HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Gleason scale 9

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
1 2
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 6/4/2014 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
tks!
I'll question doc about Casodex - I've read a lot of posts about these two used in conjunction. IDK why doctor didn't start them together from the start. Maybe because Dad hadn't complained of pain to date other than the darn catheter.
I'll have to read up on this signature option so my posts are more informative. I realize I'm not the only one posting to this site and I don't mean to be disrespectful.

Have a great day!
MomEof3
Posted 6/5/2014 4:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mom..I'm a G-9 survivor, and yes, it can be done..Going way back to the pathology report after they removed his prostate, How did they describe his surgical margins? If he had a positive margin (likely) then yes, the cancer has spread..

Now, ADT androgen deprivation therapy, (Lupron and Casodex), they should lower his PSA to a very low figure, hopefully under 10 and sometimes less than 1..Be sure they check his testosterone level also. It should be under 20 and better still, under 10...These drugs produce the same effects as castration would, so yes, you can expect some side-effects..Pain in the legs and feet is one of those side-effects..Ibuprofen works for me better than anything..But for some men, Alleve works better...These drugs will not interfere with his cancer drugs...

If he is not yet seeing a Medical Oncologist, preferably one who specializes in prostate cancer, he should make an appointment to see one..There are MANY treatments available today so if one does not work they can try something else. It all depends on how much "treatment" Dad is willing to put up with...Best of luck to you both...
Posted 6/5/2014 11:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Fairwind - Yes, Dad has extensive osseous metastasis. His last PSA level was 326. I don't know the results of his most recent blood work post firmagon shot.

I'll suggest he take ibuprofen and I'll inquire about adding casodex to his treatments but his next shot isn't for 2 1/2 months. I wonder if he can get the Casodex now or these need to be administered tandem.

Dad is only seeing his urologist for treatment. Should he also be visiting an oncologist?

MomEof3

He is almost 80, diagnosed G-9 4/17/2014
TURP 4-10-14, pos margin. Post Op PSA 326, HT 5-8-14
Posted 6/5/2014 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
MomE,
That is an incredible story. I wish your dad well. I am completely shocked about the 25 pounds of piss. Okay a pints a pound the world around, so that translates to three plus gallons. Unbelievable. There are many folks on this site living with metastatic prostate cancer. One in particular Todd1963 is a great resource. I hope your dad lives with it well.
Posted 6/11/2014 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
I'll check out Todd1963 and follow the thread.

Latest events have been a blood clot in left calf - treating with one aspirin a day.

We had a meeting with oncologist Dr. Eli Kirshner. Dad will be starting docetaxel = taxotere next week. He will receive 1 hr of chemo every 3 weeks for 6 cycles. He will be taking decotron on chemo days and we are adding zomada to his lupron shots cycle every 3 months.

Has anyone started this new chemo HT treatment strategy at gleason 9 with bone mets? Dad is now 80 (yea he made it) which is above the trial average of 65. But Dad is also in kick ass physical condition - seriously. The life of a farmer.

I'd like to hear from experienced users what I should be looking for - I'm aware of the neuropathy and he loves baseball caps - especially since he is follicularly deficient to begin with ;)

Love to hear from ya'

MomEof3

Dad
now 80 years old
Dx'd 4/17/14
TURP 4/10/14
Gleason 9
PSA post TURP 326
pos. margins
Posted 6/11/2014 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
Looks like you found what you need....And yes, the Chemo plus the ADT has resulted in some pretty dramatic results, especially in cases like your Dad's. I would be doing PSA and "T" blood-work monthly so you can see how this treatment plan is working. It's almost impossible to predict, so close monitoring is important. If the chemo starts to degrade his QOL to much, especially if the benefit is not dramatic, I would back off that..

Next time you see the Oncologist, ask him this: Should we add Casodex to the Lupron (ADT2) to get the maximum benefit from the hormone treatment?" He may be saving the Casodex for later...
Posted 6/11/2014 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
I asked Onc about Casodex yesterday and he didn't want to incorporate it. What are your feelings about that? What are the pros and what are the cons of Casodex?

They are going to take a PSA level before they begin the chemo but I will request it monthly. Is there ever an insurance issue with the blood work being taken too often? The drs had stated every three months but I agree that if he isn't responding then maybe that's not the road for him.

Thanks Fairwind

Make it a great day.
MomEof3
Posted 10/20/2014 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
sad

Here is the latest update.

80 year old father has completed 6 rounds of chemo (taxotere) while receiving lupron injections. His PSA is down to 23.8 (3 weeks ago). He is constantly having urination issues. Catheters in and out because of blockages. Up every 2 hours during the night for only a trickle of relief.

Latest visit with urologist discovered "a ton" of bladder stones. They are now scheduling him for another surgery. The plan is to laser the stones and "smooth out" the prostate which has become jagged from the chemotherapy post TURP procedure.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Dad is still stubborn and pointing the finger - as long as he's fighting he hasn't given up - so I'm happy with the bitter man ;)

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

I still haven't taken the time to create a signature but here is the data.

80Year old
2/2/14 complete renal failure
2/3/14 drained 25 pounds of piss
2/3/14 kidney function 100%
4/10/14 TURP
4/17/14 Gleason scale 9 bone mets throughout
6/17/14 Taxotere w/ lupron
PSA initial post TURP 330 (really 320 something but I can't remembert) current 23.8

Caring daughter,
MomEof3
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12