Partner diagnosed - advice on treatment

Hi peejay

my brother went down the triple therapy route and is now in Turkey on a 10 day holiday

the chemo took its toll but he got  though it PSA is now 0.2 down from 50.9 

like I say living it up in Turkey at the moment 

BG

Hello peejay,

I haven't been around much in the last couple of weeks as I'm away but saw your thread this morning. I had triplet therapy last year for recurrence after initial RT / HT in 2016. I wrote a blog of my experience which might be of interest:

 Prostate Cancer Recurrence - Triple Therapy 

I also had other less invasive treatment options but after researching thoroughly and taking advice on here decided on triplet. Main reasons were:

1. It's a fairly recently introduced treatment with very promising results so far.

2. I was 68 at the time and decided to have it in case I became unsuitable for chemotherapy in future if alternative treatments eventually failed.

3. As others have suggested, to hit it hard and fast. This has always been my approach - I had lung cancer in 2014 (surgery to remove) and took optional adjuvant chemotherapy for an extra 5% survival chance which, having worked so far, reinforced my approach this time round.

As far as holidays / travel are concerned I was able to get reasonable travel insurance this year and we're currently on our 6th trip since January with a couple more planned before year-end, so that's definitely on the cards.

I hope all goes well for your partner and you through this difficult time.

Derek.

Thankyou Derrk that is really encouraging to read and glad that you have managed trips. I really want him to be at the wedding, going to do all I can to get this treatment started, currently feel as if he has been forgotten. Thanks for your time 

That’s encouraging thankyou for sharing! 

A little update - (thanks to Millibob for advice) Firm  but fair approach this afternoon to the Oncology Secretary means appointment booked for this Saturday to discuss everything with consultant. Thanks all for your comments  

HelloPeejay 

That's brilliant. Have your questions ready and take notes - you don't have to agree to any treatment at the meeting - you can take your time to consider it.

Here's a link to help you with your questions:

Questions-to-ask-your-healthcare-team.

I wish you well on Saturday - please do let us know how you get on.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks Brian - I will! 

Thanks again Derek - just read your blog, so helpful re side effects. 

Thanks BG - good to know I can see the treatment is gruelling but good to hear there’s life afterwards

Hi all - posting adter oncologist meeting on Saturday. OH has opted for the triplet therapy given his advanced diagnosis, giving him a 30% increase in survival rate over hormone or chemo only acc to the doctor. Also prescribed vitamin D and calcium for bone health. On top of this he must see a dentist to ascertain if he can take alendronic acid for osteoporosis. Reading all the side effects on all of the drugs is a little daunting but we aim to get through this and get to that wedding! Thanks to everyone for your advice - will be logging in now and again to read as this community is so supportive!