prostrate cancer? My dad was just diagnosed

[letfuller]

My dad has gone in the past three years due to a questionable high count during a physical. Today I just found out that he has cancer and is now looking at the treatment options. I just don't know anything about this and the word cancer puts me in fear.

I know he is in good physician hands and that he has probably been preparing for this, as I have already stated this is his third round of prostrate screening.

Anyone know of how successful radiation is?


~Linda

 

[Serena]

I know of a few people that have had this and came out of it fine. Keep your hopes up.

 

[grinningghost]

Both of my uncles had it and are doing just fine. Surgery and radiation for both of them - and it worked great. Both are happily retired and living the good life.

Best wishes to your dad for a successful recovery.

 

[TTFN]

My dad finished his radiation treatment week before last. His PSA count is where it should be, but only time will tell if it has been beaten. His appointment with the urologist is 6 weeks after the last treatment. He had 42 treatments with a fairly new machine that is supposed to be more accurate with the dosage and placement of the radiation than the old machines. He is 77 years old, and in very good health, so the treatment did not make him as tired out as I thought it would. He continued to do his 2 mile walk every day, and usually did his evening 2 mile walk as well. He did have some issues of UT irritation and was not feeling 100% for about the last half of the treatment time. What he hated most was having to be there 5 days a week for 2 months for the treatment. From what I understand, treatment options are based at least partly on the age and overall health of the patient. If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me and I will do my best to answer. Good luck!

Beth

 

[browneyes]

My SO's uncle had prostate cancer about 3 years ago. He went through radiation and has recovered real well.

My best friend's brother had prostate surgery last month for his prostate cancer (she's not sure what all they did). She hasn't mentioned him going through any radiation yet though.

Good luck to your dad. Cancer puts fear in all of us when we're faced with it.

 

[Brer_Papa]

First, let me offer some prayers, good thoughts and best wishes for your Dads full and speedy recovery....

I know a few men that have had the surgery and / or the radiation treatment....and they are all leading an active life....

One in particular had surgery almost 20 years ago...he is in his 70's now and looks like he can whip his weight in wildcats...

Keeping your Dad in my prayers....

 

[C.Ann]

Prostate cancer - caught early enough and depending on the grade - is often very curable.. Lots of new treatments now that seem to be more effective..

My DH wasn't one of the lucky ones.. The grade was very aggressive and well on it's way before it was caught.. He had the radiation - 5 days a week for 3 and a half months - and we thought he had it beat.. Eventually it returned though (I think it was about 2 and 1/2 to 3 years later) and he went through all of the other available treatments- including a very radical surgery.. None of those worked either, so we then turned to the various experimental programs which failed as well.. There's no treatments left for him now - and they know that it has already spread - but so far they haven't been able to pinpoint exactly where it is.. Still - were it not for all of his other health problems - he manages to hang on and most importantly is NOT in pain..

Your Dad - having been diagnosed early - and in 2004 when treatments are so much better - will probably make a 100% recovery.. Just be sure that whatever treatment he chooses he continues to be monitored on a fairly frequent basis for at least the next five years..

 

[donnajon]

My Father in law was diagnosed about three years ago. He had the "seeds" put in - he had researched all of his options and felt this was the best. He is doing wonderfully now. We'll be remembering you in our prayers.

 

[msdis]

sending prayers and pixie dust for a full recovery.

I agree with the others. He was watched, they most likely have caught it very early and the treatments are very successful for this type. Hang in there, do your research, and ask lots of questions. And if you don't like the answers ask till you do.

 

[ead79]

I am by no means an expert, but I have heard that prostate cancer is one of the more treatable cancers when caught early. I think that hearing that word would frighten anyone, and I will remember your family in my prayers. {{{HUGS}}}

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

My father was first diagnosed with prostate cancer almost twenty years ago and had surgery along with radiation. He then had a reoccurance a few years later and went through the same treatments again. Oh, and did I mention the lung cancer that came next? Oy, talk about a cat with nine lives!!! He turns 76 this year and leads a very active life. Cancer is very treatable when diagnosed early.

letfuller and C.Ann -- my thoughts and prayers are with you!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

My best, with prayers, Linda, for your dad. Seems like he has been on top of the situation as have his docs, and I am sure he will do well with treatment.

Here are a several links with many good links within...........

http://www.4npcc.org/

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/prostatecancer.html

http://www.pcacoalition.org/index.php

 

[BHFan25]

Linda,
You should learn a bit more as time and tests go on. There are different kinds of prostate cancer. One, which I think most people are referring to on this thread responds well to treatment and is curable. They say if most men live long enough, they'll develop prostate cancer.

However, there is a more agressive type. That is the kind my dad has. He was diagnosed last May. It is incurable. It has already spread to his lymph nodes and his bones (neck, spine and pelvis). They don't do radiation of this kind and they cannot do surgery or chemo at this point. He takes a pill everyday and a shot every 4 months. This treatment has put him into "male menopause". They don't want his body producing any hormones because the hormones feed the cancer. So far, he is responding well and could possibly go into remission. However, it would take a miracle of God to cure him. They have no idea how long this combo will work and the PSA # will stay down but when it stops working then we'll have to try something else.

I hope that your father has the other kind and all goes extremely well for him. Best wishes to you all.

 

[letfuller]

Thanks everyone for your responses and prayers. I have learned a bit more that Dad has cancer in both sides of the prostrate. He goes in this coming Tuesday to do the bone test? to see if it has spread. He has already discussed the treatment options and it looks as if he will begin radiation this July.

I guess I am just in the numb and confused stage and will be doing a lot of reading on prostrate cancer in the next few weeks.

Againk, thanks for your thoughts and words of information



~Linda

 

[BHFan25]

Linda,
Just a FYI, they chose not to do radiation on my dad yet. I couldn't tell you right now why they are waiting for later for that but there was a reason. When I say later I am talking about after the treatment they are using now quits working. Which, they say, it will.
Best wishes for your father and hugs to you.