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sandy28 Asked October 2018

Do you think chemo therapy would be considered for an elderly (92) cancer patient?

My 92 yr old father was diagnosed with prostate cancer 9 out of 10 which spread to the bones (T2, T6 & T7) and lungs. He takes chemo pill & gets 6 month shot.

cwillie Oct 2018
Reading Atul Gawande's book Being Mortal might be more than you want to tackle at this time but there is a brief article you may find helpful:

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/an-end-of-life-conversation-led-by-gawandes-questions-205721.htm

SueC1957 Oct 2018
Sandy,
I can't imagine that any oncologist would aggressively treat this metastasized cancer, especially at his age. He has already outlived his longevity age
(76 yrs. according to USA Today and Huntington Post, 79 yrs. according to the UK office of National Statistics, 79.5 per the BBC.com).

I would think that the oncologist would give him a time line and suggest hospice or get him on a pain medication regimen at home. I would hope that your dad would not want to charge ahead and try to fight this battle that he won't win.

Take the time left and enjoy every day to its fullest. Look over old pictures, take small trips to his favorite places, have him indulge in any pleasure that gives him happiness or satisfaction. These days are meant to be spent with family and friends so, if you could all gather together and take portraits/pictures, they will be precious to him right now and to you after he passes.

I'm so sorry for your dad and his family. It's a devastating diagnosis. Your dad needs support from the people he loves as he comes closer to his time limit. My step-father refused to accept a metastatic lung cancer diagnosis and "pretended" that he was OK. That was hard because we had to go along with him, even though we knew he was dying. You do what you have to. I hope your father will come to accept his diagnosis and live the rest of his days pain free and with dignity. God bless you all.

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sandy28 Oct 2018
We just learned of this 2 weeks ago when I had him in the hospital for very bad neck and head pain. I take him to the oncologist Monday for the first time I was just hoping that wouldn't be an option the decision is his, he has a sharp mind and a strong will to live but if it were my decision I would take him home keep him as comfortable as possible and cherish every moment we have together. He's had follow up appointments with his pcp and pulmonologist they've mentioned it as treatment options as with radiation. The anti-hormone and chemo pill he's doing.
Thank you

BarbBrooklyn Oct 2018
My understanding is that the standard therapy for this sort of cancer is surgery, radiation and hormone therapy, not chemotherapy.

Have you talked to his oncologist about treatment options and why they are recommending the treatments he's being gjven?

JoAnn29 Oct 2018
Once cancer gets to the bones its very serious. I think at this point Hospice should be called in to help him be comfortable. Any more agressive would make Grand sicker. Its not a nice thing to go thru and may not help. Its hard on a young person let alone a 92 yr old.

cwillie Oct 2018
Do you mean a more aggressive form of chemo than he is already getting? I think at this time in his life you need to put quality of life as his #1 priority, there is little point in gaining him a few extra months if it means pain, suffering and misery.

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