Advanced prostate cancer posted by hoosier06 @ 02:06 AM July 20, 2008

hoosier06 — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 02:06:59 -0000

My dad's cancer has spread from the prostate into his bones. So he is taking Casodex (not sure if correct spelling) and he also is on pain patches. His doctor said that patients who respond to the medication mentioned above live for about 18 months. He had a check-up to see if he was responding and the doctor said he was responding very well. It is reassuring to know that and hopefully he will be around longer then expected. I truly appreciate all the comments so far and look forward to more.

Father is only 56yrs old w/ Alzheimers posted by love torn @ 01:53 AM July 20, 2008

love torn — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 01:53:43 -0000

brat551456,

I'm not sure what stage your Dad is in in his disease of AD but playing a simple game of Ball ,wether it be just catching and throwing or Boccie , Basket ball, or horse shoes .Playing his favorite music seems to always work on all stages. My husband who I would have to beg to dance with me now will dance by himself to his favorite music . Music seems to relax and comfort also . Find and keep to what he likes and go with it . My husband likes to feel useful and helpful also . Not always for me but he likes to help volunteer at the American Legion where they know about him and give him clear instructions . Maybe taking A walk .Sitting and watching and listening to birds ,and bird feeding . Watching a favorite sport or movie on TV . I find it keeps his mind sharper and he talks more . Looking at family photos and home movies, also is a good Idea . Good luck and hang in there . Let me know what you found that he likes . _-----LoveTorn

Advanced prostate cancer posted by Anonymous @ 09:47 PM July 19, 2008

Anonymous — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:47:08 -0000

My husband, 87, has had prostate cancer for 11 yrs; he has chosen not to do anything. He has no ill effects presently; he is in excellent health. Find out if cryotherapy could be an answer. It's not invasive - it's freezing of the prostate - but only if it is self contained. My husband had cryro surgery on a tumor on his kidney a year and a half ago, and it has been successful. ANY treatment for prostate surgery has side effects. My brother-in-law is taking hormone shots. Attitude and education are importantf or both the patient and caregivers.

Advanced prostate cancer posted by bev41159 @ 09:11 PM July 19, 2008

bev41159 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:11:58 -0000

My Dad waited over 5 years before he would go to the doctor but then it was too late. He was only 69. Is your father taking chemo and/or radiation? Whatever the doctors say, do it. Daddy would cancel his appointments if he didn't feel good and so the chemo didn't work. Love him, hold him, listen to every word he says, ask him to tell you the favorite stories you've heard a million times! Start him on ENSURE, Daddy liked the bottle kind best. Get him jello, pudding, stew, soups. Be careful what Hospice you choose when and if the time comes. Daddy never wanted Hospice because of a bad experience with his mother. Home Health Care workers came but not Hospice. His nephew was a minister so he had spiritual guidance through it all. I will be praying for you.

aricept and alternatives posted by LauraL @ 08:24 PM July 19, 2008

LauraL — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:24:56 -0000

I don't know if Aricept has a generic counterpart, but if it does, you might check out some of the drugstores that are offering the low-cost sales of them.

Father is only 56yrs old w/ Alzheimers posted by LauraL @ 08:23 PM July 19, 2008

LauraL — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:23:26 -0000

Brat, perhaps something like a game? Checkers, or cards, or take him to the zoo or something like that, getting him active and moving?

Parents had me "late" in life. posted by LauraL @ 08:21 PM July 19, 2008

LauraL — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:21:56 -0000

Hi OSWANGO,

I'm sorry you're going through this tough time, both you and your mother, and your brother, too. Missy gave just the right advice, I think. Make an effort to go to her for a visit. Perhaps she just has things she needs to say before she no longer has the memory to do so. I know it's a tough decision to make.

Hang in there and do keep us updated on how things are going.

~Laura

Experience with Zoloft posted by LauraL @ 08:19 PM July 19, 2008

LauraL — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:19:04 -0000

That's helpful information, Bev, thanks for sharing that!

My mom has Lewy Body Dementia posted by LauraL @ 08:17 PM July 19, 2008

LauraL — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:17:23 -0000

You're welcome, Katy. I'm glad we can be here for you. :)

aricept and alternatives posted by Missy @ 07:04 PM July 19, 2008

Missy — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:04:15 -0000

Hi Herbie,

I hear ya on the ridiculous costs of prescription drugs. My parents shell out hundreds a month. If they didn't have insurance, they'd really be in trouble!

One thing you may want to do is talk to your dad's physician. As him or her if there is an alternative. If not, ask for samples. Perhaps that can cut some of your dad's expense.

Another option is to seek out prescription drug assistance programs. Aricept is made by Pfizer. Here [pfizerhelpfulanswers.com] is a link to their program. PPA [pparx.org] has another, but I'm not very familiar with it.

You may also want to contact your local Area Agency on Aging. There could be local resources. And I'm hopeful someone else will post with their firsthand experience. You may want to check out our Alzheimer's support group. Others may have posted about this drug.

aricept and alternatives posted by Herbie @ 05:03 PM July 19, 2008

Herbie — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 17:03:37 -0000

My father has primary dementia and has been taking Aricept. With insurance, the cost of the med each month is $ 166.00. Is there another cheaper alternative to this? There are probably many that don't take it b/c of its cost.

aricept and alternatives posted by Herbie @ 04:58 PM July 19, 2008

Herbie — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:58:20 -0000

My father has primary dementia and has been taking Aricept. With insurance, the cost is $ 166.00 per month. Is there another alternative that costs less? I don't see how the average retired person can afford this medication. This is not one that "has" to be taken and I'm sure many don't take it b/c of its cost. Thanks.

