Hi, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in October (aged 47) and initially it was thought there had been no spread and I was on course for surgery. But bone scans showed something on my ribs and now further scans have confirmed spread to ribs and possibly pelvis and spine. I've already started on the hormone therapy.
It has completely knocked me sideways. I'm now waiting for my first appointment with an oncologist next Thursday, and know it is now about controlling it rather than curing it - but I'm struggling to come to terms with that and understand what it really means. I made the mistake of googling it when the first scans came back, and am now ping-ponging between despair at having no time, and trying to remain optimistic about what the treatments could do for me.
Just feeling a bit lost and overwhelmed - hoping that the appointment next week will give me some more info.
It's been helpful already just to read through some of the forums here, so thanks already to everyone!
Mike
Hi Mike5150 and a very warm welcome to the Community but sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).
The New to Community is like our reception desk where we look to direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated Prostate Cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with the group click on this link> Prostate cancer then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
When you are ready you can introduce yourself by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
