So following some of my discussions earlier this year my husband continues to not improve.
He was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer feb 25, HT started, chemotherapy completed by end of the summer, RT completed end of November. Prior to RT his PSA was less than 5 but from September onwards has had low BP and 3 A&E admissions with low BP, passing out, severe rib pain, complete exhaustion which was put down to maybe RT treatment, costochroditis and postural hypotension. Yes he's on Ramipril and Bisoprolol low dose.
Since completing RT this has all got worse. Hospice become involved, he's needed more and more support at home and basically needs to spend the majority of the day lying down on the sofa in and out of sleep. Pain relief has been increased including Oramorph for break through pain.
I had to shout quite loud to ask for follow up appts to be brought forward and a further review 2 weeks later. Yes he has been waiting to see a cardiologist for 6 months.
PSA at end of Dec was 20 and a week later was 28 a rapid rise and certainly not the response after RT even allowing for RT bounce. CT scan showed progression of cancer to more rib, lumbar and sacrum. Referred for RT to rub for pain relief.
This is not the treatment response and recovery we expected and I wait for the result of this week's PSA. Not 12 months since diagnosis and this feels so unfair for him. I know there are no guarantees with treatment.
Hello Selina (Selina19649c )
Thank you for the update, sadly they are not the PSA results you want to receive after HT/RT and Chemotherapy. As you know none us are medically qualified but from what you say there are other co-morbidities at play here too.
I can only suggest you keep on top of his team and his GP to enquire what further treatment is planned. It's good to see the Hospice involved as they specialise in improving the quality of life and in managing pain relief and stress.
I am so sorry to read your post - please do contact our Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm 7 days a week) as they will be able to offer support to you as well as your husband.
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.
Hello Selina (Selina19649c )
As a group we are all here for your support - we are all on our own personal journey and we all know that this cancer can progress - so yes we feel for you and your husband. Please do use the group for help, information, support and to vent should the need arise.
Oncology appointments are as rare as hen's teeth and if you can get him one then please do make the effort to attend. The team will know how ill he is and yes he would be offered another appointment if you cancelled because he was too ill to attend - but the next one may be 4/6 weeks away.
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.
