Hello. My 84 year old dad has had chemotherapy for prostate cancer that’s spread to his bones. The chemo hasn’t worked unfortunately and his PSA has been doubling in the last 2 months. he’s now been offered radium 225 to buy him more time. But I want to know how long he has left. I know specifics are difficult without his full medical history. But are we talking 10 years or 10 weeks? I’m really very anxious and it’s do difficult to ask him directly. Kindest regards. Sue
Dear Susiegoose
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community, I hope you find it supportive. My name is Gillian and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I am sorry to hear about your dad’s prostate cancer advancing to his bones and the rise in his PSA levels. It is understandable you feel anxious and uncertain about the future.
Here at Macmillan, we can give general advice and support. We are an independent charity and don’t have access to NHS medical records. We cannot give personalised information, and always encourage our customers to seek advice and guidance from their own oncology teams, especially if your questions relate to treatment options and prognosis.
When a prostate cancer spreads to the bones, it is considered advanced or stage 4. The survival for prostate cancer can vary widely based on several factors, including the persons overall health, the extent of the cancer spread, and how well the cancer responds to treatments.
Radium-223 (Xofigo) is a type of targeted radiotherapy that can help manage symptoms and potentially extend life by targeting bone metastases specifically. While it may not cure the cancer, it can help improve quality of life and manage pain.
It is important to talk to your dad and his team, who can provide you with personalised information based on his clinical data and treatment response, this may help you as a family to make plans going forward. This information on what to expect may help you feel more prepared.
When someone has cancer, it can affect the whole family. You may find our information about supporting a family member with cancer helpful.
We have a family and friends forum on our online community where you can share feelings, get support, and ask questions, as well as a Prostate cancer forum.
I hope this information is helpful,
Kind regards
Gillian, 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 email us.
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