Dad was going strong 8 years

beingpositive · Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2009 8:26 am Post subject: Dad was going strong 8 years

Hello this is my first time here. I found this forum because I am looking for answers not only for my self but my brother and sister.. It My Dad lives in a different state unfortunately so I get all my info through my mom. I saw my father one year ago and he was swimming laps and taking long walks with me and he looked great. My father is 81 years old. He started his battle with PC 8 years ago. He has gone through radiation, hormones and operations. Last year it moved to his bone. Now he is going on his third treatment of chemo which is next week. His PSA is still very high but I don't know numbers because they don't me... He is in alot of pain and he is taking Oxycontin to help.. he cant walk without assistance. Anyways I am not trying to be negative because they are so hopeful. Yesterday they told me that the MRI showed that his hip is gone. and now and the doctors are telling him he will get a new hip when his PSA goes down.. They were so excited. I am just thinking that the doctor is taking him for the money .
I have read many of the forums on this site and I am thinking my Dad is not going to be ok. If anyone could bring some light
and dont worry about hurting my feelings .

When is Chemo introduced?
What does this mean that the PSA is still very high?

Thank you for any Info.

Linda
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linda

robyn · Regular Joined: 11 Oct 2009 Posts: 25

I'm glad that you are aware of this. Years ago when I was a student nurse at a big teaching hospital, I had a patient w/ cancer of the labia. She had a large tumor, 4" long. However, her situation was such that she shouldn't have had surgery, which was the plan--a radical pelvic surgery, very painful healing. She was in her early 80's, w/ moderate dementia, living in a nursing home, and I felt that the ONLY reason that she was having this surgery was so the residents could practice doing a rather uncommom procedure. This really pissed me off, as well as the fact that the nursing home staff should have seen this lesion much much sooner than they did, as big as it was. But since I was a student, I felt I had no say in the matter.

So be aware of that possibility. A hip replacement is a big procedure w/ a lot of blood loss and a long healing/recovery time. If you are suspicious that the docs have ulterior motives for doing this, then definitely step in. If your dad does have a good chance at a good quality of life w/ this surgery, and he might, then get a second opinion on it before the procedure is done.

Good luck-- Robyn

beingpositive · Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2009 11:15 am Post subject: Re: Dad was going strong 8 years

Hello Robyn,

Thank you for your input it is much appreciated. I am sure there are lots of good doctors out there so no defense. My parents live in FLA. and it is common that some of these retirees are over medicated and are given questionable surgeries. I am still wondering why and when is Chemo used in Advanced Cancer treatment? Is this considered a good choice to stop the cancer or used for pain?

Thank you in advance, Linda Confused

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linda

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