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Posted 4/16/2017 3:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone, it's been a while since I have updated on Chris.
Things are not good. His PSA is up to 209 and his alkaline phophatase
are 933.
His last labs showed that his bone marrow is being affected now. He is slightly anemic and his platelets are low. All those numbers have been trending down for the last couple months and the doctor said they will probably get much lower and hopefully stabilize at some point.
We missed the window to get the Xofigo treatments. He was supposed to start next month.
His doctor has referred us to palliative care. There are no other treatments for him to try. Nothing worked for longer than a couple months anyway. His bone mets just kept progressing no matter what we tried. He can't tolerate chemo anymore.
He is weak, fatigued and losing weight...fast. The pain has increased significantly.
I just don't know what to do. This is so devastating.
Our 35th anniversary is next week and I am hoping he is feeling well enough to enjoy this awesome day together.
We have 3 grand babies that love him very much. They are extremely close, especially the 7 year old.
It is simply a tragedy and the sadness is overwhelming.
Posted 4/16/2017 5:14 AM (GMT 0)
I am so sadden at this news. There are no words for your situation.

Both of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Andrew
Posted 4/16/2017 6:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Teamchris,
Thank you for giving us an update, even though we are very saddened by it. I'm especially sorry that Chris is also in pain right now. What have you been advised for that? Is his pain in the bones?
Gary has an eight year old granddaughter and a two year old grandson, with another granddaughter due in June. He is also very close with the oldest granddaughter. She still snuggles next to him in his recliner the minute she walks through our door, even though she knows he const do much else anymore.
35 years married!! Oh my, that is amazing and I commend you both. I do hope you can find a way to make the day especially nice.
It is overwhelmingly sad and I truly understand the helplessness you are experiencing as you watch your DH lose weight and stamina.
I wish there was some encouraging words I could offer, but I know that nothing said can ease your pain. Just know we are here.
Beth
Posted 4/16/2017 9:29 AM (GMT 0)
Reading this makes me sad too. As you write:

"He is weak, fatigued and losing weight"
I have read that CBD/Cannabis oil can help against these symptoms. One man gained four pounds in three weeks again.

"There are no other treatments for him to try"
If you want to try further treatments, maybe you can take part in one of these studies reported by Allen. These will not cure but may extend survival for some time.

George
Posted 4/16/2017 10:55 AM (GMT 0)
I am so very sorry and sad to read this news. It all just seems so unfair. I truly wish there was something... anything we could do to ease Chris' (and your) pain. We are sending our thoughts to you and your family and hope you will be able to create some beautiful memories on your 35th anniversary together next week.
Posted 4/16/2017 10:56 AM (GMT 0)
From this Team Chris to you, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Enjoy and take the most from every day.

Know that those grand babies will remember and cherish every moment.

I am headed to Easter Sunrise Service and will add a prayer for strength for my forum-friend and his awesome care-giver.

Chris
Posted 4/16/2017 12:49 PM (GMT 0)

Dear Teamchris,

I have followed all your posts, over the course of time ...

I am sending you my care, concern, and support, from across the miles ...

Remember the importance of family, friends, and faith, each and every day ...

We are all here for you ...

Sent with caring thoughts,
"Cyclone" ~ Iowa State University
Posted 4/16/2017 1:15 PM (GMT 0)
Dear TeamChris,
I am so saddened by your post. You and your husband have been fighting this beast with everything that is available to you. Your husband is very lucky to have you, and if I were him, I would be so happy that there was someone there with me like you. After all, the love that surrounds is in our time of need is truly a testament of a life well lived. All of us, no matter who we are will walk this same path as the two of you are walking right now. I (we) can only hope that there is someone there by our side. My heartfelt prayers to you and your husband.
Posted 4/16/2017 2:40 PM (GMT 0)
Very saddening to read this. Maybe you, Chris, and your family, find some peace. Wishing the palliative care will be effective in making him more comfortable.
Posted 4/16/2017 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
I am so very sorry and you are not alone...my husband was given the same news In January "I'm sorry but we have exhausted all the treatment options and there are no clinical trials available that you qualify for at this time." It is very sad and very difficult to hear these words. Charlie's psa was 1700, alk phos was 395 two weeks ago. He, too, is very weak with a great deal of bone pain. He got a morphine pump in February which has helped immensely! I highly recommend this if your husband doesn't have one already.
I wish there were words to comfort and reassure you. ((Hugs)) my friend, Nell
Posted 4/16/2017 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
I am saddened to hear your update. My hope is that you both have a memorable anniversary. I was with both of my parents during their final days and by their side when they took their final breath, and I would not trade that experience for anything. Sending our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Michael
Posted 4/16/2017 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
I am so sorry for you guys-

I wish you peace and calm wherever you may find it in this stormy sea.

rf
Posted 4/16/2017 5:04 PM (GMT 0)
So sorry to hear about Chris. My wife and I just celebrated our 35th anniversary, and after so long together we really feel like 2 parts of one person somehow. Being there for each other, feeling each other's joys, each other's sorrows, "doing life" together, is so important. A lifetime of shared experience. The highs are higher, the lows are lower, the closeness, well, closer. Chris is so fortunate to have you there, and to be surrounded by loving family.

These Gleason 9 cases can be hard to manage, sometimes very uncooperative indeed. Eventually, we may reach the end of what medicine can do, despite all of our best efforts.

Hoping and praying the palliative care is effective, encouragement for all, peace for all.
Posted 4/16/2017 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Teamchris-

I'm so sorry to hear about Chris's failing health and the pain he is in. I can see how his diminished bone marrow would preclude chemo and any kind of nuclear medicine. I hope they are able to get his pain under control.
Posted 4/17/2017 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
While the ability to slow the cancer down may be the reality, there's no reason for your husband to suffer in pain. Pain pump is a good solution for starters. Fentanyl patches are another, have been on them for about 4 years now. Instead of changing every 72 hours, mine are changed 48 hours.

Good luck and best wishes. Just had our 43rd anniversary last week
Posted 4/17/2017 2:19 AM (GMT 0)
I'm very sorry. Surely it must be very unusual to fail both xtandi and zytiga. Did they ever do genetic testing to rule out the BRCA genes?

It makes me sad to read of your grandchildren- they must have a very special grandpa.
Posted 4/17/2017 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
You are not alone. We will keep prayers going for you. Keep fighting.
Posted 4/17/2017 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry to read your sad news. I certainly hope you'll be able to celebrate your anniversary in the best way possible. Treasure what you've had and still have. Keep moving forward and make every day count!

All the best,

Another Chris
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