Hi everyone

Hello Trekkie13.

I am sorry that you are struggling at the moment. It is very difficult to get a diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer, but even more so when you are still young. My husband and I spent an age in tears after he was also diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer until we could get our heads round the fact that it is not an immediate death sentence. There are so many new treatment regimes available now that you can still have a number of years with a good quality of life. We are a friendly bunch here who have been where you are now and because of the help of others we are now in a lot better place both mentally and physically.

Macmillan can offer you support if you want on 0808 8080000 8am to 8pm 7 days a week.

We are here to let you know that you are not on your own, there is always someone to listen to you and to help you understand your diagnosis and the different treatments you will have. Ask any questions you like and the wonderful bunch of people will give you an answer based on their experiences. It is very much a couples journey and from a personal point of view I can say that it has brought my husband and myself closer together and certainly I never think of him as a burden.

I am sending you a big hug and know that Millibob, our Community Champion, is going to be along soon with more suggestions.

Thanks for the message, it does give me hope. I just can't seem to shrug this stomach issue though. My consultant says it's not related to the cancer and my GP says it's probably gastritis. But you can imagine my anxiety thinks it's something else. 

Stress can have a big impact on your digestive system, plus things like your sleep patterns. Just to reassure you that it is extremely rare for prostate cancer to spread to the stomach and this would have been picked up on the scans you had prior to diagnosis. In the meantime make sure you don't aggravate it with spicy food, caffeine and maybe introduce something like Greek yogurt to try and improve the gut biome.

Thank you so much for the reassurance it means a lot. I'm a coffee lover so cutting back on that will be tough but I need to sort this out. My Wife has been brilliant in all this as you have been with your husband and I'm sure there will be more tears ahead but we intend to turn them into tears of laughter. I'm so glad I came on here today, I feel like I'm already part of the community.

Good Evening Trekkie13  A warm welcome to the online Prostate cancer Community - As you will see we aren't a bad bunch and have been where you are now.

The Cancer diagnosis is a shock and affects us all differently - I know when I received mine it took me a few days before I was in any state to declare "I am going to fight this bastard". It's no disgrace to let your feelings out - the hormone therapy causes the crying, I should know I can cry for England and I am sure your wife like mine will be 100% behind you.

I am sure the anxiety and the stomach issues will be connected so we need to help with the anxiety - so a fact - 98% of men with Prostate Cancer die WITH it not OF it - there are many Community members on here with Advanced Prostate Cancer living long and fulfilling lives.

Can I offer a few suggestions for that little bit of "extra help":

* Anxiety UK - They can offer help and support - 0344 477 5774  text to 07537 416905 or e-mail support@anxiety.org.uk or www.anxietyuk.org.uk

* Maggie's - do you have a "Maggie's Centre" near you. This is a support charity for people and their families and you can drop in for a brew and chat.  - 0300 123 1801 or enquiries@maggiescentres.org or www.magiescentres.org

* Our helpline 0808 808 00 00 (8am - 8pm 7 days) offer some amazing help and advice and can provide you with anything you need including counselling.

* There is also the "Buddy" service where we allocate you a personal buddy who will check in on you every week. Details are on the link below.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/emotional-help/macmillan-buddie

This is OUR Community and WE look after OUR OWN and YOU are one of ours, so any help you need we will try and get for you. No one fights Prostate Cancer alone!

Finally a bit of housekeeping if you have a few seconds. So we don't keep asking you the same questions, can I ask you to update your profile. To do this go to your home page, click on the chair in the top right, then "profile" and then "edit". You can then add your diagnosis and journey to date - you can read mine by clicking on the icon of the beach - but you don't need to write a novel!!

I hope this helps - WE are with YOU here. Anything else feel free to ask and the Community will respond.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thank you so much for all your support. I will update my profile. I can't believe how much a breath of fresh air this has been chatting to you guys. I have a buddy too, he's two and a half years in and we have met already for a coffee and a chat. 

The one thing that I will always remember is when our oncologist said he could do 50%, the other 50% was down to us in terms of positive attitude and lifestyle changes. Fatigue is going to be one of the biggest things you are going to have to fight so keeping as fit as possible is essential. Diet wise it is adopting a a good balanced diet, reduce processed food and dairy, keep protein levels up to maintain muscle strength, alcohol in moderation, reduce caffeine. The hormone therapy can thin the bones so ask your doctor for a prescription for Calcium and Vitamin D. 

When you feel like it can I suggest that you put a brief summary of your diagnosis and journey on your profile page as it will help others to help you and stop us from asking the same questions re diagnosis.

I'm already on Adcal D3. I've just updated my profile a bit, but will add more as I go. I've already changed my diet a bit so I'm beginning to make small changes. Thank you for all the information it's such a great help

Hi Trekkie13 and welcome, I was where you are nearly 2 years ago 57yo and diagnosed with advanced PCa, and just starting HT and know what a difficult time this for you and all the emotions you go through trying to understand what is happening and when and what treatments are to come. It is good that you have a wonderful partner, and can support each other on your journey, Trekkie things will get a little easier soon, I am 2 years on from you and life is good. with plenty more to come, As Alwayshope says anxiety can cause issues, exercise, relaxation, simple breathing exercises and a healthy diet can all help, and exercise will also help you through your treatment, take care.

Eddie

Hi, thanks for the message. Yes it's a bit daunting at the moment but as well as a supporting family I now have you wonderful people to chat to. I know those are all key to getting through, and as my wife says I have to come to terms with the life changes which speaking to you guys will happen.