Prognosis after scan results

Hello Poppypoodle,

Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. My name is Karen and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. 

Wishing to know what may happen next or in the future with a loved one’s diagnosis is a common question for people to have. Being more informed can help you to plan for what may lie ahead.

I’m so sorry to read, that your dad has recently been told his advanced prostate cancer has now spread to his lungs and liver, but reassuring to hear that he will be supported to manage any symptoms. This is undoubtedly a tough time, and it's completely normal to experience a wide range of feelings and emotions.

It’s only natural that you want to try to prepare yourself for what to expect. It can be difficult for even for your dad’s medical consultant to give an exact prognosis, as everyone’s situation is different.

We don’t have access to NHS medical records so unfortunately we can’t give specific answers regarding dad’s prognosis or exactly how his disease or symptoms may progress. If your dad gives his permission, we encourage you to speak to his consultant or nurse specialist to discuss any questions you have regarding this. You can contact the hospital switchboard and ask to be put through to dad’s consultant’s secretary of the urology clinical nurse specialist team. As his team know his care and cancer well, they would be best placed to try answer these more individual questions for you.

Although we can’t give you more specific answers to your question, this general information may be helpful.

Dad may wish to be referred to the community palliative care team, if he hasn't been already, who can support dad to manage any symptoms he has. They can start discussions, when dad is ready, about planning ahead to understand his wants and wishes.

This information on what to expect and what happens in the last weeks of life may also be helpful in preparing yourself.

I can see that you’ve joined the prostate cancer forum and the chemotherapy forum. I hope you are finding these a helpful, welcoming, and supportive environment for you. You may also wish to take a look at the family and friends forum.

It’s important that you get the support you need, Poppypoodle. You may wish to give one of our nurses a call on the support line, so that we can understand your support and information needs more. We are always happy to take the time to talk things over with you.

I hope this information is helpful. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch. The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support.

Best wishes,

Karen, 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/Khe/AD