Just found out that dad has advanced prostate cancer and has spread to his bones. We've been told there is no cure, but he is due to start hormone treatment.
Dad is 83, not sure how much time he has left or how quickly the cancer spread to his bones. Mom is 79 and is now blind and seems to be in denial. Dad has been the one looking after her. Has anyone else had any similar experience? Dad is of the old school and doesn't really open up to talk about it, it's hard to know how to deal with it for the best. Just want to do what is right for dad and for mom.
FormerMember
Hi Cal, First thing , dont panic! I know its scary when you first find out, but prostate is a very slow growing cancer, even though its spread to the bones!
I was diagnosed 3yrs ago with the same and was told by the specialist I had 18 mths left! I am still able to carry on most things and all though Im only 62 I feel that I still have years to go ! At your dads age , he is a lot more likely to die with prostate than because of it ! , Try not to worry too much , The hormone treatment is usually a injection in the tummy every month at first , then every three months. and it can go on for years before anything else starts to happen . So dont put your life on hold! Enjoy life like you would normally! Keep smiling , Geoff
I agree with Lanzarote, it is a slow growing cancer, I was diagnosed three years ago and still fighting the fight at 73 so don't give up hope for your dad.
It was thought that my prostate cancer had spread to my back passage. Scared the living daylights out of me
Been having hormone injections for seven months prior to radiotherapy dropped my PSA down to about 1.00
Was offered hormone therapy for life if it had spread. Know that it is extremely effective. If my current treatment fails which I am having which I know is unlikely I will be back on it permanently for rest of my life Side-effects Ive had are equivalent going through the menopause. It is a situation which I can accept.
Wish your Dad all the best. My daughter has been giving me terrific support since I was diagnosed and you find that you will develop a very strong bond with him which you value more than you can ever say to him. Rest assured that it is not a doom and gloom situation. The greatest support that you will get is from other people who have been through the mill
It took ages before I opened up and acknowledge that I had cancer. Be there when he opens up he will need it
My wife still has difficulties in accepting the situation and how I feel
Thank you for your replies. I think following the shock of diagnosis panic has set in. It's so good to hear how positive you all are about your personal situations.
It has been a shock to us all and I have a lot to find out about the condition and to learn. I'm going to see the nurse at the hospital on Friday when dad has his first injection. All I want is to have no regrets and give dad the best support I can whilst supporting mom too.
I wish you all the best and think this site is great to get support from people who know and have experience of this illness on a day to day basis.
i am coming up to 68 this time and just been told my prostate cancer is now into the bones , i am already on hormone treatment and finding no side affects at all injection every 3 months into the belly, left side/ right side/left side and so on, at the monment i am also on STEROID tabs for 28 days only, just found out i have an appt for i hit of radiotherpy to try and stop the really bad lower back pains,hope this is of some use, keep smiling.
