Hello all,
I posted introducing myself the other day as my dad has just been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer at 67 last week, Gleason Score 5+5.
I can’t thank everyone enough for the engagement on the post and all the support- it has really meant a lot through those first few days navigating this new world.
I wanted to come back and ask a few more questions if anyone is able to help me.
1. Dad has had the diagnosis and then went for a CT where we will get the results back in our next meeting on the 6th May. Does anyone know why he would have another scan so close to his diagnosis? We know it’s spread to his bones, I’m worried that this scan will show further spread eg nodes
2. The information regarding others stage 4 prostate cancer is generally very reassuring on here and has given me a lot of hope. However, his Gleason score seems to be one of the highest I’ve seen on here. I’m concerned this changes our time span with him?
3. I would love to know how you have managed to stop googling anything and everything. I am finding relief and comfort on these forums but as soon as I google, I’m met with dreaded numbers and statistics, but I just can’t stop myself. Does anyone have any tips for this?
4. Lastly, I know continuing life ‘as normal’ is the most important thing, but it feels so difficult to not talk about it and worry. Does anyone have advice for this too?
sorry for all the questions. I’m having a lot of moments of calm and understanding mixed with anxiety, dread and fear, and finding it difficult to navigate. On top of this, I actually work in oncology myself so I do see first-hand how cancer does affect lives but it feels so different being on the other side.
Hello JCat
No problem, we know where you are with this and happy to answer questions:
1. The second CT scan may well be to a larger area of the body rather than just the prostate and pelvis. Also it will be a check for any comorbidities before administration of chemotherapy (he may well get a full blood test too).
2. The Gleason 10 (5+5) sadly is top trumps with Gleason scores, it's the most aggressive HOWEVER once treatment starts then it matters not as the treatment will stop any further spread.
3. Dr Google has information from around the world. Everyone's journey is personal to them. Here we rely on information, diagnosis and treatments used in the UK. My tip - don't Google things. We do have Community members from outside the UK and some other countries do things differently.
4. Life continues. My personal thread is called Que Sera Sera. You can't go back in time and you need to trust your team. My wife has been there for me throughout over 4 years and all my adult children are very supportive.
As you say you work in oncology (my wife was a nurse for 40 years) everyone has a personal journey - we all think differently, we all worry about different things - you will see that people with a positive outlook and the ability to control their worry and anxiety tend to have better outcomes than others.
I hope the above helps - carry on asking questions - carry on helping your dad - he deserves a long, happy and healthy retirement.
Best wishes - Brian.
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