Hello 
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Paul had his second Oncology appointment today to start the next stage of treatment.
Its been a tough decision, especially with all options laid out. Initially we leaned towards Triplet Therapy, hit it hard and fast, but after research, conversations here and discussions with our Oncology team, we have chosen to add another hormone treatment and keep chemo as a future option.
This decision was made together but ultimately its Paul's choice, and the right one. Quality of life means everything, if given the choice between 5 amazing years or 3 amazing years and 5 difficult ones, Paul would choose 5 amazing years every time and I admire him for that.
We dont ask about prognosis, no one can truly answer that. Tomorrow isn't promised, so we focus on today.
Treatments for PC are evolving, and we are hopeful that Paul will have many tools in his toolkit.
Our treatment plan - start Abireratone tomorrow with prednisolone, fortnightly bloods for 12 weeks with 4 weekly calls from a specialist nurse. If Paul tolerates the medication well, he will move to monthly monitoring after the 12 weeks.
We will only see the Oncologist again if PSA rises or treatment plan changes.
We can not fault the care and treatment from NHS Tayside, this has been execeptional
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Thank you to everyone here for your support and inspiration
Fingers crossed for a great response and fantastic PSA readings
Over my wee rant from the other day.....deep breath and........Hello everyone.....its been a month now since Paul started the Abireratone, appears to be tolerating well with no real addition to side effects, just the hot flushes and some fatigue which have been present since starting the degarelix......no ED!
PSA had dropped from 134 (july) to 1.5 (2 weeks ago) hoping that next week will bring news of a further drop
All bone pain has been gone since July, only a few niggles now and then but no pain relief needed
I conpleted my walking challenge with Prostate United yesterday, raised £800 for Prostate Cancer UK
Hello Claire
Well done to you for the fund raising and well done to Paul that's a cracking PSA result.
When I started my hormone therapy I had really bad hot sweats - Sage Tablets (Menoforce) cured mine and I haven't had one since. I did check with my team they were ok to take as I didn't want a medication clash. They are a tad expensive but it's better than a hot sweat!!
Best wishes - brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
Millibob do you get different strengths for sage? Paul tried the menoforce ones for over a month, no difference
Hello Claire (Polly1912)
No there's only one strength and sadly they don't work for everyone. If Paul is suffering the GP can prescribe medication to stop the flushes and this is Medroxyprogesterone (I think that's the correct spelling!).
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
Today Paul had his call from the specialist nurse, a week late but nevermind, I am over that! He has been on Abireratone since the 1st October, alongside his usual degarelix injections......all bloods are absolutely fine, psa has dropped to 0.7!
.......next call in 3 weeks time.....wonderful news
Hello Polly1912
Magic news - all is well - time for a small celebration, me thinks 
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Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
As we draw close to the end of the year, I thought it would be a good time to share an update.
Paul continues to do well. Fatigue and hot flushes remain the main side effects of treatment, but thankfully these are manageable. He is still on Abiraterone 1000 mg and Prednisolone 5 mg daily, along with his monthly Degarelix injections.
Paul has gained just over a stone since diagnosis – mostly down to some poor diet choices and a lack of exercise. This is something we definitely need to get back on track with in the New Year 
. Despite everything, he continues to work full-time with some adaptations. He can leave early if fatigue hits, take time off when needed, and his workplace has been amazing throughout.
Paul has also recently been awarded Adult Disability Payment, which has been incredibly helpful.
His PSA remains stable. It has risen slightly over the last month from 0.5 to 0.7, but the team are not concerned, so we’re trying not to be either. He has now moved from fortnightly to monthly blood tests, with nurse appointments every three months.
Wishing everyone a gentle end to the year and continued strength going forward
