Update

We have three friends who have had HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) treatment in the states and it’s been lifechanging for them.

I believe they are using it in England for women so I am  looking to find if it would  be extended to Prostrate Cancer . Basically after removal of the affected area they bath the abdomen in a  hot chemotherapy solution to kill any remaining cancer cells after the surgical removal of all visible tumours.  Just wonder if anyone else has heard of this 

Hi johnam .

I have been doing some searching and from what I have found this technique is used in the peritoneum which is basically a cavity in the middle abdomen for cancers in that area. Results so far have been good. Whether the use could be extrapolated for the removal of abdominal prostate mets by surgery plus this HIPEC flushing I would think would be hypothetically possible. Manchester are co ordinating a trial at the moment into the use of this technique in association with many hospitals around the world.

The prostate is in a lower area of the abdomen and so far I can find no literature for the concomitant use of surgery and the hot chemotherapy in this area. The chemotherapy drug used is Cisplatin which is not particularly good at controlling prostate cancer. I would think that a more effective cancer drug would have to be trialled. In other words it doesn't look as if it is a possibility for prostate cancer at the moment - unless you know differently.

Hi Always Hope   Many thanks for this information I will go back to them and ask for more details 

I found this article very informative.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9143396/

Also this one on a prostate cancer met in the peritoneum.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34048828/

Hi Akwayshope , am just out my bed as not been sleeping maybe an hour here and there too much going in in my head . Yes it did involve the appendix so am glad you found further information.  It’s also all diving buddies so I’m going to scour the internet to see if there are any nexus. I need to invest in another laptop as it’s easier for me with a bigger screen . Many thanks 

Hello johnam 

The not sleeping is common at this stage of your journey. If it helps you can get some extra support from:

* Anxiety UK  - on 0344 477 5774 or www.anxietyuk.org.uk

* "Maggie's" This is a cancer support charity for all the family - to find your local "Maggie's" 0300 123 1801 or here's the link https://www.maggies.org/

* Our support line on 0808 808 00 00 (8an to 8pm 7 days a week) They are more than happy to help.

We've all been there and it's so important to look after yourself. I do hope the above helps. I have a few more links if you need them.

Best wishes - Brian.

Awe thank you Brian . It’s very much appreciated x

Hello Johnam, I have struggled with insomnia for several years but it became a massive problem during those first few weeks and months. I began to wonder how on earth my body and its brain could function on so little sleep!

I have tried ruling out all caffeine after lunchtime ( I am a coffee addict!) and substituting with herbal ( camomile, lavender etc) drinks. This has helped a lot but on days of high anxiety that darned insomnia returns!

You are not alone and I send you my thoughts and best wishes

Many thanks Worried Wife its much appreciated as am in panic mode this week xx

Hi Johnam - it's easy for me to say now than when I was at the beginning of this journey, I know!  I used to wake up, after perhaps 2 hours of sleep, and two words were screaming around in my brain, 'Prostate Cancer'. Then I tossed and turned for hours. Looking back, I can see understand some of the problems for me.

1. Fear - fear of the unknown and absolute dread of losing my husband

2. Grief - for the future hopes, dreams and plans we had. Our understanding of our lives had completely changed - or so it seemed at the time - perhaps far less so than I had initially feared 

3. Not knowing - what did the future hold for us now the old certainties had been so cruelly ripped away?

4. Our own mortality - we were brought up sharply against the inevitability of death at some time (hopefully not too soon ). 

5. Loss of trust - we completely lost our trust in the NHS after several very poor communications issues and I took over responsibility for trying to get things moving - dealing with NHS bureaucracy is not easy

6. the worries about the side effects of the treatment

But - looking back there have been positives:

1. Once we got the treatment plan everything went really smoothly and we felt we had regained some sort of control of our lives. 

2. The whole experience brought us closer together! We were able to recognise the different skills and knowledge we each had and how they were complimenting  each other in this battle of the PC Journey. We had a new respect for each other and realised we had to make the most of each and every passing day that we spend together.

3. Family and friends - we told our family and friends and the support and love we received still brings tears to my eyes!!!

4. Appreciation of the people who have supported us on this forum - no holds barred ! There haas been kindness, information, support, laughter and tears - all shared with such generosity. 

5. Hope - hope that this darned disease has been kicked into the long grass!! Life does go on and can be enjoyed! We just realise we have to do what we want now while we can - just the same as for all people - none of us live for ever even though we prefer, as a society, not to think of our demise.

I've been where you are right now. It's a horrible place to be. You are not alone in this and we are here for you! Try to get some rest or find something that will distract you from those thoughts and emotions screaming around in your brain right now :)