My dad has prostate cancer, help.

KarenAR · Jun 29, 2004

Brenda, I'm not an oncology nurse. I just found this site online: http://www.prostate.com/ProstateCancer/ProstateCancer.asp

I hope it helps.

My dad is going for an ultrasound of his prostate, and possible biopsy, tomorrow, so I'll be reading through this info too.

hypnotic_nurse · Jun 29, 2004

My dad had this almost 10 years ago now. He had radiation; when that didn't work, he had the surgery. He's been in remission ever since.

It's a very slow growing cancer, something to keep in mind.

The surgery can be very difficult -- it can result in loss of continence and sexual function.

Of course Dad didn't tell me about any sexual problems, but I know he had to wear Depends for some time, and have 2 other corrective surgeries for incontinence, and he still has some occasional difficulty with it.

However, Dad is comfortable with the results and he and Mom are still active now in their 80s.

doobiedo, RN · Jun 29, 2004

My father was diagnosed early this year too (he is 68). He had a biopsy that showed a Gleason scale #8...apparently this means aggressive form of cancer..

My parents found out about it....did all the tests and consults and then told us kids the story. He was initially encouraged by his urologist to have a prostatectomy but his cardiologist quickly put the squash on that idea and highly recommended radiation consult. My father is happy with his choice..he just finished radiation....

He was treated at Fox Chase in Philly and the radiation oncologist and his team specializes only in prostate cancer. My father also has no mets at this point which we are all extremely happy about :) :) :)

I talked with his radiation oncologist and was surprised to learn that essentially it is a wait and see type thing. They have him on hormone injections every 3 months for 1 1/2 yrs. They may do another biopsy along the way but essentially there is no real way for them to evaluate the effect of the radiation therapy at this time. His PSA will be normal while on the hormones and after he is off the hormones they will follow his PSA also and hopefully it will stay normal. (this is what I was told anyway...Oncology was never my forte'

Needless to say we will be waiting with bated breath but in the meantime I am concentrating on spending more time with my parents as this hit us hard and I realize how precious my time with my parents are at this point.

As the one post stated I have heard also that prostate cancer is slow growing. Good luck...demand the best doctors and gather all the info you can to give yourself peace of mind....I will be anxious to read other oncology nurses replies to assist me with putting my mind at ease...

FYI....evaluate all options before deciding on the surgery...there are many side effects to the surgery...

leslie :-D · Jun 29, 2004

hi brenda,

cancer is so scary and i'm sorry for your fears. i've had ca pts with a psa level in the 70's....the saying goes that a male will typically die from old age before he dies from prostate ca. that's how slow growing it is. the prognosis is reputedly excellent. best wishes.

leslie

Brenda-RN,BSN, WA. · Jun 30, 2004

I just want to thank those of you who have offered advice, knowledge. I really appreciate your kind words, thanks again, Brenda.