HI All,
I thought I would share you with all the positive news we have had today in the hopes that it might help whilst you are on your own very personal journey.
My Dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer with lymph node involvement and bone mets in October 2021. This diagnosis was not expected and we have been on a roller coaster of emotions since.
He was immediately started on Firmagon injections which we have found out today reduced his PSA from 73 to 6.8 in just over a month, fast forward to January and his PSA is 1.1. He is also on enzalutamide but this has been temporarily stopped until his heart has been checked due to swollen ankles (a known side effect) but they have reassured us today a short period of time will not affect the overall effectiveness of the treatment. We also visited Maggies and were given bucketfuls of positive information with the nurse telling us to look at prostate cancer as a chronic illness that can be well managed in this day and age. The service we have received today has been fantastic and I count our blessing that we have the Freeman Hospital on our doorstep. Please remember if you do not have a positive experience the patient can change their consultant and/or nurse by choice so don't just take who you are given if you feel there is something lacking or you are not getting the emotional support you need.
The diagnosis came out of the blue and the emotional roller coaster we have been on has been like nothing else we have experienced however, today has been a turning point for us all. I would like to think that by sharing our story it helps those just starting on their journey and considering or starting hormone therapy to stay positive as the treatment can and most likely will give you the desired results of bringing your PSA down. There are side effects that can come along with it and fatigue seems to be my Dad's biggest one but a few extra naps throughout the day helps.
Best of luck to you all on your own PC journey and I hope our positive news helps others in some way x
