Does Chemo work? Is it worth it?

Chemo doesn’t instantly kill the cancer. It puts it in a condition where it dies over time, It can take years for some people to reach their PSA minimum, Usually, it’s a lot faster.

It has been approved by Health Canada but funding is still an issue.

May I ask how you are doing now?during and After your chemo treatments how long did it take you to notice positive changes? Before chemo did you do hormone therapy ? My father is to start docetaxel once a week for 3 to 4 weeks at a time soon for his PC that's to the bones as well.

I had breast cancer at a young age. I had a mastectomy and then went on chemo...5 different chemo drugs. I was too busy taking care of my 3 year old to worry about myself. I didn't ever entertain the thought that I might die since I had an aggressive form of breast cancer. After I got over the initial shock, life went on. The doctors were amazed that I had no side effects except for bleeding gums and total hair loss. I did not feel nauseous. *You must believe you will be just fine. Hold on to affirmations such as: I am healed. I know I will be cured. The chemo drugs are healing me now. (See them in your mind's eye as gobbling up the cancer cells.) Imagery is important! My mantra, always, is "FEAR NOT! You are not at the mercy of the world. You are my great care! My angels guard you day and night and NOTHING can harm you. You would indeed thank me if you knew the darts of fret and evil they turn away from you." Keep these thoughts and believe.

I am doing much better now,, the awful pain I had in my leg is long gone. Started hormone (Firmagon) one month before starting the chemo. It's not pleasant but definitely doable. I was still working at the time, on my feet and it takes some out of you. For me, being in the bones, I take forever meds. You just have to learn to accept it, so much better then the alternative. Let your dad know he can do this and also one thing I know helped me, my wife was there for all 10 rounds, wouldn't want to go through it by myself. Also for me, it was every 3 weeks, not sure about doing it every week. It's almost 2 years for me and I'm doing good. Make sure he gets to ring the bell.. I wish him and you the best on his journey. Best to all.

Thank you so much for your response. It's been a very tough journey. The constant pain in his legs are the worst! I'm afraid and I pray that once chemo is started that it works! Your post gives me hope. Please continue to be well!

I wanted to add, as for the pain I had, was maybe 6 weeks after starting the treatment, that it subsided. I was given a pain relief prescription right at the beginning, didn't touch the pain at all. Also, I had the pain in only one leg, can't imagine it being both. My wife got me the slip on sneakers to wear, made a big difference when going for appointments when they keep making you take off shoes to get on the scale. He might not want to hear it but keep encouraging him that he can do this and will get better. Best to all.

I watched a video from University of California at San Francisco regarding treatment for advanced PC. The information the doctors provided indicated that after you become mCRPC, Doxataxcel typically only works (reduces PSA) for 6 months or less. Interesting.

Of course your treatment choice is an individual decision weighing many factors. My experience is go for it. After being mis-diagnosed for 8 months as BPH at a Sacramento university medical center, a second opinion confirmed stage 4 Gleason 9 prostate cancer. That was February 2023 at age 74. Bone involvement in pelvis, spine, ribs. I was given 6 infusion of docetaxel at 3 week intervals. Also Lupron and Yonsa. Which I continue to take. Last week’s bone scan and CT scan found no evidence of the lesions in bone. I did not find the chemo to be overly unpleasant considering the benefits I expected. Are the aches & pains (minor in my opinion) due to the treatment or being now 76 years old? Stay active! I continued to exercise (admittedly moderately) during chemo, and now cycle, lift weights and go for long walks with my Golden Retriever. Stay positive and stay active my friend, let’s beat this. Whatever path you decide on, prayers for your success.

You seriously need to seek out other opinions... and do nothing until you do !