Gleason 10

VascodaGama said:

Combination of drugs
April

You are right. There are things that one should expect not to occur if one is fit and eats well. I believe that we are what we eat but such did not help in avoiding my diagnosis with cancer.
I am Portuguese and was feed the so much acclaimed “Mediterranean Diet” in my initial period of life. Then after university I moved to Japan where I lived nearly 30 years feeding on micro biotic type of foods (loads of green tee, fish, rice, low fat meats, soja milk, etc). Back to Portugal I continue with the Mediterranean style and the qualities of red wines, nuts and local fruits, whole grain, etc. I always have been physical active, but could not get rid of the cancer. This is a war that has lasted already 12 years, since my 50 years old.

Nobody can negate that my life style is helping in this long fight with the cancer, and the fact is so ironic. I decided to simple follow what I believe and that includes a balanced way of living. PCa gave me the possibility of being closer to my wife and looking in to life with different "eyes". Stress is the worse so that I gave up with my job and retired.

Your dad needs you girls in his care. He is very young but got an advanced case requiring detailed attentions. Combination of drugs can tackle the cancer, but they may interact with other medications for other illnesses.

Medical oncologists are good in targeted treatments and they would be a good choice for consultation and second opinions.
Dr. Charles Myers is my hero in matter related to prostate cancer. He is himself a survivor of the disease and an investigator in his professional life. His videos are very instructive and “spoken” in a patient’s language. You may show them to your dad so that he may comprehend better what is happening inside him.

In his latest video he speaks about combination of drugs to fight the bandit. Here is the link;
http://askdrmyers.wordpress.com/?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRonuKXJZKXonjHpfsXx6OosT/rn28M3109ad+rmPBy+2YsBWoEnZ9mMBAQZC81x0gNLDuGBeYZP6OBQ

Can you get and share the protocol of treatment suggested by his doctor?

Best.
VGama

Rakendra said:

Shortness of breath

I share some of the above symptoms, like shortness of breath, sniffles, and occasional cough.  Often when I get up quickly I get a bit dizzy and breathless.  However, I still am in the gym five days a week for at least two hours, and there I have no symptoms.  I do a Matrix workout (http://www.dr-ronlaura.com/matrix.html)  I recommend this for Pca sufferers because it is a very excellent work out yet can be done at home with very little weight, even just a broom.  The shortness of breath seems to be inconsistent, and even though my gym workout is pretty extreme, I do not get it there.  With NO testosterone, I have lost 24 lbs of muscle in three months.  Exercise must be a key part of treatment.  It will help keep the body musculature strong which may help the weakened bones.  Endorphins are released which is nature's tranquilizer.  Mental atititude is affected positiively as is sleep patterns.

Exercise is very important for the immune system as well.  It may be difficult for guys over 60 to start an exercise program if they have not been on one before.  At first, it is very trying, but the more one does it, the easier it gets.  And it is ESSENTIAL.  I share your father's diet and exercise habits, and these will serve him well in the future.  Movement is so important at this stage, I hope he is still interested in doing some kind of exercise.  If exercise is not possible, deep breathing and meditation may be of help.

I am stage 4 with matastases thruout my skeleton. My Gleason was 3+4, but I do not trust any Pathologist in Mindanao.

Also, I think that with Pca, you can never know what to expect. Each day is an event and no one can tell what tomorrow will bring.  I have been given 12 to 18 months, but this is just fiction.  It could be five months or five years, and that is true for every human, even those without Pca.  As for myself, I do not see how much time left is nearly as important as what I do with each and every moment.  If there is gratitude and love and true living each moment as fully as possible, this has more reward that living a long time with worry about the future, which, in reality, does not exist for anyone.  The only time that is real is THIS moment.  Enjoy and celebrate every moment you have with your father.  I truly pray at least his unpleasant symptoms will go away and allow him a better quality of life.  His past health habits will work for him, and he is fortunate to have someone as centered as you to care for him.  Best luck for the future, love, Rakendra

Hi,

I have not posted on here for a while regarding my Father's condition. My Dad is still experiencing shortness of breath, stuffy nose, and he clears his throat a lot. He does continue to walk around his neighborhood. He appears to be in good spirits although I feel most of that is to not worry my Mother.

He had a very strange symptom the 4th of July where one side of his face was swollen for 3 days but he was not in any physical pain. He went to his Primary Care Physician and they did an xray of his right shoulder. His PCP told him that both sides of his face were swollen and they were his glands? The xray of his right shoulder only revealed the onset of osteoperosis but nothing they could really do for the time being. They gave him sinus medication to relieve his sinus congestion and cough. This worked for a month but as soon as the medication was completed the same nasal congestion, occassional cough, and clearing of his throat has returned since last week.

My Dad is due for a series of scans because it has been a year since his diagnosis, and he is taking his PSA test tomorrow. We are all nervous of the outcome. We do not know what the next treatment will be?

I want to thank all of you for your advice and sharing your stories with me.

April