Hello, Alfie,
My husband, Pete, was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in July 2013. He had all the usual tests, and was put on 3-monthly Prostap injections. He was placed on the Stampede trial at the same time, and has greatly benefitted from the consistent attention he has received from the hospital.
His PSA continued to rise, and in February he was asked to take Casodex. This made him feel exhausted and miserable, and it was withdrawn in May. In June 2014, he was started on Aberatirone, and since then has felt reasonably well. His PSA initially went down to 7, but in the last few months, it has continued to rise, slowly but surely. His specialist nurse has told him not to worry about, "its only a small aberation!" but obviously we do. His major side effect is tiredness and low mood, but these don't last long.
We've decided to get our consultant and GP to refer Pete to Professor Johanne de Bono, who has recently been a leading member of the research into diagnosing what type of prostate cancer you have by doing genetic testing. As we look at it, there is nothing to lose, really, and maybe a lot to be gained.
I would always go for a trial, if offered, even if you don't get the arm you want. You still get the care and support, and information, if you ask for it
You have to be assertive with the doctors, and push for answers about alternative treatments etc.. If you don't push you won't get ! Use the internet as uch as you can cope with it, and don't give up.
Best of Luck
P&J