prostate cancer, sorry OT

[beachgrl001]

I just found out my dad has prostate cancer. The doc said that even if he does nothing that he will live another 10yrs because of his age 60 and general good health.
My dad is very stubborn and has said if the results of his test were bad that he wasn't going to do anything. Does anyone know anyone who has had a prostate tectomy(prostate removed)? I really think that would be the best course for him but how do I convince him to do it???
thanks for any advice

 

[meandtheguys2]

Give him a bit of time. My advice. My FIL was the same way when diagnosed. After some time to adjust, he went to a great hospital (Cleveland Clinic) where they do the surgery dozens of times a day, and had it removed. He stayed active afterwards, and has done very well!!!

His brother, let it change his life. He has not recovered as well.

I'm glad they caught it early. Best thoughts for you and your dad.

 

[Daytona99]

Be grateful they caught it early. My DH's was caught early (5 years ago) and he had a laparoscopic prostatectomy. It is a less invasive procedure than the normal prostatectomy, and he recovered very quickly - at age 47. They said since they caught it and took care of it so early, chances of recovery were very good. So far, so good. My DH is very active. He researched hospitals that perform the laparoscopic procedure (at that time, not many did), and he went to the City of Hope in Duarte, California. Let your dad know that it really can be curable if taken care of early - and at 60 he is very young. Best of luck to you all.

 

[MNdisneymom]

I know this because my 80 yo father also has what his urologist referred to as a miniscule amount of cancer cells in his prostate. They found it a little over a year ago, and he goes in for a PSA and a biopsy if necessary every 6 months...if the PSA changes radically, then they do the biopsy. I know it's scary---the first thought with any cancer is to get rid of it right away. But PC is so slow growing (this is what my dad's docs say!) that depending on age and health, surgery is not always the best option.

...I know, it's really scary to have a parent with cancer. Hope all goes well for you and your dad.

 

[wdwfamilyinIL]

I agree with the above poster, he needs some time. I know several people like that, and it seems like the more you crowd them on an issue, the farther back they step. Just be there for him regardless what he decides, and support his decision.

 

[beachgrl001]

Thanks for the input. He dosent even know the results yet. My mom made a dr. appt. for him to discuss his options. The appt. isn't until March 2nd. We are debating on wether or not to tell him right now or closer to when the doctors appt. is...

 

[pjb0216]

Another vote with giving him some time. It was hard for my Dad when he first found out, but he had surgery when he was 63 and has done well for the past five years. I do remember his Dr telling him that based on his age and how slow the cancer grows, he would have a good ten years or more without treatment. We finally convinced him that we would like to have him around longer than 10 more years!

 

[mlraabe]

I could have posted the same thing! My dad just found out last Thurs. He was told the same thing - he could go ten more years. He has elected to have the surgery anyway - he is 59. He is having it done laporascoptically in a few weeks. It was quite a shock for us. He is so healthy. We actually thought the news was going to put my sister into labor (it didn't - she's being induced tomorrow morning!). But all of us feel good about his decision.