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PSA 823- help!

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Posted 7/2/2007 1:40 PM (GMT -8)
My dad has metastatic prostate cancer and is being treated with lupron.  It was working for a while but his psa is rising quickly now.  It's 823 and the cancer is definitely in his bones.  We're not yet sure if it's spread beyond his bones into other organs. 

He is losing weight (20# in the last 6 months), experiencing hot flashes and cramps and is having pain more frequently now. 

I would really appreciate hearing about your experiences with metastatic pc, psa's this high, these type of symptoms.... or any resources you can offer. 

What can we expect?  This is one of the hardest things, the not knowing. 

Thanks for any advice, information or support.

Posted 7/2/2007 3:09 PM (GMT -8)
Not advice, but certainly support,

If you can post as much information as you can so that others can help with their great knowledge here. His Gleason, timeline of discovery and treatments, what the treatments were and what they did for him, and while its obvious he is stage IV but perhaps more about what his stage was when he was diagnosed, and of course his age. I have done a great deal of research on how PSA's rise and how the disease advances since I run very high risk of encountering these decisions. Already I am proactive on learning on where my disease sits (advanced stage III), what could be next if the disease progresses. Their are alternative treatments out their other than what is standard protocol. Others here have more experience than I with stage IV and high PSA's. I can only offer a friendly hand. I add your father to my already long list of PCa patients in prayer and well wishing. Don't dispair and keep up the vigilence. Their have been good results from experimental treatments.

God Bless you , Sprul, Keep searching, and there just may be some relief ahead.

Tony
Posted 7/2/2007 3:17 PM (GMT -8)
Hi ~   Sprul & Loved Ones,   Caring Enough to Share….. that’s what   HealingWell     is all about     A    “Special”   Warm Welcome   to   You!       Click here..>>   The Power of Hope   KNOWLEDGE IS POWER... and POWER conquers fear     Keeping you close in thoughts and prayers as you move forward in your fight.   It will be a fight but with “All of Us”…. walking * hand~in~hand and *heart~to~heart" * with you   ~    the road will be smoother.   “Your Journey” is a path filled with stepping-stones and we are here to help shore up any wobbly ones you come across.   Obviously ~ from this post you feel like this stone is a sinker.     We are here to tell you ~ it’s NOT!!!   Yes ~ It is very slippery but once you get moving ~   gathering more information (research) and gaining more knowledge about your specific fight…. you will start to feel “Strength” beneath you.   Hold on tight because we aren’t letting go!!!   Please ~ stay close to us through every step and you will feel “All of Our” strength surrounding you both.   This forum is a true blessing for all of us.   Taking the first step into reaching out is the greatest gift you just gave to you and yours.   Hold on tight as we traverse this path with you.   Good, Bad, and/or Ugly…. We are here for you “both”…   Stay close ~ okay!   In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy   “God Bless You”  It's a little prayer   ~   "God Bless You" ...but it means so much each day, It means may angels guard you and guide you on your way   (Direct Link ~ just click on the title below and a new window will open!   Reminder … click on the REFRESH icon once you get there)   Click here:   Helpful Hints ~ & ~ Direct Links to Important Topic Threads ~ Hope this helps you!! :)   A link is now provided in the locked thread:   Prostate Cancer Resources, Helpful Hints, and Topic Thread Links     Located at the top of the page where threads are located.   * phrases borrowed from TimG *
Posted 7/2/2007 3:19 PM (GMT -8)

Thank you so much for your reply, Tony.  I'm so appreciative of anything you and others can share.

My dad was diagnosed 3 1/2 years ago and was a 7 on the Gleason at the time (don't recall the stage at the time).  It's apparently very aggressive, as his PSA the year prior was 0, and upon diagnosis it was high (I think in the 50's??) and already had metastasized to the bones. 

The only treatment he's ever had is Lupron (other than a try with Casodex but side effects precluded him from continuing).  The Lupron kept his PSA <1 or so for about 2 1/2 years, but his last several (maybe 4-5) PSA's have been rising. 

He is 69 years old.  I hope this helps and thanks again for your feedback and support.

Posted 7/2/2007 3:30 PM (GMT -8)
Hi ~ Sprul,   During “Our Journey”… we learned so much through the readings of Dr. Walsh.   Chapter 12 Help For Advanced Prostate Cancer may give you solace.    Buddy & I read through all of the chapters except this one before surgery… and have used our book over the last year to answer some questions posted by other members.   Since our surgery in April 2006   ~ I have read Chapter 12 and I feel stronger because of it.   Also ~ learning through our forum family members… as they travel other stepping-stones placed before them.   Their willingness to share… adds to our strength…   Knowledge is Power.   I know with the knowledge we continue to gain in the realm of hormone therapy, chemotherapy, etc…. we are again ~ stronger because of this and less afraid…   Hope is part of the process and we must continue to move forward in our own personal journeys.   Those who have traveled this path can be such a positive support system ~ and that’s what HealingWell l is!!! Thank you for reaching out to all of us…   There are several books recommended by members.   Direct link…>   BOOKS... Recommended by Forum Members   This list continues to grow as we find something that helps us… in turn we share it with others.   Our thoughts are with you as you continue to search for more answers…   In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy
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