My husband diagnosed yesterday

User

Posted 20 Dec 2017 at 09:21

I had the same cycles/frequency as hiitsme’s husband.

The treatment is given through a cannula in the back of the hand. As well as the Docetaxel there will be an anti-sickness drug and a steroid put through the line first. The whole procedure takes several hours so having something to occupy you is a good idea. My sons and daughter gave me a chemotherapy survival pack that they made up themselves! I escaped pretty much unscathed apart from some bouts of fatigue and issues with my finger and toes nails. My hair and beard thinned a bit and turned white but that has grown again and back to it’s normal grey. All body hair went but has regrown. As mentioned above there is a risk of infection when the white blood cell is down. This happens during each cycle but you should be told when the riskier periods are. Steriod tablets are taken throughout the chemotherapy cycles with extra taken the day before and the morning of the next treatment. A blood test and an appointment with the doc are also required before each treatment. I had mine the day before but it can also happen on the day. My wife was allowed to sit with me during the first treatment but after that it’s just the patient. Obviously I don’t know how other locations operate but I was happy with that and had no problems with the forty mile drive home afterwards. We actually had a very good briefing of what to expect and what to do if at all worried, from the nurse who gave my first treatment.

Thinking of you both

Dave

User

Posted 20 Dec 2017 at 13:09

Thank you for that information. It really helps to hear stories of how others get along. Hope you have a very Happy Christmas.

User

Posted 20 Dec 2017 at 13:13

That’s really helpful to hear. My husband doesn’t often like to hear too many detail, unlike me, but he was really interested to hear that. Great preparation for the actual event. I hope you too have a really happy Christmas. Thanks again fo taking the time to post.

User

Posted 21 Dec 2017 at 10:22

I just hope I’ve have been some help.

User

Posted 21 Dec 2017 at 15:27

So sorry to hear about your Husbands diagnosis. I'm afraid that I'm 7 months ahead of you having been diagnosed in May with Cancer widespread through the bones but not in soft tissue. PSA of 126 which is currently not registering as HT has got it down and controlled it. I am on 3 monthly Prostap and was originally booked in for chemo but then we heard about the STAMPEDE trial results which suggested an improved outcome going on Abiraterone instead of chemo and my Onco got that funded by BUPA. Was all going really well until by liver decided it didnt like the Abi so I'm currently off it for the second time and got bloods on 3rd Jan which may see me back on a half dose.

May be worth talking to your Onco about the Abiraterone.

My Wife and I spent the first 3 months pretty much falling apart as the words "incurable" and "cancer" are not words you want to hear, especially when they are talking about you. However, you do get stronger and life does return to a bit more like normal. I have learned that it's vital to live life to the full when you have little idea how much of it this bloody disease is going to allow you to have.

Edited by member 21 Dec 2017 at 16:12 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 21 Dec 2017 at 15:49

Hi Susie

Just been reading your posts and I can totally understand how you are feeling . We like so many on this forum have been in and are still in the same situation eighteen months down the line. Our journey has been a bit more complex as hubby has had a few more cancers to deal with on top of advanced prostate cancer. But I really think a positive attitude and an active body has helped to keep him focused. He totally amazes me everyday with his outlook on live and takes things in his stride. The lovely people at cancer support have been brilliant and can offer counselling and other relaxation therapies which do help the mind as well as the body.

Good luck to you both on this journey and keep in touch. Try and enjoy Christmas the best you can in the circumstances.

Debbie x

User

Posted 21 Dec 2017 at 19:59

Hello, All - just tripped into this website because a member posted a short review of my serio-comical memoir that was sent to him by a friend in America, SAYING GOOD-BYE TO YOUR PROSTATE by Jamie MacKenzie. I am very gratified that it has been mentioned here, and want to encourage men AND women to consider purchasing it at Amazon or Audible, because partial proceeds go to the wonderful Prostate Cancer Foundation in California in memory of a childhood friend. It's short, large print, funny and will allow you to learn and laugh, while being reassured, at this very scary subject. Test early. PC is 33% MORE prevalent than breast cancer - but almost NO ONE knows this. And SO treatable and curable, but must be caught early. If I can be of any help to any members, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Best wishes for the holidays and EVERY day --- Jamie

User

Posted 21 Dec 2017 at 21:04

Thankyou for taking the time to post. Your words really rang true this evening. We decided to go into Leeds this afternoon and experience the Christmas lights and atmosphere. Went for a cocktail in the middle of shops then for a really lovely meal at a new to us restaurant. Back on train. What a tonic it was. We were able to make references to the PC and chemo coming up without too much misery! How great was that. Thanks for the inspiration and time to talk. Xx

User

Posted 21 Dec 2017 at 21:09

Fantastic news. I so hope we have good results. I will definitely be asking about that when we go in the new year. I’ve read about it. Hope your Christmas is lovely and that the New Year brings happy times. X

User

Posted 22 Dec 2017 at 10:10

I asked about Abiraterone a little while back when it was cleared for early use. I was told I didn’t need it yet but would get it when the time came. Bear in mind that I had already had chemotherapy, which an earlier STAMPEDE trial showed had better outcomes being given early on rather than was the case of not giving it until the cancer became HT resistant. I am currently taking part in the STAMPEDE trial looking to see if the diabetic drug Metformin will be of use as future PC treatment so things are evolving all the time.

