Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Prostate cancer problem

Lacazio
  • 1 reply
  • 44 subscribers
  • 439 views

Hi,  My father (80 next month) was diagnosed with prostate cancer around 2 years ago. It had already spread into his bones. He was prescribed Abiraterone Acetate daily and an injection every three months. Unfortunately he had a heart attack 3 months ago and with all his scans etc. he was told the cancer had spread further and if not for heart attack he would be given chemo and or radiotherapy. 

His consultant has said the pills are not working and has taken him off this medication and has advice is to call him if he is in pain. Basically there is nothing they can do for him because of the heart attack. 

I am just asking for a second opinion as a son. For my peace of mind.

Kind regards
John

  • Dear Lacazio

     Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Lorna, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

     Welcome back to the online community. I can see from your posts you have joined the prostate cancer forum. I hope you are getting a lot of support from this.
    I’m so sorry to hear that your dad’s treatment is no longer working, and he has had a recent heart attack.

    It's only natural to want to have a second opinion for him. His GP or consultant can refer him to an NHS doctor who specialises in treating your dad’s condition. Or, if you prefer, you could pay for a second opinion from a private doctor.

     Having a second opinion doesn't mean that the second doctor will take over your dad’s care, if he decides he wants the new doctor to treat him. They must both agree, and the doctors or hospital can arrange this between them.

     As you already probably know chemotherapy is highly effective in destroying cancer cells and reducing the risk of cancer spreading. However, high doses can cause heart failure. This is one of the reasons his consultant would decide not to go ahead with this.

     It might be helpful to speak to your dads GP and ask for a referral to palliative care.  They will be able to offer advice and support with any symptoms your dad might have.

     It must be a difficult time for you all right now, you might find our family and friends forum helpful or you could talk to others who have also decided to have a second opinion too.

     I hope this has been helpful.

    Kind regards 

    Lorna- Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Our Ref:  LB/MD

    Lorna-Macmillan (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2026 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007