First chemo in the bag 5 to go

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Hello all my name is Ian.

So my journey began with a trip to A&E with a suspected stroke slurred speech,dribbling and unable to swallow and was sent for a CT head scan.Which they did not find signs of a stroke. However the did find multiple areas of bony lesions decreased to me as looks like it been eaten by moths. So was sent home and to go to the all day emergency care unit on Monday morning for a full body CT scan so after waiting around day was told that my scan results had not come back and someone would ring the next day New Year’s Eve which didn’t happen so give it until 2 on New Year’s Day and rang pretty sure you can guess what the diagnosis was.

The following day I received a phone call from the nurse who had treated my and asked to call in to discuss my speaking problem.Upon arrival I was given a full examination and a list of further test they would like to do.

Bone scan 

MRI brain  

MRI whole spine

Endoscopy

ultrasound guided prostrate biopsy ( the word I heard was ultrasound and thought that the one pregnant women have to see if it’s a boy or a girl) my I should have taken more notice of prostate biopsy part Rofl

followed by MDT meeting in a week 

After the meeting I got a call to as if I could come to the Urology department at 2pm. I was told that my PSA was 378,CT showed extensive lymph nodes,bone scan showed widespread Boney metastases andRoflas undoubtedly advanced prostate cancer and given a staging of TX N1 M1. At this I had not had my biopsy so no Gleason score which I have still not received but something is telling it’s not going tRoflbe a 1or2 Rofl

They said they would like to start me on hormone therapy and give me a Degarelx injection with another due in 4 weeks then to move on to Postap every 3 months and was sent on way.

I had also received an oncology appointment for the following Wednesday were it was agreed that along side the injections to have 6 chemo treatments and to take Darolutamide tablets. All literature 2 weeks to the day from getting my first diagnosis. I can’t thank the NHS enough I know there are lots of problems but in my case I can’t imagine getting better results.

The worst part for me a being the 3 weeks waiting to start my chemo and full treatment. I I’ve read so many posts on here about people wanting for results for longer than I have to get to anywhere near the point I am with my treatment and my heart really goes out to you all. Stay strong every one.

sorry this as turned out to be a bit of a long post for a introduction post but it the first time I’ve written it all down.

  • Well done for facing your treatment so bravely. Just to say that it helps when people share their experiences and offer support to others. Wishing you well as you continue your journey. Take care.

  • Hi P9 Bees

    I'd just like to give you a warm welcome you to the club that no-one wants to be a member of !  I'm sure that others will be along in due course to provide you with a more professional and helpful welcome.  

    I'm sorry to hear that you have had such a challenging start to the year. 

    I hope that you have home support to help you through this period, and it's good to hear that things are moving quickly for you and that you are in good spirits. 

    Best wishes for a helpful result from your upcoming scans etc.

    Regards, Peroni.   

  • Hello  and welcome from a wife. You have been fast tracked onto one of the newer protocols called Triplet Therapy which is proving to be effective when multiple metastases are found. As things have happened very quickly your body is going to be undergoing a lot of changes. The hormone therapy will cause a rapid drop in Testosterone and comes with a range of possible side effects so if you are unsure about anything then just ask. With the chemotherapy we found that the cycles followed a similar pattern so keep a diary of how you feel and symptoms and this will allow you to plan around future cycles. I am sure others will be along with further information but I am about to go out the door for a urologist appointment. The best piece of information to combat side effects is exercise and above all stay positive.

  • Thank you very much.kind of you to say obviously I’m at the beginning of the journey and often much to support others at the moment. But if this as help someone one then I’m very pleased to posted.

  • Thank you and great forum name by the way Sunglasses

    Thank you for the info I think you gave someone else the same the other day which I read and helped me put 2&2 together. I will follow you advice on keeping a diary. So far so good on the side effects but the not stated the tablets just about to have my first lot.

    Hope the appointment brings good news and you husband is doing well. Like my he’s lucky to have a strong supportive wifeHeart

  • Hi Ian so sorry to hear your diagnosis, I am newly diagnosed at an early stage of prostrate with a curative expectation. The reason I’m replying is to add to your praise of the NHS. I myself just went to my local GP for a standard PSA test on the 12 December since than I’ve had MRI,CYT scans Biopsy consultations and now at the stage where I’m awaiting consultation at Christie’s to discuss the 2 treatment option for me. I find this an extremely fast moving service and can’t thank them enough, whereas my brother is much further advanced cancer than myself (the reason I went and got tested) has gone private and they took months around 7 to get him where he is now, on his last chemo treatment at the end of this month. So yes the NHS do take a battering in some areas of their services but I can’t praise them enough for their efficiency regarding myself.

    Clive 

  • Hi Clive 

    Thank you yes for me they have been brilliant the first 14 days of the year there’s was some test,scan or meeting. Got my treatment plan and I think if there was a 3 week waiting time for chemo chair I would been in sooner.

    Hope you’re treating goes well and you are feeling positive and strong and of course the same to your brother.

    Ian

  • Hi  welcome to our club.  A good way of keeping a diary is in your profile (you can see mine by clicking on my name or avatar).  If you keep it up to date, it helps us know where you are in your journey.  Just a thought.  Good luck, David.

  • Hi David.

    Thank you for the welcome and tip on the diary I will take a look Sunglasses

    Ian

  • Ian ( ) feel free to ask any questions and good luck with the chemo.  David