My mom speaks to herself.... posted by brat551456 @ 03:35 PM July 19, 2008

brat551456 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:35:34 -0000

It is so good to see I am not alone my father speaks to himself a lot and sometimes he talks for so long I believe someone else is in the room...

Father is only 56yrs old w/ Alzheimers posted by brat551456 @ 03:30 PM July 19, 2008

brat551456 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:30:28 -0000

Thanks Love torn.. My dad does have some good days were he makes me laugh or smile but somedays its just hard for me to believe this really is happenning.. I'm trying to find out more ways I can intercat with him and find things to do that can help him. Do you have any ideas of simple things that can be fun for him?

Answer posted by Missy @ 03:13 PM July 19, 2008

Missy — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:13:52 -0000

Hey there! It looks like you found it.

My mom has Lewy Body Dementia posted by putput @ 02:57 PM July 19, 2008

putput — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:57:09 -0000

Thank you so much for the advice. I am so happy i found this site. I am going to take one day at a time .Well maybe 1 hour at a time . My mom can be fine and then i look at her and she is lost it is sad to see a strong women all her life so helpless.I prayed to get me through this and my prays were answered .But i am so happy that i can talk to some one and thAT CAN under stand each other that is si inportant.Thank you Katy

Answer posted by putput @ 02:44 PM July 19, 2008

putput — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:44:30 -0000

Where do i find out the answer that i asked.

Parents had me "late" in life. posted by Missy @ 12:39 PM July 19, 2008

Missy — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:39:59 -0000

Hi OSWANGO,

Welcome to Caring's groups. I'm glad you found us and posted!

I'm so sorry your mom isn't doing well. Does she live far from you?

Here's my advice. I would do everything you can to go and see your mom. Trust me, I know getting away from a professional life for even a few days, especially, when you have your own business, is difficult. But perhaps she's having some of the same guilt issues you feel and wants to work things out or spend some good solid time together. It sounds like she's going through a tough time and is really craving some time with you. If making the trip isn't a possibility, is there maybe any way she can come to you for a few days?

If is issue of homosexuality comes up, maybe you can say something like, "I understand you're not happy about it, but it's not gonig to change, so let's not even go there with each other. Let's just enjoy our time." That way you save her from trying to convince you to like men and she saves you any lengthy presentations on how it's pretty unlikely things will ever change. I think the "I understand how you feel and respect your right to feel that way" approach allows parents and children to skate around any given issue by acknowleding how someone feels but not conceding any kind of defeat. Know what I mean?

And you're in a safe place. Our parents can drive us nuts. Their care can overwhelm us. We can feel desperate and sometimes even uninterested in helping. But that never means we don't love our parents. You can vent here without having to feel like you need to disclaim that you love her.

Please keep us updated. I'll be thinking about you. *hugs*

Parents had me "late" in life. posted by OSWANGO @ 01:44 AM July 19, 2008

OSWANGO — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 01:44:43 -0000

ok....I'm a 39 yr old lesbian....my mother will be 80 in September of this year. My father died in 2001...he was 87 and mentally ill. My mother just lost her "companion" or boyfriend in Janurary of this year. She has steadily gone down hill with dementia. Because of the fact that I'm gay, my mother and I have not had a good relationship. However, now that her boyfriend is dead and I'm the youngest, in your "unstable state" she calls me every day and cries. She says she is lonely and rambles making not since. She is on the verge of not being able to care for herself and my brother putting her in a nursing home. She says she is lonely and wants to see me. I have my own business and just can't get away. I am VERY guilty and sad. Any advice? It doesn't seem like it...but I love my mother. : (

Experience with Zoloft posted by bev41159 @ 12:14 AM July 19, 2008

bev41159 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:14:57 -0000

As I understand my pyschiatrist, zoloft is a help for disorders like PMS, Post Traumatic Syndrome, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome. I take wellbutrin for depression. If she's depressed, I wouldn't think zoloft by itself would be enough. If she's just anxious all the time, then zoloft would be sufficient. Pass this on to your health care provider and see what his reaction is.

Father is only 56yrs old w/ Alzheimers posted by LauraL @ 08:53 PM July 17, 2008

LauraL — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:53:50 -0000

What a wonderful recommendation, Laura Ann, thanks for doing that!

Here's a link to the Amazon listing of that book: http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Speak-Alzheimers-Groundbreaking-Approach/dp/0618485171/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1216327938&sr=8-1

It has been rated highly by those who have used it. Best!

Father is only 56yrs old w/ Alzheimers posted by Laura Ann @ 08:22 PM July 17, 2008

Laura Ann — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:22:57 -0000

Michelyn,

It is sooo hard to see someone you love fade away into someone you don't even know. I can tell you that when my Mom first moved in with me, I felt unable to deal with it and had no one to reach out to, you are not alone. Take it easy on yourself and your Mom, you are only human. Focus on the positive, you and your Mom have each other to vent to and of course this support group.

I also, read several books. One in particular was very helpful, Learning to Speak Alzheimer's, was a great help.

Advanced prostate cancer posted by LauraL @ 07:57 PM July 17, 2008

LauraL — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:57:44 -0000

Hello Hoosier, and welcome to Caring's groups. I can't speak from experience myself, but I'm sure someone else here will have some insight for you. We're here to listen, anytime.

My mom has Lewy Body Dementia posted by LauraL @ 07:53 PM July 17, 2008

LauraL — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:53:23 -0000

Hi Katy, and welcome. While I can't address the illness your mother has directly, I do want to welcome you to the site and know that we're here to listen!

Experience with Zoloft posted by LauraL @ 06:41 PM July 17, 2008

LauraL — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:41:09 -0000

I'm glad you gave the office a call, Laura. Let us know what steps happen. :)

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