Hi all
my husband was diagnosed in October 2019 with a PSA reading of 880. He was 68 years old. He was admitted to hospital for radiotherapy as they found the cancer had metastasised outside of his prostrate and was in his spine, lymph’s,, pelvis chest and bones. He had 6 rounds of chemo in January 2020 followed by hormone injections every month and his psa dropped right down. We found out a couple of weeks ago that his PSA has risen considerably plus he has developed an irritant cough. He has been for urgent ct scan and a bone scan and he has to see the consultant tomorrow for results. My husband is putting on a brave face and is staying positive, one of the bravest people I know. I am dreading the outcome tomorrow to be honest as I can see a decline in his health. His mobility is now very bad and uses a stick and sits for most of the day We have just found out that I am not able to accompany him to his consultants appointment tomorrow because of COVID. I am really upset by this because iI don’t trust my husband to ask the relevant questions and to be honest with me afterwards. He is finding it very hard to accept that he has a terminal condition. Is there anyone that I can speak to afterwards to discuss his condition and results of his scans? The more I know about this, the more support I can give him and of course I want to be prepared for the worse.
Hi
I really understand where your coming from, it’s bad enough he has this let alone going to an appointment by himself. When I have appointments and believe me I have plenty, my wife who’s my carer, I push very hard to make sure she is with me.
I have symptoms that are like your husbands, pelvis, spine and ribs plus a lymph node. My PSA was very high and dropped to next to nothing, but lately it’s on the increase, I’ve been put on enzalutamide, if they cannot find anything causing the cough, it could be acid reflux mixed with a bronchial condition ( I have this ) caused me to have a cough for around three months maybe longer, he would have to see his doctor if the oncologist has no ideas.
If he has appointments in the future just say your his carer.
keep safe
Joe
Thank you Joe. So we had the appointment yesterday and I was able to join by phone. My husbands cancer has indeed spread and he is starting abiraterone on Thursday plus steroids. If it doesn’t work for him he will have 6 rounds of chemo alongside. There are a lot of side effects with this drug though. We asked his prognosis and he said if the drug doesn’t work it could be as little as 6 months but if the drug works and carries on working he could get as much as 5 years out of it. They are also taking his bloods every 2 weeks to keep an eye. I believe this drug is very expensive so not always offered - costs abt £9000 per month. We’re pinning our hopes that it works and that side effects are minimal. Would be good to hear from anyone else that has experienced this drug and what their side effects were
Wish you all the luck with your journey Joe. Stay positive and stay safe
Hi
Arbiraterone is an excellent drug, I’am on its counterpart enzalutamide there both alike and as you know very expensive. They say five years but with advancements in science that could be more.
Side effects are expected, when I started mine they overwhelmed me to the point I had to stop, but a few months later after a long conversation with my oncologist I’ve started back on them on half dose building back up to full dose. So keep that in mind, you want your husband with you but you want him to be as comfortable as possible.
There are a few on here who are on Aberaterone who can give some advice hopefully they will.
Was his cough mentioned ?
keep safe stay strong.
Joe
Hi Joe
Thanks for your response and comforting to know that you have tried the arbi counterpart and are now coping very well with it. Long may it continue.
His cough didn’t seem to be a concern with his oncologist. Not COVID or cancer related apparently so just a cough.
My husband’s, not looking forward to starting the medication tomorrow because of the effects but he will only have six months to live without it so of course that is spurring him on. I will let you know how he copes with it.
take care
Christine
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