Sorry, I'm a little confused by your question. Did you ask the doctor or your Dad about the chemo pill?

I am not an expert on prostate cancer but I do have a friend taking a chemo pill. Her cancer has metastacized like your Dad's but her doctors feel this is a good option to kill some of it, inhibit the growth of other cancer cells and give her more time.Of course the specifics will depend on what kind of oral chemo, how your Dad's cancer reacts to it and other factor we can't know. Hope this information helps.

Maybe you can clarify who you spoke to that was vague. If it was the doctor and you have permission from your father to have those conversations, I'd get very specific answers to my questions. If the person is your Dad, you may have to just tell him bluntly that you need to know...

Hugs to you both. Be kind to one another.

Hi WWodacres

Is the pill Xeloda maybe? If it is a chemo pill 5-FU. It works great. It takes time to get in the system and get going.

As far as your dad wanting you to know and not know I can't say. How ever this is a good reason and one I recommend to everyone is to educate yourself about the type of cancer you or a love one has and is fighting. Just so you have some idea of what is going on. You don't have to be as smart as a doctor but just have some idea whats going on. I suggest the following four web site they have a lot of great info and you can learn a lot. I know I did. They are American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, M.D. Anderson and Mayo's.

Stay in touch. Stay strong. Hang in there.
And smile.

The pill should help. About his time being short, you're the one with eyes on him. Basically, is he failing-lots of pain, difficulty in getting around, his body functions messed up? Some people keep trucking on in spite of this, some just fold. Take each day as it comes. It sounds like you're supportive of your father, I'm glad for you.

The pill sounds like it could be Zytiga. Typically taken with prednisone it works well for advance prostate cancer. Might also be Xtandi which is not taken with prednisone. I understand how worried you would be. My husband has mestastic prostate cancer and has been battling it now for six years. He had it in his spine and had to have a spinal fusion last December, followed with radiation. His PSS at that time was 107. Today he looks great and is walking 3 miles a day and his PSA has dropped to 2.8. This journey and many others on this site really enforces how the human mind can overcome what's thrown at it. Tell your dad you want to be part of his journey and that knowing the particulars help alleviate your fears. That you want to be included at his doctor visits. I know there have been many visits to the doc where I remembered to ask questions or where I heard things differently. I wish you the best.

Woodacres, wishing you the best. Dad has come a long journey in 5 years. He is undoubtedly tired, and vague. I suspect he is, indeed, protecting you in some way. You might consider letting him know you need and intend to be more fully informed because you intend to support him in his decisions for treatment. He might fear that you will not like his decisions. You might not, but they are his to make. Maybe he needs to know he has your blessing in his choices with a reservation of your rights to debate before a final decision is made.

The good folks here seem optimistic about more chemo at this time. So, keeping fingers crossed and hoping.

It really helps to have someone go with your dad. A person to take notes and be another set of ears. During some Dr's visits a lot of info is discussed in a short period of time. I also suspect the pill may be Zytiga or Xtandi. If your dad's cancer is strictly in the bones now, perhaps Xofigo a new drug, taken by infusion, Radium 233 may be something worth asking about. But most importantly your dad needs support especially during the Dr visits. And as always, seek, patience, wisdom and guidance from the LORD.

Lots of good advice already but regarding the PSA, knowing what it is and what is was is used as an indicator for cancer activity when dealing with prostate cancer. My hunky started with 1913 3 yrs ago and since treatment began usually stays in the 1-3 range with a rise at one point to 9.67. When it rises we change treatments. When it goes down we take it for granted it is working.