you strongly need another doctor and another opinion for your dad's situation.

Hoping for the best for him and for you too.

David

I caught that Logo, but still thought the doctor would have allowed some tapering time first before using the xtandi. But hey, I am not the doctor, just wondering.

david

My husband on Xtandi with prednisone - he was lowered some. He also was on it with Zytiga. Way back at that time I posed a question on here about it, but didn't get much response. Xtandi was very hard for him, but not true for everyone - appetite, extreme fatigue, pain.....

My dad stayed on prednisone when he started Xtandi, the pharmacist even said it might help with the possible side effects of the Xtandi.