Dads Prognosis

My dad was diagnosed with similar about 25 years ago.  Surgery wasn't thought to be an option. Dad had hormone therapy and a long course of radiotherapy, longer I think than happens today. He then had about 10 good years with regular checks until PSA again rose to a level when he had a second course of hormones plus oral chemo.

Eventually, dad developed Alzheimer's and we lost him two years ago - but he died with the cancer rather than of it. 

Do give the nurse or the clinic a call, I know they're used to people thinking of more questions after they're given a diagnosis. I wish your dad successful treatment.

Thank you Cherry, I know everyone is different but this is still reassuring to hear. I'm also sorry for your loss.  I've thought of giving the nurse a call, I'm just cautious of stepping on my dads toes, emotions are up and down. 

I am in a similar situation in some ways, my dads lung cancer has spread everywhere and is causing various problems for which he’s been hospitalised. He’s not a great communicator at the best of times and I’m finding the lack of information from him is causing me huge anxiety, so I would encourage you to call anyway.

The truth is that your dad can’t be the only person responsible for this info, so I would strongly recommend figuring out a communication plan now between him, you and anyone else in your family or network you need to share information with. Contacting your dads consultants and doctors will be part of that, ideally with his consent of course.

There may be times when your dad can’t communicate well, and it will be better to get a system in place for that before it happens.

Sending big solidarity to you, you might feel alone but you’re not. 

Hello - we are in almost exactly the same place as you are re your dad's diagnosis - stage 4 and a spread,  although no cancer found in my husband's  lymph glands. We were told this basic info from a Macmillan nurse when we rang about an admin issue and she asked if we wanted to know the biopsy results and she told us similar things to your nurse, which I think is pretty standard terminology.

It wasn't until John had had a bone scan and seen the oncologist that we learned exact facts about his condition  and discussed potential treatments. That was when we were able to ask all our questions, and told what the best way ahead would be if we agreed. I'm thinking that maybe your father hasn't seen his oncologist yet? We had a bit of a mix-up with appointments and had to do a bit of chasing so if you're waiting for what seems a long time do try phoning oncology at your dad's hospital to hurry them along a bit. Just to add that John originally saw a urologist who was the person who diagnosed prostate cancer from seeing MRI results, but it was the biopsy that confirmed it more specifically. The bone scan revealed where it had spread to. Has your dad already had a biopsy and other tests to stage his cancer? Has he been put on HT (hormone therapy) which John's urologist prescribed for him as it puts prostate cancer cells anywhere in the body to sleep. Knowing that was hugely reassuring. 

This is a good forum but I think for specific advice about prostate cancer where a lot of family members (including daughters!) regularly post, the PC forum on here is a great source of advice and reassurance including situations where a family member like yourself doesn't want to tread on the toes of their loved one by asking too many questions of them. And it seems quite common for the females to ferret out information to help their husbands, dads etc on there so don't feel you won't be welcome as you don't have a prostate 

This is exactly it, the biopsy and ct scan results diagnosed him but waiting for the MRI and oncologist, which he does have appointments for. We suspect radiotherapy alongside hormone treatments will be the recommendation. He's already receiving hormone injections which it sounds is pretty standard and as you say puts the cells to sleep which, is reassuring for now while we wait f1or the rest of the treatment.

Thank you to everyone who has replied so far. Its good to know we're not alone in this.