Robert, a 60-year-old widower, was facing a recurrence of prostate cancer. He was initially diagnosed two years prior to applying for advocacy services, and had been treated with surgery, radiation, and hormonal therapy. His doctor noted a possible recurrence, and further work showed that the cancer had spread to Robert’s bones.
Robert’s oncologist was recommending a three-drug chemotherapy regimen being studied in a clinical trial 150 miles from his home, but Robert was having difficulty accepting that he would need such intensive treatment, since he felt fine. He wanted help understanding his prognosis, and wanted to know if there were other treatment options. He expressed wanting to balance life expectancy with quality of life, “If I only have a short time to live, do I want to be continuously suffering from the side effects of chemotherapy?”
Robert’s advocate helped him gather information from Pathways to Empowerment as well as from a medical school library regarding the three-drug regimen his doctor had proposed. They also worked together to research other possible treatment options including other clinical trials. As Robert learned more about his cancer, he asked more questions, which generated further information gathering.
At the same time, the advocate helped Robert identify his values and goals and how these fit with the various treatment options they were considering. The advocate supported Robert when he made the decision not to accept his oncologist’s recommendation and helped him find a local oncologist for a second opinion, who offered a treatment with a less invasive chemotherapy regimen along with radiation.
