My partner of many years was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2019; he has had a biopsy but we don't have the results yet - follow-up appointment next week. He has also had a bone scan, and we were told that the scan is positive - obviously bad news. He had an MRI, no results yet.
I'm finding it hard to deal with (as is he) - having tremendous levels of anxiety at the moment. I imagine it's a case of trying to slow the cancer with hormone therapy (which he's started) rather than curing it - i.e. it's effectively "terminal" tho nobody has actually told us that as such....and I don't know if he has realised that, and don't want to raise the subject until/unless we're officially told. I have no idea how long he will have left - maybe unknowable anyway. I'm finding it very hard to cope at present.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community, although I am sorry to see you finding us and so sorry to hear about you partner.
A cancer diagnosis can bring a lot of stress, confusion and many questions on all the family. From my long experience you never jump to conclusion, you deal with the facts and with these in place you can move forward.
In 1999 I was told that my rare type of Lymphoma was incurable - but treatable and I would never see remission - fast forward to 2016 I am in remission - you deal with facts and never lose hope.
Talking with people who are on the same journey can help a lot so can I direct you to this link to our very supportive Prostate cancer group as this will open up your concerns to a wider audience who know exactly what you are going through at the moment.
Just follow the link I have created then hit the ‘Join This Group’ tab just under the main group name, then go to the 'Start a Discussion' tab and set up your very own Discussion and introduce yourself to the group and ask your questions.
As I was the person with the cancer my experience of supporting someone is very limited, although my wife has been amazing over my 20 years. You may also find our Carers Only and Friends and Family groups to be good places where you can connect with others supporting family through their cancer journey but more importantly the carers care for each other.
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.
Talking to people face to face can help a lot so check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area or a Maggie’s Centre as these folks are amazing.
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 ((hugs))
Hi and welcome to you also.
Do follow the information above and join our link to our very supportive Prostate cancer group as you will get some great support.
All the very best.
