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86yo Dad - radiotherapy questions please What is this ?

 
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Pam
Regular


Joined: 09 May 2009
Posts: 16
Location: Sydney, Australia
PostPosted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:44 am    Post subject: 86yo Dad - radiotherapy questions please Reply with quote
Hi all,

I wondered if anyone out there could answer a couple of questions on how pc that has spread is treated via radiotherapy?

As stated in a previous posting, Dad's pc has spread to spine and marrow. Have been advised it's in his femur also. He now has visible blood in urine. His psa has quickly jumped from 87 to 560. He is on hormone therapy.

After many tests, hospital have advised they plan to treat the hotspots with radiotherapy - 5 days each for spine and prostate. I understand that zapping the bad areas can reduce pain alot, which is fantastic, and may even allow Dad to return home for a while.

I wondered if anyone has experience with radiotherapy, and wondered how long it takes for the pain to return? I'm guessing he's entered a stage of the illness where he's about to have to keep returning to hospital to get the cancer cells zapped.

Also, has anyone got any idea on whether prostate cancer in bones makes the bones weak/brittle, aka osteoporosis? I read it's behaviour is very different to bones being attacked in breast cancer, for example, where the bones become thin and brittle. I read that prostate cancer in bones adds bone to the site, which makes it painful. But would it make bone less brittle in the process?

Any comments much appreciated,

Pam
_________________
My Dad's an oldie but a goodie. I'm going to be strong for him, so that I can help him ride the rest of the journey. I love him so much.
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Jean222
Senior User


Joined: 14 Dec 2008
Posts: 249
PostPosted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 4:54 pm    Post subject: Re: 86yo Dad - radiotherapy questions please Reply with quote
Hi Pam,

Yes, radiation is used in palliative care to decrease/alleviate pain where there are tumours present.

Not sure how long it keeps the pain at bay.

I think your Dad might need to be on Calcium and Vitamin D, due to the risk of osteoporosis from the hormones.

My Hubby is on hormone therapy and was told to take X amount of both.

My GP thought it was too low, so he's now on more Calcium and Vit. D than prescribed by Dr. Nam.

Rationale, being that my Hubby is still young and was never sick til this cancer hit him.

We're hoping that his SRT will kick him into remission and the last thing we need is weak bones/fractures.

Not sure if they'd give same to an older gentelman, must be careful to avoid causing calculus (stones) in other major organs.

I'd call his doc about it though. Very clever of you to think about osteo!

Hope things improve for you both.


Jean
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