Radiotherapy palliative

Hello Everyone,

Dad had a small drop in PSA (its in the 1000's) so they are going to continue with the docetaxel. On Tuesday he is going to have Radiotherapy to both hips and lower spine. Just wondered if anyone could update me with experience of Palliative Radiotherapy, I am wondering how much pain releif it may give and will it improve Dads mobility. Any information will be greatfully received.
May thanks and best wishes to you all.
Theresa

Hello Peter, Thank you for getting back to me.

for anyone out there considering docetaxel, great turn around Dad managed to walk to the shops and back today (approx 1 mile round trip) which is great as he was struggling to walk around the house. This 4th treatment has really improved his quality of life. We are over the moon with this improvement. really hope radiotherapy gives further improvement.
Best wishes

Hi Theresa,
Is your dad experiencing pain? My dad had local radiation in the beginning of the year on his hip. He was having a lot of pain and couldn't walk. He had a few treatments. And pain gradually lessened, by the third week he was pain free. Last month he had a one time radiation on his shoulders. It again took about 3 weeks before he felt better and we finally weaned him off OxyContin and oxycodone.
But both times the radiation helped. Hope this helps.

When my dad had prostate cancer, he got palliative radiation to bone mets and he said it was very helpful in reducing his pain.

Hello winmui,

Thank you for the information you have given, it is so nice to be able to speak to someone else who understands, I just want to be able to help my Dad and most of all to make sure he gets the best treatment for quality of life. I feel we are walking the same path.

Really good news today Dad was able to walk to the bus stop and went into town with my Mum, they just went to the bank and back but its a wonderful improvement as for months he has struggled to walk around the house.

Did taxotere lower your Dad's PSA? and if so how long before it started to rise. I am more than happy to share experience's and feel free to ask anything you feel I can help with. I am more than happy to give support I know how hard it can be for you as a caring daughter.

Thank you Theresa! It is certainly a roller coaster ride. There are good days and many bad days. He had 6 treatments of taxotere every 3 weeks. Although, when he had taxotere he was not in any pain. By the 6th treatment his Psa started to go up.
And shortly after he started Xtandi. But he has pretty much gone through most protocols. Zytiga, Provenge, taxotere, Xtandi, xofigo.
Recently besides mets, cancer had so spread to liver and lungs. He is currently on cometriq and it's been tough. However, pain has gone away with the combo of radiation and cometriq. No pain is good.