Chemotherapy for advanced metastatic prostate cancer

Hi Jane and Shar

I have done the 10 cycles of chemo too.

All I would say is that as advanced cancer progresses, quality of life really matters. The risk of infection is actually quite low and after two sessions if you have had no emergencies you may feel more comfortable.

In that respect I would still go out with friends and enjoy life.

Best

The further we go along this rocky road and the more we learn, I too think we have to find the right balance for us as a couple between the treatment regimes and quality of life. The important thing overhanging all of this, though , is that we all want as long a life as possible and a short term sacrifice for longevity seems a price worth paying . It’s a difficult balance and one we haven’t quite got around to solving!

We are struggling with that too at the moment. Sometimes it just feels like we’re treading water and not really living. My husband can get very low at times, but we can also laugh too. Our sense of humour can get very dark!! 

Hello Jane,

The hormone therapy and enzalutamide can really play havoc with the emotions. We never know from one day to the next how it is going to affect him but just have to do things on the spur of the moment as it is difficult to plan ahead. On good days we go out for an ice cream, coffee or lunch. On bad days we just sit on the terrace, look out to sea and remember the good times. Luckily the village where we live know that my husband is on chemotherapy and ensure that we are given edge tables in quiet places and understand when I wipe everything down before he uses things.

On a positive note I have just asked him how he feels now that he has had 4 sessions of chemotherapy. He stated that he feels very well, better and with less pain than before he started the chemo. He also says he has a bit more energy and is wanting to do more. Not the response I was expecting considering the reaction he has had after each session. He is actually looking forward to the next session on the 20th as it will bring us nearer to the end of treatment, as long as I don't have to bring him home inebriated again. The taxi driver smiled and waved at us this morning as we were having a coffee with friends in a kafeneon so all looks well for the next journey.

Jane, is your husband staying on enzalutamide? We have been told that this will continue for hubby for the time being as it is still suppressing the Cancer even though there is evidence of some resistance. Hopefully after the chemo he may have a break from it for a little while. Hope all goes well with your husband's chemo, that it works for him and that he has the same positive feelings at the end of it.

Hello, I’m glad your husband is doing ok with his chemotherapy sessions and he has less pain now. It’s good to hear positive experiences. My husband has stopped the Enzulutamide as it has stopped working and his psa is rising. He doesn’t want anyone to know about his diagnosis, which can make it more difficult with regards to being exposed to any illness or infection. It’s easier if you are meeting friends and can check that they are well beforehand. As they don’t know his situation, they don’t realise the importance of keeping germ free. I find that stressful at times. I hope your husband gets through the rest of his sessions well. Take care 

I think this demonstrates different attitudes by the medical oncologist's to drug treatment. Who knows which is correct and only time will tell.

Your husband's wanting to keep his diagnosis private must put a strain on you and I sympathize. As you are aware docetaxel can cause hair loss which is quite distinctive, although this can be ameliorated by a cold cap. Unless your husband is amongst those follically challenged then this would soon become obvious to friends who I am sure would be supportive, given the opportunity.

I had the same thought about the chemo, I know our friends and family would be supportive. My husband has decided to try the cold cap first. I respect his choice to keep his diagnosis private, but it does make things more difficult. Only time will tell what will happen 

Hi shar

i have just had my 9th chemo session so only got 1 left to do the side effects are not that bad just take the steroids they do help with them the only one that’s bad is the tast in your mouth only lasts for 4 to 5 days I look at it this way if it gives me more time with my family I can put up with a few days of bad taste the worst time I have is when I am on my own and mind goes into over drive thinking so I just get up go see my grand kids and that puts the fight back in me there is other treatments after chemotherapy and there is always a plan in place for the next step just need to keep positive thoughts he will get through it best of luck with his treatments 

Hi Malcolm, so glad you have nearly finished your chemo treatment. My husband is about to start his in a weeks time and is feeling anxious about it. I am too.. Do you have any tips for coping with it. Is there anything you can do to help with the bad taste? 

I have always thought our grandchildren are ‘the best medicine’ Wonderful little people! Well done on almost reaching the finishing line for this chemo and good luck for the future!