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prostate cancer

billy
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l have prostate cancer and from the sound of it l have around 4-5 years to live which l am not afraid of but l am afraid of dying in pain or in a state. l am having treatment and at the moment l feel fine but l know that is not going to be last. My PSA is 32 and the other thing is 5, it is in my bones and my lymph nodes. l am 70 years of age so l have had a life in fact l am surprised l am still here now, but l have to think of my wife l don't want her to be having to be looking after some useless lump when she needs to live out her life. So how bad am l going to get?

thank you billy.

  • Hello Billy

    Thank you for contacting us at Macmillan. My name is George, and I'm one of the Cancer information nurse specialists here on the support line. I'm sorry to read about your prostate cancer, your worries and concerns for the future regarding what may happen, and your fear of being in pain.

    Unfortunately, We do not have access to personal NHS medical records and can only give general support and information based on the information you have provided. We always suggest asking your cancer specialist and GP these questions as they are best placed to answer your individual questions and concerns.

    People can live well with advanced prostate cancer and have a good quality of life while treatment keeps the cancer under control. Everyone is different, and it is true that some will experience pain, but not all. Many different medications can be used for cancer pain, and no one should suffer pain. It's vitally important to have these discussions with your medical team before it becomes a problem or before any pain worsens. You can also be referred to the community palliative care team, who are there to assess, support and help you manage symptoms of the cancer if they were to worsen. The palliative care team is not just for the end of someone's life but is also there for people with non-curable cancer and symptoms that may arise as the cancer progresses. Marie Curie has information regarding palliative care that you may wish to review at your convenience.

    You should be supported by your GP, District Nurses and palliative care team as and when you may need them. You can also contact Social Services for help, support, and possible care if you require it. You can also contact Prostate Cancer UK, who also offer support with your cancer and the associated symptoms you may be having. It's also important that you get the psychological support you need during these uncertain times.

    I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.

    Kind Regards,

    George

    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: GHi/AP

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