I’m glad you were both able to have an enjoyable day out. Hope you can have a good Christmas. Our house looks like Santa’s workshop at the moment and we are looking forward to a house full of children and grandchildren 😀

Edited by member 22 Dec 2017 at 10:11 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 23 Dec 2017 at 04:18

That is interesting about the metformin. My husband has been on it for just over a year now as he was diagnosed with type 2 . He has found a lot of unpleasant side effects though. Have a great Christmas with your family. Regards

User

Posted 23 Dec 2017 at 18:46

Ironic about the unpleasant Metformin side effects as that is one of the things being looked at. Whether it will help with hormone therapy side effects as well as treat the disease itself.

User

Posted 25 Dec 2017 at 14:14

That is interesting. My husband hasn’t had much effect from the Hormone treatment, yet. I’m going to have a chat with him about this. He hasn’t said much about metformin effects lately, either.

User

Posted 02 Feb 2018 at 16:50

Just thought I’d give a quick update . My husband had his oncology appointment on Tuesday. We went through the scans again, which was useful but scary. The first time I don’t think we could take it all in. The e bone mets look to be widespread. Anyway the Onco was very good and we made a plan to go ahead with Docetaxel. 6 cycles to start but not for three weeks. It seems to be all waiting now. Still we now have a window of time with nothing happening so we are going to take a few days away the week before we go back. I think it will do us both good to have a change of scenery. And we can’t really go far once it all starts.

User

Posted 04 Feb 2018 at 14:40

Hi Suzy, our journeys with our husbands really are similar. We had the appointment on Friday to discuss treatment etc. Sean’s bone scan showed the cancer had spread way further then we expected, it was so scary, I wish I hadn’t seen it. It has also spread to his liver, which is even more worrying. He starts the same treatment as your husband, six sessions once every three weeks, starting on 20 February, a week after his 52nd birthday. It sure what will happen beyond that, I guess it’s an ongoing battle. I’ve decided i need a coping mechanism as I’m going to have to be strong for him, so I’m upping my running, and entering races. I’m fundraising for this charity too with the Great North run, as I want to give something back. Hopefully all this will help my mental health so I can be the support that Sean will need.

Anyway, take care Suzie, am sending much love to you both, and indeed to everyone going through this nightmare xxx

User

Posted 05 Feb 2018 at 15:34

It’s so similar it’s strange, but I think could be really supportive for us both. The bone mets scared me as they seem to be so widespread.and the cancer below the kidney seems a mystery even to onco! Today Mike got his letter from The Leeds Cancer centre. We go to see the specialist nurse for bloods and a tour on the 20th. Then back on 21st for first infusion. They have booked all six appointments so at least we can make an attempt at planning around them. If all goes well Mikes birthday and our 45th anniversary land in the few days leading up to another infusion. I guess if he’s ever going to be ok it will be then! So all good and fingers very firmly crossed.
I can’t run like you so I’m trying to plan in other ways. I’ve got a small cool bag ready to take with drinks and pineapple for the sessions. All ready in the freezer. I’ve stocked up the meds cabinet with mouthwash, laxative and Imodium. New battery in thermometer and I’ve packed a small overnight for hospital in case we have any signs of infections. I’ve already been warned about being very proactive about ringing, night or day. Also family warned about walking the dogs!
We just need to get started don’t we. Good luck to Sean, fingers crossed for him, and everyone else about to start treatment.
Susie

Edited by member 06 Feb 2018 at 14:05 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 06 Feb 2018 at 14:11

Just back from GP. We went for diabetic review. Asked if hospital blood tests from last week were on system yet. They were.
PSA down from 210 to 1-5!!!!! All thanks to Prostap .Best news for three months.

User

Posted 06 Feb 2018 at 15:05

That’s great news susie so please for you 😀

Don't deny the diagnosis; try to defy the verdict

User

Posted 06 Feb 2018 at 15:12

That is fantastic news which I am sure has given you a real boost.

So pleased for you - long may it continue.

User

Posted 06 Feb 2018 at 15:13

Brilliant news Susie.

Very pleased for you both

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

Notification

Join the online community now.