Brother just diagnosed

Hi again. The general rule is that the higher up the TNM scale then the more aggressive the treatment but also the position of where things like the nodes involved are plus how many will determine what is deemed most suitable. As the lymphatic system can act as a superhighway for the cancer it is assumed that there is a greater risk of micromets having already lodged either in the same chain or further up the system so a longer HT term is recommended. The more lymph nodes involved then the higher the risk of recurrence or progression further down the line. Radical Radiotherapy to the whole of the pelvic area has proved to be very successful at dealing with locally advanced prostate cancer but in high risk patients chemotherapy might be recommended. For peace of mind it is a good idea to ask WHY a certain treatment pathway is recommended but also what risk group the patient is in. At the moment everything is speculation until all the results are in.

Thank you  Always hope so much for taking the time to tell me all this it’s so appreciated . My brother is due biopsy results at 9 this morning so as you can imagine I’ve had no sleep . His lovely  girlfiend has gone with him and everything that you have all said to me here she has wrote down it’s been so helpfull I say girlfiend they have been together since they where 13 just didn’t want to get married both 64 now so she’s the best support for him and will ask everything it’s just a nervous horrible wait for all these results . These past few days that I’ve been talking to you all has helped us in so many ways and I can not thank you all enough x

BG

As some of the other excellent folks on here have already said the answer to your question is YES. Although no evidence has been found in my case my Radiotherapy treatment is covering the lymph nodes as well in case they have any ingress from the cancer. Both my Urologist and Oncologists have stated that the full intentions for my treatment is a Cure so I’m sure it can be the same for your brother. There is every hope of getting through this!

Hello everyone 

brother has had his results and they was not good can’t be cured I’m absolutely gutted . If I post his results ca

Sorry I never finished anyway bone tesults not in yet but they do suspect in bones . So they have changed his mx to m1 but today my brother has told them about all his bone operations in the past where he broke his back broke his femur etc lots of breaks over the years she did say ignore that then cos this could change that now we know so don’t know what that means . He’s been started on hormone therapy today and he has to have chemo as radiotherapy won’t do it . Gutted is anyone else in this possition I’m out my mind now with worry . 
thank you 

BG

Hello Bg65 

Initial PSA 50.9 : Gleason 5+4=9 : T3bN1M1B

I am so sorry he's joined the incurables. It's not the end. We have group members here who are 10+ years into an incurable diagnosis.

Step back, deep breath and together we can get through this with you and your family.

He's started Hormone Therapy today, that will stop the cancer in it's tracks. The chemotherapy will then kill it off. Let's take it one step at a time - we as a group will fight this with you. 

I know it's hard and it's not what you wanted but there are many advances being made and people who are incurable are living much longer and better lives.

Ask anything - we will give you answers.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thank you Brian it’s just a shock and talking to people like you is such a blessing I can’t thank you enough . He’s very fit he’s a young 64 and he just has to fight this . Once again thank you

BG

This is not the news you wanted but your brother has been given a plan. It sounds as if he could have been put on Triplet Therapy which is showing good results. This consists of the hormone therapy in two forms plus chemotherapy. The initial stage is to deprive the cancer of its food no matter where it is in the body. The next step is to provide a greater suppression along with the killing bit which is the chemotherapy. Recent work indicates that the chemotherapy and second generation antiandrogens should start within 12 weeks of starting hormone therapy but also that they should start at the same time or at the latest the second generation antiandrogens should start no more than one week after the chemotherapy, but not before. This regime seems to improve outcomes.

We can provide tips about what to expect from the hormone therapy and chemotherapy and how to deal with them but take a few days to come to terms with the diagnosis but remember that there are plenty of tools in the toolbox to help your brother for many years even with the advanced diagnosis.

Hi BG

I am sorry to hear the results although without the bone scan result not sure how they can say it's in the bones.

But looking ahead and if it is in the bones then the good news is that people can survive for years on different HT's 

The other thing to look for are clinical trials , immunotherapy can be good for advanced cancers, just a thought.

Perhaps the bone scan result will say something unexpected, hope u get results soon

All the best

Steve 

Thank you for all this information it’s so appreciated I don’t know what I would have done without you all being so kind and taking the time to explain things it’s helped so much 

thank you 

BG