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Half of Prostate Cancer Focal Therapy Cases Were Inappropriate
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Aug 22 2:07pm | Replies (29)Comment receiving replies
How do I get a specific chemotherapy recommendation or a straight answer that my case is futile and that I should enter a palliative care program? I know from past experience with dying relatives that physicians particularly are reluctant to give straight answers.
Replies to "How do I get a specific chemotherapy recommendation or a straight answer that my case is..."
@johnn01 I'm sorry you're in This situation, John.
The challenge with advanced-stage prostate or breast cancer, unlike most other cancers, is that there *is* no straight answer.
There is a plethora of new treatments for metastatic prostate cancer, and there is a chance that many of us can be kept alive indefinitely now, so that stage-4 cancer becomes more of a chronic disease we live with than a terminal disease we die of.
Obviously, a lot of it depends on your specific situation, but there are people here in the forum who have been alive (and thriving) with stage 4 prostate cancer for many years, some of whom have had chemo and some of whom have had other treatments.
I was diagnosed with stage 4b prostate cancer in 2021 when I was 56. Since I had only one metastasis, I had metastasis-directed therapy (surgery and radiation) rather than chemotherapy, but it's a similar idea. I've also been on ADT and Apalutamide continuously since 2021.
After 5 years, I'm in deep remission and I'm living a pretty normal life. In 2021 they told me I'd have 3–5 years; now they tell me to think about old age. That's how fast things changed.
@johnn01
About 90% of prostate cancer patients end up with a chronic disease only about 10% with a deadly disease.
A lot depends on what was found when you were diagnosed. It could very well be that you could live for a decade or more, even with an aggressive case.
You’ve given us no information about what happened with your diagnosis, That makes it really impossible to tell you anything definitive.
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@johnn01
I am so sorry to hear that John : (( - can you tell us more about yourself and perhaps start a new thread so that all members can see your question : (.
Are you located in the USA ?
What particular area of the USA ?
Some members here can give you direction of where to go to get the best possible care and the best advice and also the names of the best doctors and hospitals in your area.
I do not know what is your stage or extent of your PC but try not to dismiss any of the treatments : ( since many are very, very successful regardless of the grade and stage !
I am glad that you found this place since you will now get support and a lot of new and helpful information 🍀 - please keep us posted and I am wishing you healing and the best of luck in your future treatments ✨