Hi, i’m new to this, my dad is 76 and has prostate cancer and when they operated they found that it had spread to his bladder muscle area and lymph nodes as far as I am aware. Also his white blood cells aren’t reproducing. It’s stage 3 aggressive. He’s starting chemotherapy on Thursday. I believe they told him he has 12-18 months! Would that be right?
Can anyone advise me what happens once he starts the chemo, will he be really ill!
Good morning and welcome to the Online Community, although I am sorry to see you finding us and so sorry to hear about your dad.
I see that my friend Alison has given you a great reply and this from someone who understand the uncertainty in all this. If the medical professional give you a time scale it is a good stab in the dark, but don't put a circle round a date as we have folks on these forums who are way past the timescale that they were first told. The important thing is to support your dad as best as you can and enjoy every moment that is available.
Talking with people who are on the same journey can help a lot, you can get questions answered and this will reduce the whirlwind wind that is rushing in your head as information is key.
As Alison has said - we have these forums where you can connect with others supporting family and friends through their cancer journey: Carers Forum, Friends and Family Forum and Supporting someone with incurable cancer
Can I also direct you to this links to our Bladder cancer forum where you will connect with people who understand the journey your dad is on. You can ask the folks questions about tests, treatments and what to expect during the months ahead.
Follow the link above and join the group by hitting the ‘Join the Group’ tab just under the main group name and it is worth indicating how you want to receive email notifications when someone answers your posts.
You may find our various Macmillan Support Line Services to be helpful - call them on 0808 808 00 00 This free service covers Emotional Support, Practical Information. Clinical Information, Financial Support and Work Guidance mostly open 8.00 to 8.00 but check the link.
We also have our ‘Ask an Expert’. section where you can post questions to our mostly Volunteer Experts but please allow 2 working days to get a reply.
Our Online Information and Support Section is a good place to find information covering cancer diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers.
When you feel up to it try putting some information in your profile. This really helps others when answering. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. Just click on YOUR username, select 'Edit Profile'. Put as much or as little in your profile and you can amend it at any time - you can see members profiles by hitting our forum names.
All the very best.
