3 years ago my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer which had metastasised to his pelvic bones. He has had anti-androgen treatment from the urologist since then, and his PSA quickly fell from 65 to 3.2.
In the past year the PSA has begun to creep upwards and is now at 6.1.
The problem D has is osteoporosis, severely affecting his spine. He is in great pain and has difficulty breathing. A recent MRI showed a couple of crumbled vertebrae but absolutely no tumour activity. He is waiting for another doc's opinion in a few days, to see what next.

What do forum members think would help him to make new bone - or at least, stop further degeneration? We do all the things we talk about on this forum - diet is scrupulously organic, local, seasonal, and home cooked.
He takes Essiac, apricot kernels, A TCM herbal meds, Budwig protocol.
Where next?
Iggy mentioned Natto and Vit K - I don't know much about those things.
Awaiting enlightenment!

Xania,

I'll toss out a few leads that may be worth pursuing:

1. Vitamin D has been generating a lot of interest in regard to prostate and many other cancers. Since it's also vital to bone healh, it may be a worthwhile adjunct to what your husband's already doing.

2. Vitamin K has also been shown to support bone health (along with helping with other conditions, even cancer). It can be obtained through diet and supplementation.

3. Boron - As I recall, there has been some recent research that indicates that higher boron intake may be associated with improved prostate health. It is most commonly used to support bone health - so any prostatic benefit would be a bonus.

4. Strontium - On a previous thread, someone posted an abstract from a recent study that seemed to suggest that this trace mineral may help combat the spread of cancer. It is also most commonly used to support bone health.

5. Biosil - I don't know of any specific evidence that this helps with the prostate, but it may help with the promotion of healthy bones.

6. Magnesium - Vital for bone health and much more. It's commonly deficient in our modern diet.

7. Vitamin C and the B vitamins. These are both vital to healthy bones and connective tissue.

One side note that I would like to mention is that there is some evidence that links high calcium consumption with prostate cancer. Because of this, it may be wise to take all the other supplements (except calcium) that support bone health.

I'm on a work break right now and I don't have the time to find all the cites and links to support these leads. But, if you're so inclined, do some research and see if they may be worth considering.

I wish you both well.

HH

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Harrry, I thank you for your attention. D is taking Vit D, calcium and magnesium.
I will add boron, and I think I saw silica mentioned for bone health.
There are herbal meds which would normally be used, but one has to beware of increasing cell proliferation in these cases.
I appreciate your input and thanks for your good wishes.

Xania,

Harry beat me to the punch. He provides a very good list. Since I have just begun my testosterone-lowering shots, I know that I may eventually be in your husband's shoes. Therefore, I have a renewed interest in bone health.

On another thread, Mari provided a very good article about strontium: https://www.medscitalk.com/ftopic27544-0-asc-15.html

To Harry's list, I would like to add zinc, copper, manganese, silicon, and potassium. Postassium may even increase the rate of bone formation. In the U.S., unfortunately, potassium supplements are limited to a paltry 99 mg. So eating lots of potassium-rich foods is essential.

Avoiding calcium robbers like caffeine is important--as is alkalizing the diet. So perhaps adding some "green" powders to the diet would be a good idea.

Mike

Mike - thank you. I have to say I thought of your situation as I posted, and if the MRI had shown this problem to be due to tumour activity, I might not have posted.!
I understand that your cancer is a different type from the one D has, so you don't necessarily have to follow the same path. D is 78. Many years ago he was a smoker. I don't honestly know if that counts for anything after all these years.

I am interested in the minerals you mention, and will check his dietary intake of these things.
Thanks for your help, both of you. I wish I could ease his pain, but that seems stubborn.

Xania and Michael,

I just stumbled upon this link which may be of interest. It may help with the pain and combat the cancer itself:

https://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/...rostate_01.htm

How much vitamin D is your husband taking, Xania? The dosage can make a difference.

BTW, I agree with Michael about the other minerals.

HH

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Harry, I have looked at the label on D's Vit D bottle. I hardly know how to say this, but each tablet contains 10 micrograms! But there are 240 tablets in a bottle!!!

Maybe there is room for improvement there.

Harry,

Very interesting article. However, arachidonic acid also is responsible for prostaglandins which counter inflammation. I need to learn more. There is plenty of AA in my diet but also lots of omega 3s for over a dozen years.

Xania,

It sounds like your husband's cancer is the same as mine. When I last met with the urologist, he explained the risks of osteoporosis with the shots I will be getting. He mentioned that in the future I might want to consider a biophosphate like Fosamax--which is seomething I do not want to do. I wasn't ready at the time to fight that battle with him.

I was wondering if your husband has been on such a drug which may or may not be contibuting to his fragile bones.

Mike

Yes, he has been having anti -androgen treatment since the first diagnoisis. The most recent was bicalutamide, now discontiued because the urologist wants to change to stilbestrol.
I am sure they will want D to have Fosamax - an evil looking drug. He already has a lot of gastric acid problems - regurgitation at night. I don't think he would cope with Fosamax at all well, which is why I am here, looking for another way.

My investigation into this shows that MCHA, which is microcystalline hydroxyapatite, is the only item proven to actually promote new bone growth. I have been taking it for several weeks. Bone Strength by NOW has this and the other necess. things to go along as mentioned by other posts. I am using this because I have had two Lupron shots 4 months apart for prostate cancer. My PSA was 1966. It is now 16.6. Also doing the Budwig Protocol with a modification. After doing for 6 months, left out the cottage cheese and substituted whey protein isolate to keep getting the methionone. Also started taking MMS. Am up to 15 drops twice a day. Feeling good.

Buckshot

Welcome, Buckshot!
Thanks for your insightful post. Good luck with your progress.