Worrying recurrence of symptoms

User

Posted 26 May 2016 at 23:40

Hello, my husband had HT for 1 year and has now had 6 sessions of chemo and the results seemed good, as the spread of cancer in his spine seemed to have been halted. Bone readings were improved and much lower. His last chemo was on 29 February 2016 and at that time he had no pain. However, in the last few weeks he has been having back pain again and has had several bouts of diarohea. He has been taking painkillers but doesn't want to make a fuss. He is due to see his consultant on 20 June and wants to wait to see him then. I am trying to persuade him to see his gp or to contact the consultant about these new symptoms. He is extremely tired and sleepsa a lot. I just wanted to ask if anyone else thinks he should be dealing with this instead of ignoring this recurrence of symptoms? He was diagnosed in Sept 2014 with APC, with Gleaston score of 8. Thanks in anticipation of any advice. Kate23

User

Posted 27 May 2016 at 02:11

Hi Kate,

Often GP's don't have extensive knowledge of PCa but are generally kept informed by the treating hospital and know a patient's histology. I think your idea of getting hubby to see his GP asap is a good one. It may be that his GP may be able to prescribe some more effective pain relief and perhaps something for the diarrhoea. It is also possible that his GP may be able to get his appointment brought forward if it is though this might be helpful.

I think most men don't want to make a fuss but hubby has good reason to seek help from his GP. How successful this will be I don't know but certainly justifies investigating.

Do let us know how it goes.

Barry

User

Posted 27 May 2016 at 06:15

Hello Kate.
I too would advise a GP appointment. IT could be something relatively "simple" like a late effect of HT and Chemo but best to be sure.

Our husband's are occasionally a right pain as they don't like to fuss. Mine is exactly the same. Drives me mad !!

My attitude is, you've got a problem, talk to somebody about it. If it's something and nothing then all that has happened is that a GP appointment has been used, but unless you ask - you won't know.

Did the diarrhoea start when he was taking painkillers or did he have it before then.

Best Wishes

Sandra

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails

User

Posted 27 May 2016 at 07:38

Have you been advised of the signs and indicators of spinal cord compression? Does he have any numbness in his legs or feet? If so, call the hospital without delay. Otherwise, I think a call to the nurse specialist would be a good idea.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 27 May 2016 at 10:36

Thank you for the very helpful comments. Husband had a better sleep overnight and, of course, he doesn't want to contact gp or specialist cancer nurse today. Back pain is not so bad at the moment. However, he seems to want to keep his head in the sand and can't talk about his concerns to me or anyone else. He is also very depressed and tearful at times but it could be the ongoing effects of the chemo and HT. However, hopefully, his hospital appointment in June will put both our minds at ease! I'll post an update when he's seen his consultant. Cheers, Kate.

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