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Prostate Cancer

Chicken123
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We've been told my dad's prostate cancer has returned and spread to his bones and.possibly other organs since he has lesions on his liver. He has dementia. At first they put him under a certain order because he was confused and agitated; didnt know where he was and why, whilst in hospital. However, he then discharged himself, demanding to go home and they allowed him to do so. He refused meds claiming it was a set up etc. 

How can he be treated if he is deemed capable based on what he responds directly to medical staff? He repeats the same questions and statements over and over again with seconds in between, but he can answer straight questions? 

What can we do to make him accept treatment? He will not acknowledge he is ill.

  • Dear Chicken123,

    Thank you for getting in touch with us, and welcome to our online community. My name is Annerose I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses here at the Macmillan Cancer Support line.

    I am sorry to hear about that your Dad’s cancer has returned and I understand he has discharged himself from hospital and is refusing treatment on the grounds that the doctors have not got this right.

    I also understand he has dementia. Has your Dad had an official assessment and diagnosis of dementia before being admitted into hospital?

    You mentioned he was assessed in hospital, and deemed capable under a certain order, might this have been under the Mental Capacity Act (MCA)?

    Your Dad can be assessed as being capable of making his own decision about health and wellbeing, while in other areas, he might not be found capable.

    This is a difficult situation for the family to be in, as he is refusing what you believe will be best for him, but he disagrees.

    The above-mentioned MCA states that sometimes a different approach can be helpful and the section on ‘how to help people make their own decisions’ might be helpful to you and the family to support your Dad.

    You as a family might find it also helpful to speak to the hospital team, the consultant or the specialist nurse about the treatment decisions, and what support your Dad can expect if he does not go forward with it.

    Does he have the support of a Dementia Nurse in the community, or will he trust the GP to discuss the diagnosis and his wishes with them? The GP can also refer to specialist services such as Dementia Care if they are not already involved in supporting your Dad. Or Palliative care should he become symptomatic or less well over time.

    I hope this has been helpful, but please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you need any further information or support.

    Best wishes and take care. 

    Annerose (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. 

    Ref/ SH/AM

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