Hi Maud, it is a while since we heard from you, and on this forum that is a good thing.
His initial diagnosis of metastatic cancer, meant it would not be curable. The chemo has kept it at bay for a few years, and I presume he can have further rounds of chemo which will hopefully keep it at bay for some time longer.
It is unusual to have further scans after an initial metastatic diagnosis, as usually the treatment is systematic rather than targeted at a specific area, so they don't need to know where the cancer is. It is good news that they are doing these scans as it implies they think they can treat a targeted area presumably with radiotherapy.
His level of fitness will definitely help him deal with the side effects of treatment. Is he on hormone therapy at the moment?
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Hi Dave, thank you for your response. Mike was having his 6 monthly injection which will now be reduced to every 3 months. It’s interesting that you say it’s unusual for Mike to have further scans due to his diagnosis of advanced metastatic cancer. I am hoping as you say it’s a positive move even though his last PSA of 2.6 is within the normal range. Yes, Mike remains very active and do far has not experienced any pain in his bones🤞. Ironically he said he feels really well and this is why he is anxious about the scans etc. Maud.
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It's very good that your husband feels well and is keeping active: quality of life is the most important thing!
If you look at my profile you'll see I had further scans 3 to 4 years after my initial diagnosis, it's a good thing as it will enable the team to see what might be driving the increase in PSA and give a targeted response, as Dave pointed out.
I wouldn't be worried at this point, I think it's a positive move by your husband's oncology team. Just see what the scans show and what the team's decision is. Wishing you both all the very best.
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HI Craig, having read your cancer journey I feel truly inspired by your positive attitude to life. You are so right in saying that quality of life is so important. Take good care of yourself. Maud.
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Mike had his recent appointment with the Oncologist and we were given some mixed news which is what we were told. CT chest, abdomen, pelvis adn bone scan shows disease progression. Also new intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy suggesting disease progression. Residual bone metastases (ribs /spine) Not sure what this means? This is from the report sent to Mike. What I cannot understand is that at the appointment the Oncologist said some good news and some not so good news. I am failing to understand where the good news is, although he did say that the cancer cells in the bones were stable - I am assuming this is good news. However as Mike is active and continues to play tennis he will be commenced on Enzalutamide rather than chemotherapy. The side affects of this drug is scary and I am wondering if anyone from this group has had it and how they coped please. Mike is okay about these results but I am upset and just hope once he starts on his drug treatment theh cancer cells will be targeted. Any feedback would be really appreciated. Maud
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The Enzalutamide side effects are mostly those of loss of Testosterone, and he's probably already got whatever side effects he's going to get from that. Fatigue can be worse, and there's some close monitoring to make sure his liver copes with the Enzalutamide.
If he does get some troublesome side effects, it's important to report those quickly, because he can change to another drug in the first 3 months, but not after that.
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Hi
I was on enzalutamide for just over 12 months,it was a couple af years ago when I was 53 and what I can remember I dealt with it quite well,slight fatigue but you work around it.
All the best Phil
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Thank you everyone for your feedback, it really helps me. Mike starts his Enzalutamide meds this evening. Is there anything he should avoid regarading food please?. Also he hates drinking water, he was told by the Oncologist he must drink at least one litre of water a day. I will try and get some lemon squash to flavour it for him. Any recommendations for fruit drinks withour any additives in it please. I feel I am more anxious about the latest daevelpments than Mike. He told me that if it wasn't for me he would refuse treatments and let nature take its course. As you can imagine I was very upset and we had a good long chat about it all. Fortunatley Mikehas scome round. I feel maybe he was feeling down, not sure though. Having you guys to share my emotions and concerns is really helpful and thank to you all. Maud.
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Hi all, hope you are all keeping well. Its now nearly three weeks since Mike started on Enzulatamide and apart form having some pain in the first week, so far he seems to be coping well. My only problem is getting him to drink plenty of water. Next week we have an appointment with the Oncologist to check on his progress, so hoping to get some good news - everything will be crossed. The only difference I now notice with Mike is his mood swings - just wondered if this is normal and is there anything I can do to help please?. Maud
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Mike saw the Oncologist on Thursday and was told his PSA is down to 0.7 which shows that the Enzulutamide is working for now at least. He will have monthly blood tests for I am not sure how long. I forgot to ask the Consultant ?. So for now he will carry on playing tennis for as long as he is able to. Hope all on this forum are keeping okay. Maud