Metastatic tumours on spine

hi my name is dale and I've got it in numerous bone inc my spine if you read my bio by chicking the little arm chair might help. I'm had my second chemotherapy yesterday so I will be updating it  shorty 

Thank you so much, I appreciate your reply and I hope your treatment helps.  Have you been given any guidance regarding expected outcome.  

My husband (80) has the same, grade 4, spread to spine and other bones. Four years on and only controlled with Prostap. Not in much pain, apart from a neck ache which may or may not be related. Can't have chemo as also has heart problems.

You have now realised that Dr Google is not the best place but now you are here, stay with us and read some more encouraging stories.

Best regards

Gina

• hi I've never asked about a outcome I just take it one move at a time . I figure it is what it is and I try to carry on enjoying what ever I've got left. I must say since I started treatment I feel the best I have for a few years so that a plus.  it does consume you I'm constantly thinking about it . there will be other along soon that will put you more at ease than I can . keep a positive outlook . have you any figures like psa ,gleason score etc. 

You can ask you oncologist for average prognosis timetables but to be honest each body is so very different and the timeline is a piece of elastic string. All I know is that nobody has the same as me, but most of us started with the same subtle symptoms and a need for a prognosis. My best advice is to worry more about today and worry less about the future and how long it is. I see your worry in My Darlings eyes every day. You are not alone. One day at a time suffices. Good luck 

Hi Help 

please please don’t use Mr Google . It’s a scare monger forum . We have been there and got the t shirt . Goo ok into MacMillan or Prostrate Cancer forums which are accurate with information

best wishes

Liz & OH xxx 

Hello and welcome. My husband was diagnosed with advanced metastatic prostate cancer in July 2020 and is still going strong with a good quality of life. In recent years the treatments available for the different types of prostate cancer have come on in leaps and bounds which means that a lot of the data on the internet can be out of date plus you have to remember that the results on long term outcomes are based on these older protocols. Nowadays the experts are able to tailor a treatment plan specific to your husband's situation, usually with a combination of hormone therapy which can put the cancer into hibernation for a long time along with some form of treatment which can kill off the cancer such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Everything sounds very scary at the beginning and certainly we shed many tears until we had a full diagnosis and treatment plan.

There is an excellent book which you can download for free which explains the diagnosis process and then gives an idea of what treatments might be available.

https://issuu.com/magazineproduction/docs/js_prostate_cancer_guide_for_patients_ezine

This is very much a couples disease and your husband's attitude is common, just give him time to come to terms with it but say that help is available for both of you if you want it. As a group we can help with the practical things of living with prostate cancer and the side effects of the different treatments - we celebrate the successes and support each other when we have wobbles. It is definitely going to be a marathon rather than a sprint but having a positive attitude really does help.

On a practical side you should keep a note of all conversations and contact details. Some health authorities are better than others at providing the service they are supposed to in starting treatment within 62 days pathway so you may need to be politely assertive to ensure that things don't slip. Also some treatments are time dependent from when your husband first starts hormone therapy, in particular Triplet Therapy which might be an option for your husband depending on how widespread his cancer is. It is also important that your husband gets as fit as possible and preferably with some weight bearing exercises as this can really help to reduce the side effects of the hormone therapy and ensure that he has a good quality of life. The next few months are going to be disruptive as things get sorted out but they do eventually settle down.

You will have plenty of questions so please ask away and we will try and help.

Hi Help,

I totally understand what you are going through. We have been there 19 months ago and the feeling of total shock and anxiety is so very normal. My husband diagnosed with treatable cancer with mets in different places ( we do not call it terminal cancer but treatable). I can tell you for sure that although is incurable it is treatable and the treatment is tolerable. My husband, Jacob, is on double HT and a year ago he had RT. His quality of life is really good. He swim everyday and we are looking forward to our holiday at the end of this month.  Looking back two years ago, our life is the same as before the diagnosis!

You have very good replies from the amazing people in this community. I can say that in few weeks all will settle down when you will have the treatment plan and life will carry on.

Lots of love

Dafna

As you say Dafna. Life is terminal; cancer is treatable. Have a great weekend a ponder the facts. We are alive and able still to choose and do. xx

Hi Help , this is a really worrying time and Google is not the place to go.  I wrote a post a little while ago, which might be helpful.  The end - straight to palliative care!  Just click on the link. Please come back with any questions as you progress on your journey.  David