Went for the second opinion

Just returned from the hospital... went to see one of the ‘top’ prostate specialists in the area. As suspected there isn’t anything else that could or should be offered. We knew this already in our heart of hearts but having someone cast their eyes over Dad’s notes/scans.... well.. it was worth it.

Dad didn’t attend as we didn’t want to put him through being told the same thing. Over the last few months I’ve questioned his treatment but after speaking to the oncologist today I feel more content with things. He explained why the various treatments I suggested weren’t appropriate for Dad and now our heads are a little clearer.

Although desperately sad I realise Dad has done well to do as well as he has. He explained that a person in Dad’s situation... the aggresive nature of his pca.. it was always just going to be a matter of time. By people in Dad’s position.. he explained that only 16% of pca patients present with cases like his. I kind of knew this already but to have it confirmed by a specialist helped make sense of things ...

Treatments that could prevent skeletal related events... well.. it’s too late for that. We viewed scans and saw the large cancerous spots scattered up and down his spine, back in December they weren’t near the nerves so hopefully there won’t be any SRE’s.

From looking at the scans he estimated life expectancy to be 3-6 months... zometa/radium 233 aren’t suitable for Dad as he’s not in any pain. Thank God he’s not in pain and I hope it remains that way.

Our focus now is to keep Dad smiling... right now he’s enjoying watching the football.. he’s very passionate about his team. Feels like a dream but you’ve just got to keep on going.

Love to all

K x

Thanks for updating us on this. I've always been following your posts, but I've never felt like there was much I could say since I have no experience with advanced PCa. That said, I do have experience with my parents and brother dying of advanced cancer and I want to say that I admire the way you've looked after you dad and supported your parents. Be brave and keep on doing that in the months ahead. All the best to you and your family.

Hi Kathy...How old is your father? Has he considered doing chemo? (Dosetaxel). I don't see it listed in his signature...

I have posted so much over the last few months I feel I needed to keep you updated.

NKinney... it’s ok... not everyone knows the back story.

Fairwind.... he’s too weak for chemo so it’s really not an option. It was something I questioned myself but now it’s about quality of life.

I sincerely hope that our sad story doesn’t put the fear of God in to ‘newbies’ ... so I feel the need to say this again. Dad had bone mets at diagnosis, an aggressive case. Sadly Dad’s case was spotted at a late stage, he did incredibly well for a number of years so to those of you who are new... treatment for pca continues to progress. Keep yourself up to date and informed with developments. Keep positive. That’s the best advice I can give....

K
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Michael_T said...
Thanks for updating us on this. I've always been following your posts, but I've never felt like there was much I could say since I have no experience with advanced PCa. That said, I do have experience with my parents and brother dying of advanced cancer and I want to say that I admire the way you've looked after you dad and supported your parents. Be brave and keep on doing that in the months ahead. All the best to you and your family.

Thank you. I too read a lot of what you post. Your kind words are very much appreciated x

Jmurph.... thank you for messaging. He was 79 in April... I thought he was a little younger 🙈 but nope... 79.

I see you’re pretty new to the forum.. I read a post of yours the other day.. don’t let my Dad’s story frighten you. I see from your stats ... I’m no Dr... but you’re in the low risk group. Keep posting, keep informed... You’ll get lots of great advice here... amongst MANY others on the forum ... look out for Tall Allen’s posts... he’s a great wealth of knowledge. I wish you the very best. X
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