As a supporter of a partner with prostate cancer, who is facing other medical problems (an abdominal aneurism), and does not feel the local hospital is competent to give answers, I've joined this forum in the hope of sharing burdens and possibly information, and not to raise other people's stress levels.
My partner joined the Stampede programme and his treatment has been radiotherapy and hormones. He was too late for an operation to remove his prostate but he is at least still alive. I am very grateful for that.
We are grieving for a close friend who was diagnosed with prostate cancer about five years ago, whose condition got out of control and who died last August after three months in hospital. Ironically this friend helped run a local prostate cancer support group. His wife was distraught when she and their son couldn't get hospital staff to give them any straight information. A yogi who practices natural healing but accepts conventional medicine, she felt abandoned by the hospital doctors, left in the dark for months. We felt helpless for his sake too.
I am not asking for sympathy - we will all die and too many are dying before their time in brutal wars, famines and natural disasters - but like some of you, I am sometimes frightened and feel unprepared for what may come, so am very glad of a chance to explain, and perhaps to offer support or a listening ear to others if it's appropriate.
Hello Bicaz A warm welcome to the MacMillan online Prostate Community - we aren't a bad bunch!
Sadly the overworked NHS sometimes is negligent in providing the information you need to support your condition and you are left in the dark to work out where you are - I fully understand that - two years ago I left my MDT meeting with a diagnosis but no idea where I was going - but then this Community put me right - and here I am!!
So I have read your story - to help us to help you can you please update your partner's profile - to do this go to the home page - click on the chair in the top right hand corner - then "profile" and then "edit". Add some brief details of his journey to date and his diagnosis (Mine is Gleason 9 (5+4) T3aN0M0) You can read my profile by clicking on the icon of the beach or my name - you don't have to write a novel.
Once we have these details we should be able to answer any questions you have - however trivial and help re-assure you. I can understand your anxiety in the light of your friends death.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
Hello Bicaz It's no problem - we do what we do because we don't want anyone to go through a cancer journey "in the dark"on their own. Yes we all have bad days but if you know what to expect and why things are done then it's half the battle .Life is for living and when you have been where I have been every day is a bonus!!
My personal journey is going well - only another 12 months on the Hormones - and all is well. If you read through the various posts on this forum you will see we are quite a humorous bunch although serious and sympathetic when we need to be.
You are most welcome to join in any conversations and ask anything you want - it's OUR Community and YOU are a member. Whatever you need to know you will find someone who has "been there done that".
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
