Newly diagnosed Prostrate Cancer

Hi T123

So sorry that you find yourself here, but it is really great that you are helping your brother out - that support is going to be really needed.

I can only say that I found the info on the Prostate Cancer UK website really helpful.  Many of their information sheets are available for download rather than waiting for a hardcopy in the post.  I would however recommend the Toolkit, it is packed with info.   

https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support 

Almost all of the info booklets will have a list of useful questions at the back.

The Macmillan booklets are also useful but I only have those in hardcopy, and do not know off the top of my head if they are available to download.

My own route into treatment was quite fast and I was passed to the Oncologist quite quickly and only saw the urology surgeon for the biopsy - and surgery not an option for me.  I am on what is known as Triplet Therapy - a double dose of hormone therapy plus Chemo.  Tough yes - but if you go into it as fit as possible and with a positive mindset it is manageable.

If you click on the names in green or the avatar picture next to the name you can see our profiles - and you may get some info from them.

There are some wise, experienced folk on this forum and I am sure they will be around to provide some support.

The period between diagnosis and arriving at a treatment plan is always a difficult one - but once that plan is in place there is something to aim for, it's not easy but it gets easier...

I have mentioned before the Headspace App which offers a Coping with Cancer course which I found invaluable in calming the churning mind that resulted from my own diagnosis.

Best wishes to your brother and his support network!

KrisPy

Oh - should have said - try and stay away from Google.  Go to PCUK and Macmillan for up to date info.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/prostate-cancer

Hi T123

There are a couple of bits of info needed in order to give best advice.

Do you have any PSA figures, the last few if possible, what does the MRI say in terms of location of tumour, is it confined to the gland,  

Yes normally surgery or Radiotherapy and HR is offered, Radiotherapy route not too bad.

Best wishes 

Steve 

Hello T123 

A warm welcome to the group although I am so sorry to find you here. As part of the diagnostic process your brother will be with Urology until this Thursday when they will discuss the results of the MDT meeting about his case and if he goes for Hormone Therapy he will be passed on to oncology.

As KrisPy said in his excellent post above he need to research each treatment and the side effects as to how they would affect him and any partner - this is a couples cancer. Use trusted sources, Prostate cancer UK, Cancer Research UK and Macmillan - not Dr Google. List the pros and cons of each treatment. I will start you off with links to our information on both treatments:

Surgery to Remove The Prostate.

Hormone Therapy.

On a personal note I have been on Hormone Therapy for almost 4 years and you can read my journey by clicking on my name or avatar (it's a little complicated - but I have mastered all the side effects).

As for questions to ask at the meeting. First off make sure your brother takes some one with him, take pen and paper and ask for a copy of the meeting notes to be sent to you. Have a list of questions read - as we all have different questions, here's a list to help you:

Questions for your Team.

I hope the above helps - please feel free to ask any questions, nothing is too trivial.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi T123. I’ve been offered SABR & no hormone stuff. My profile is there too. 
Best wishes & hope your brother gets sorted out. 
Andy.