Dads recent diagnosis of prostate cancer

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Hello there I am really struggling at the moment with my dad he’s 67 and he’s just been diagnosed with prostate cancer which has spread to his hip and causing extreme pain and also in his spine , this was all shown on a X-ray 

he’s had bloods so far and been put on a medication to strengthen his bones 

he attended his biopsy yesterday but he didn’t no the waiting times were over a hour , he sat and waited and was in than much pain with his hip he had to leave , I really don’t no how I’m supposed to get him back for his next appointment because he is being really difficult and is in bed all the time saying “ he is better off in bed “ I have had a gp out to him who moved his legs up and down and said he was ok , and he’s had bloods done just waiting for them to come back 

I’m worried my dad’s declining fast because he’s on nothing for the cancer , but I suppose they can’t do anything without this biopsy , he’s saying he probably couldn’t have it done anyway with the pain his in from his hip , he takes tramadol for that but just sits in bed all day 

I am really really trying my best but I don’t no what I can do from here , my mum is 70 and tries her best with him and I’m 32 trying to do all I can for him 

Chloe x 

  • Hi Disneylandb3ad46,

    Welcome to the online community.

    My name is Keith and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists

    This sounds like a really worrying time for you right now.

    From what you have written it sounds like your dad is still in the diagnostic phase of his diagnosis. its important to encourage him to go back for his biopsy so his clinical team(MDT) can gather enough information to give him the best possible treatment for his individual situation.

    It may be worthwhile contacting his cancer specialist nurse to discuss your concerns further and give them an update re why he didn’t have his biopsy and to arrange a new date and possibly get your dad reassessed at the same time .This may give him an opportunity to discuss his thoughts/concerns moving forward. It’s important to encourage him to let his clinical team know how he is being affected both physically as well as emotionally. This is so they can give him the best possible support moving forward.

    If your unsure how to contact his nurse and know the name of his consultant you can contact the consultant’s secretary via the main hospital switchboard, where he is being assessed /treated.

    This information on advanced prostate cancer may be helpful for you to understand a prostate cancer that has potentially advanced to other parts of the body.

     Its good that the GP has seen your dad to make sure he is OK.

    Pain can be a common issue with any cancer. looking at this information will explain this and its management in a little more detail. It important to get this assessed as soon as possible so that his pain is well managed. This is something you should also let his team know about.

    When the spine is affected being aware of possible complications is important such as metastatic spinal cord compression which isn’t common about 4 in every 100 people with prostate cancer can develop this.  

    Sometimes having a little knowledge and knowing where to turn when you need to, can be helpful. Hopefully this email will help to achieve this.

     

    When looking after your dad, you may feel like you're all just doing your bit, but the help you provide is so important. We understand how this can sometimes affect you all physically, emotionally, and financially. You're likely to need support and it’s important that you look after yourself too.

    Looking  through our online community, and in your area. may offer you additional support.

    Sometimes you may just need a listening ear.

     It may be worthwhile for you to  give us a call  where you can have a two-way conversation with one of our nurses  to discuss your situation in more detail.

    Or alternatively you can  contact us via our web chat platform

     take care.

    Keith, 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 KM/Amcg