Looking for hope

My sweet daddy was dx with advanced stage 4 PC on 10/4/16. We were -and still are- in shock and my sister and I are desperately looking for some hope. Sorry if this is long but here are the details-

Complained of uro symptoms in early 8/16. PSA 2.4 Hx of BPH. Tx with aintibiotics and no results. CT scan late 8/16 clear.

Bx 10/3/16. Positive for PC. Gleason 9 (4+5)
Possible bladder neck involvement
Possible mets to scapula and rib
Started on ADT-daily Casodex and monthly Lupron injections

Consult with surgeon at Vandy on 10/10 for possible RP. Told he wasn't a candidate for sx due to bladder neck involvement and possible bone mets. Recommended ADT/radiation instead.

Consult with RO on 10/14. Ordered repeat scans due to suspicion that hot spots may be from trauma. Repeat scan on 10/17 showed no bone mets but lesion on lung and liver. Referred to MO for chemo.

Consult with MO on 10/26 who ordered repeat scan, MRI, liver biopsy on suspicion that liver lesion was not PC met. All tests confirm liver lesion was mets, lung lesion, possible met to scapula,rib and spine.

So first docetaxel tx on 11/18. Tolerated it great so far. Says he feels better than he has in years.

My dad is 79 but in great shape otherwise and is still very active. Given very poor prognosis although he looks great, feels great, appetite great, blood work "perfect" according to MO, no pain at all.

We are trying to find some hope, realizing that a cure is not likely, but that it can be managed for a few years. Looking into drastic dietary changes and anything else we can find to help him.

Would appreciate any advice at all. Chemo tips, things to try, etc.

Thanks in advance!

Well, the realistic hope is:

I suspect he will get on HT at some point. (That's hormone therapy). That will probably stop the PC in its tracks. It could hold that for quite a few years, and then there are other newer medications that will further delay things. In short, this is probably an incurable situation, but many here are in your dad's situation -- and they have been for MANY YEARS.

Mel

DM cook, where do you live ? Where is Dad being treated ?

Fiddlecanoe-

I have heard to cut out all sugar, dairy, red meat and refined foods.

A chiropractor here whose wife had breast cancer went to a raw diet for a while was able to stop chemo after 2 treatments. Her case wasn't nearly as advanced but it was encouraging to hear.

Also heard that green tea is good although NOT while doing chemo as it will counteract the effects of the chemo.

It's all very interesting but overwhelming at the same time!

Hello !

We have caring, informed, and supportive members here from all over the globe --- we support and encourage each other in incredible ways.

I was diagnosed over three years ago with advanced prostate cancer that had already infiltrated both of my lungs at the time of diagnosis. Since then, I've pursued treatments that are revealed below in my treatment signature --- it has included a series of treatments that include ADT hormone shots, a series of chemotherapy treatments, PROLIA to strengthen my bones, and now one of the newer breakthrough medications called ZYTIGA.

I was in my late 40s when I was diagnosed. I'm a school teacher, and a new school year had just begun when I was diagnosed.

We're here to encourage you and support you and your father, as his treatments begin. You can click back through past postings that have been posted over the course of years --- you can post new updates --- you can post questions --- you can ask for advice --- you can ask for support. That's the power of this website !

A new diagnosis can be overwhelming --- emotionally and physically. I recommend that you go to the search bar at the very top right-hand corner of your screen. Type in this thread title ... "Letters To The Newly Diagnosed" ... that thread will give you and your father some emotional and moral support as you get started on new treatments.

Also --- since you mentioned that your father is starting chemotherapy treatments --- return once again to the search bar and type in this thread title ... "Taxotere Side Effects" ... and there you will find a detailed thread that will help you and your father navigate through chemotherapy treatments --- with many tips and techniques that our readers here have learned over time to mitigate side effects.

I believe in the power of staying active during treatments --- exercise --- social events --- community involvement. Cancer is a tough diagnosis --- but don't let it overshadow every aspect of your life. Stay focused on family and friends and faith, in whatever form that takes for you. Keep looking forward --- stay connected with your father's doctors --- keep setting daily goals --- and keep living LIFE to the fullest.

There are many new treatments that have emerged in the past decade --- find HOPE in that --- I'm looking forward to celebrating my fourth Thanksgiving since being diagnosed this week, and I'm still teaching school every day. A couple of years ago, I reached the milestone of teaching twenty-five years. Each one of us finds our way ... each one of us finds our path ... but we all need SUPPORT and ENCOURAGEMENT along the way, and that's what you will find here.

Take a moment to look up the thread titles I mentioned above ... you'll find great first-hand experiences recorded there ... and most of all ... HOPE !

Sent with my best, from across the miles,
"Cyclone Team Fan" ~ Iowa State University