Hi all,
My OH has completed his 6 sessions of Docetaxel now, had a CT scan yesterday, to ascertain the effectiveness of treatment so far (non-curative) low PSA due to prostate gland eroded by the cancer; not much antigen being produced.
Last month, his bloods showed a dramatic decrease in alklaline phosphate reading, which the consultant was very pleased with. This indicates disease in the bones.
In a healthy person, 30-125 i/ul. In January his reading was 178, end of May, down to 64 i/ul. (excellent)
We've to wait maybe 3 weeks now to see the consultant, as reporting on scans has a backlog, and then they are on holiday first week of July.
However, H, who is a pessimist by nature has now become very low in mood. He is convinced there's only bad news to come, and that the feelings in his back (where he had bone tumours at the beginning of being diagnosed) are bigger than ever.
Is this likely? Possible? I suggested he contact the clinic and ask for an MRI scan - he had one after similar sensations in February, and nothing showed up. It was suggested that it was one of the many Docetaxel side effects.
He is very sad, and says he doesn't want to know, he's fed up, what's the point, and things like this. Although he is working, and has done all the way through, when he's home, he only talks about symptoms in detail, no-one can distract him, he works himself up, or down, into a spiral.
I can't get him to see any positives in anything. I know the HRT is a bugger here, he's often tearful.
Suggestions, please, lovely and sensible people. (oh, and yes, he's having counselling at the hospital, which he feels is a tremendous help)
(Just writing this out has helped me)
Thankyou x
Hello Jess (Jess40)
I am so sorry to read your post.
The one thing that came to mind was "distraction" so when he comes home from work try and find something he loves to do - a hobby, a walk, a trip out for a meal, visiting friends - something to keep him busy and occupied.
Your post rang a bell with me as I had a scan on late Bank Holiday Monday and I have a consultants meeting on Thursday 19 June. So we have almost 3 weeks between scan and meeting - distraction - we are on holiday, back home to the UK Wednesday. I have just remembered why we are away - I hadn't thought about my results.
We as humans are all different and I have the attitude that I am going to beat this cancer and live forever - it's getting into that positive mind set, and when all you see is doom and gloom it's very hard to change things.
Even small changes can brighten him up - his favourite meal when he gets back from work - a trip to the cinema, a walk in the fresh air, a pie and pint in the pub - anything to change the routine and keep his mind elsewhere.
I hope my ramblings help!! Good luck.
Best wishes - Brian.
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