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Hormone therapy or chemotherapy

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User
Posted 27 Sep 2014 at 10:52
Hello

I am new to this site and would be very grateful for help and support from anybody who is in the process of making, or has made, the decision to opt for hormone or chemotherapy

My father is 79 and was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer with bone and lung metastasis in October 2013.

His treatment to date has been managed with shared care between his GP and the urology department of our local hospital - hormone injections and bicalutimade.

Unfortunately the cancer is now resisting the hormone therapy and his PSA level has started to increase.

Yesterday we had a consultation with his oncologist and after a brief review of his case were asked to select either further hormone therapy or chemotherapy.

We were told the likely side effects of each treatment and that either would be effective. The hormone therapy would probably be effective for 6 -9 months then the option of chemo would be available as long as he is still strong enough. The chemo would be 10 sessions of Docetaxal every 3 weeks.

At the moment my father is fit and physically strong with no unpleasant symptoms or pain. Our dilemma is would it be better to opt for the chemotherapy while he is still strong but possibly degrade his current standard of life or opt for the hormone therapy which I think will be Abiraterone

I understand there is no definitive answer and everybody reacts differently but if anyone has been through a similar scenario or is currently having either treatment I would love to hear your experiences.

Thanks in advance

Una

User
Posted 28 Sep 2014 at 10:28

Una Yes - had 10 shots of Cabataxol each 3 weeks apart, then after a short break had 10 shots of doxetaxal again 3 weeks apart. I was on a trial at the time.

User
Posted 28 Sep 2014 at 11:31
Hi una

I have been on both and currently still on abiriterone 14 months on. If a was your fathers age I would most defiantly go for abbi very little side effects

Chemo is a tough gig I am sure I will be back on it I the future

If you look for the threat simon story you can read about my journey from the beginning or click on the user name to see there bio

It will be your choice in the end but if you fancy a chat just drop me a message

Si

Don't deny the diagnosis; try to defy the verdict
User
Posted 28 Sep 2014 at 16:15

Hi Una

 

I've just completed 18 cycles of Docetaxel (two to go) and it's been hard. I'm only 58 and I would have serious doubts about putting him through it. I was as fit as a fiddle but the Chemo is starting to take it out of me. Abiraterone didn't work for me but it does for many. ideally I would like to see him on Enzalutamide but that requires a discussion with the oncologist http://community.prostatecanceruk.org/editors/tiny_mce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif

Nil desperandum

Allister

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User
Posted 27 Sep 2014 at 17:23

Una I have had both Doxitaxal and Abiraterone. Abiraterone worked for me for over 18 months with little or no side effects. Doxetaxal was hard.

But every body is different. Some people find abiraterone doesn't work for them. It's a difficult choice.

User
Posted 27 Sep 2014 at 21:28
Thanks very much for your feedback Did you have the chemo first?

Una

User
Posted 28 Sep 2014 at 10:28

Una Yes - had 10 shots of Cabataxol each 3 weeks apart, then after a short break had 10 shots of doxetaxal again 3 weeks apart. I was on a trial at the time.

User
Posted 28 Sep 2014 at 11:31
Hi una

I have been on both and currently still on abiriterone 14 months on. If a was your fathers age I would most defiantly go for abbi very little side effects

Chemo is a tough gig I am sure I will be back on it I the future

If you look for the threat simon story you can read about my journey from the beginning or click on the user name to see there bio

It will be your choice in the end but if you fancy a chat just drop me a message

Si

Don't deny the diagnosis; try to defy the verdict
User
Posted 28 Sep 2014 at 11:34
Hi that sounds hard going I hope you are reaping the benefits now. It's such a minefield I've been trawling through the Internet for the past 48 hours trying to find more information but for every positive there's always a negative. We have to go back to the consultant on 10th October with a decision. Thanks again for you're help I hope everything goes well for you

Una

User
Posted 28 Sep 2014 at 11:39
Hi Si

Thanks very much I'll take a look at you post and get back to you Much appreciated

Una

User
Posted 28 Sep 2014 at 16:15

Hi Una

 

I've just completed 18 cycles of Docetaxel (two to go) and it's been hard. I'm only 58 and I would have serious doubts about putting him through it. I was as fit as a fiddle but the Chemo is starting to take it out of me. Abiraterone didn't work for me but it does for many. ideally I would like to see him on Enzalutamide but that requires a discussion with the oncologist http://community.prostatecanceruk.org/editors/tiny_mce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif

Nil desperandum

Allister

User
Posted 28 Sep 2014 at 19:47
Hi Allister

Thanks very much. We're hoping to speak to the specialist nurse tomorrow and speak to the consultant again. You've been really helpful, it's great getting feedback from people who have actually experienced all the different options. You're all so courageous and generous with your support. Very best wishes for the future

Una

 
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