I've actually been on here for about a week now but only just thought to post on this part of the forum. Well my diagnosis is advanced metastatic prostate cancer, the treatment is conservative/palliative so it is not curable and it is life limiting. I was diagnosed in this state in June after admission as an emergency with a psa reading of 5000+. It is currently a decimal, not sure of the exact figure. I could look it up but the hormone treatment has worked well to date. As to how I am about it and everything I thought I would just post a few words of reflection I wrote in October.
I was lying down after a long immersion in the bath. Such a powerful emollient thing and so integral to all the palliative care I now receive. The pain was minimal and I was really relaxed just looking out of the window at the branches of the great tree swaying in the wind, lit but the sun, the leaves just beginning to turn colour for autumn. This is the nature from which I emerged and of which I know as little as the time I return to it. There is a feeling of continuity with or without consciousness. That must be something but is as mysterious as the day is long. In my mind I had some fond memories. I learnt to live in harmony eventually with life. It is not easy in this world. I am sad but not afraid to leave it. I feel the sadness of my friends who say they will miss me. I cannot ignore that. But it has to happen and I have acclimatised to that and in the depths of my soul there is peace that sees me through the periods of pain.
I like this because I too have found that having no future leaves you with nothing to worry about. A lot of people, well people particularly, are just gobsmacked by that idea. Whaaaaaat?
Hi Fliegel,
I don't have much to offer as I'm also new to the group and, having only been given the news 2 weeks ago, am very far from adapting to the new 'normal'. I do know there is a lot of care and compassion in this group though and we'll muddle our way through together.
Midlands Mamma xx
Yes I have seen everything from compassion to humour. It very much depends how you are feeling. I know adjusting can be hard and news like that is life changing and not welcome. I made up my mind not to let it beat me. There were some things I could not change but I aimed to keep myself OK from the neck up.
Oh that's good to know.. I'm a happy bunny at present, I'm actually off treatment 2 years in January. On 4 months scans. I don't like them Robots, feel like throwing .my phone at the wall at times. I've just looked out the windows it's dead foggy. Have a good day .
Moi
So glad you are not under treatment now. I have known 2 friends who went the whole way completing treatment and being tumour free for 10 years; One I am still in touch with and she is in good health way beyond the 10 now. I know just how much anxiety all those continued tests can cause. Hang in there. I started this new drug today. It is quite a new drug and I am not suitable material for much else, surgery, radio and chemo being not advised. I have had two doses of this stuff and can really feel it, It feels more radical that other hormone treatment I am still on. Two doses is not much but I can tell it does something .
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2026 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007