New to the Forum.

Hello DJBF and welcome. We have a lot of lurkers who use the site for information but are glad when people introduce themselves. As you have gathered you have been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer which means that they will probably take a more aggressive approach to deal with it both systemically and with hormone therapy but the exact treatment might depend on where the distant mets are lurking. The first thing to say is that metastatic prostate cancer can be treated and held at bay for many years and you can still have a good quality of life in most instances. The first few months are the most difficult as you come to terms with the diagnosis but things do normally get better once treatment has started and taken effect. You are still young and you are being treated at a centre of excellence for cancer with access to the latest thinking and techniques. My husband is T4 with distant visceral and lymph mets. He was diagnosed in July 2020 and yes it has been a rollercoaster of a journey but he is still going strong and still has more options for the future.

When people come on with advanced prostate cancer I usually point them in the direction of a good book which you can download for free explaining all the terminology and what the different stages mean.

https://issuu.com/magazineproduction/docs/js_prostate_cancer_guide_for_patients_ezine

I also point them in the direction of a video which explains in more detail what treatments are available both initially and in the future if needed.

https://youtu.be/-RVVq0uDAEE?si=9N0DWAP8fXP-idlc

Staying as fit as possible is going to be important in coping with the treatments but generally we can help you to understand what they entail and more importantly how you can deal with some of the side effects. Please feel free to ask any questions or if you just want to come on for support either from forum members or if you feel you need professional help as we can point you in that direction.

Please let us know how you get on at your appointment on Tuesday but one piece of advice is to ask if you can record it as it can be difficult to take everything in at first. Also prepare a list of questions and it is best if you can take someone with you.

Hi DJBF,

not a club you want to join but a very warm welcome to a great bunch of people . We joined earlier this year so still novices on the PC journey .Alwayshope has given you great advice as always and no doubt you will hear from other members giving you lots of advice . Mines as a wife sit and put together a list of questions that you want to ask even if you think it’s not relevant BUT everything is . take care and keep in touch . 

Best wishes 

Liz & OH X

Hello DJBF,

I have just downloaded the guide recommended by Alwayshope 

it is very good and explains things in quite simple language. I’ve been on this journey just over a year and have learned a lot just by a casual read of the guide. Not too happy about the section which says cut down on dairy products though, that means cheese. I like my cheese 

Hi Beerandrocks . I know what you mean about cheese, especially a good vintage cheddar but what you can do is try substituting lower fat versions or vegan options. Basically the harder the cheese the higher the fat content so an Edam is better than a cheddar. If I am making a cheese sauce I tend to use a cream cheese and a pinch of mustard to give it that bite. Don't forget milks and use the half fat ones or better still use a plant based one like oat milk.

You make a good point about the book that, even though you have been on this journey for a year, you still learn't more.

I see from your profile that you also have advanced prostate cancer so I would recommend the video as well as it really explains what choices are available thanks to recent advances in treatment and how the thinking has changed. I hope your cancer is under control now and you are doing OK.