metastatic cancer

michelle256
michelle256 Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Prostate Cancer #1
My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago and it has now spread to his bones. He was placed on hormone therapy but went to the er with back pain. Does this mean that the hormone therapy is not working anymore because the doctor just requested that he start radiation and will start chemo in 3 week. Does any know if that is the right treatment

Comments

  • 2ndBase
    2ndBase Member Posts: 220
    #2
    The back pain does not always mean that the hormone therapy is not working. If while on the hormones his psa is still rising then he would be hormone refractory and that further hormone treatment would be a waste of time and money. I too have bone metastasis and have pain. I have chosen to treat the pain and refuse further treatment as I have no job or insurance. I am told that some treatments with radiation and chemo or Remicade can help with the pain but there is no evidence that these really extend the patient's life at all. He needs to do what he thinks is best for his condition as far as controlling pain but the side effects of these treatments can be worse than the cancer itself so he has to be aware that there is no magic treatment that will give back the health we had before. It is not easy to deal with but the less he worries the better and I wish him all the best.
  • bitaday
    bitaday Member Posts: 36
    #3
    hi
    my father was diagnosed with metastatic pc one and half years ago.from novmbre because of hormon refractory cancer he began to recive chemothrapy.he has no pain at all. the drug's name is TAXOTER. I read in some articles that it improves survival 3-4 mounth and Some time the cancer is sensitive to it.The urologist said in the case of back pain radiation is necessary.chemo has lots of side effect as anorexia, muscle cramps, and weakness.I think you have to evaluate all of treatment options.And you didnt say any thing about your father's PSA?

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