Prostate Cancer Help

My dad was just diagnosed yesterday.
He still has to go and get a cat scan and a bone density exam. The doctor is calling to make those appointments for him today.
They let him know that depending on what they find (we are hoping it just developed because he was tested 6 months ago and he was fine) that he might have to go for radiation, for 10 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

Can anyone tell me what I can expect with my dad? I know every case is different, but will the radiation really knock him out? will he be able to work? what type of prognosis can i expect?

I really appreciate any help/suggestions/comments - i'm devastated right now.

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

depending on severity, there are many options.

we went through this with both my FIL and my husbands grandfather - 2 very different cases.

his father's was more severe and he had to have his entire prostate removed. it was tough, a 4 days hospital stay and a decently long recovery but he is healthy today, 5 years later.

DH's grandfather had radiation, no chemo and had very little if any adverse reactions. his was very early stage and radiation worked great the first time around - cancer gone within a month or so.

keep your heads up and stay confident. if found early, prostate cancer is very treatable with great long term outcomes

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

First want to send you prayers and hugs.

A friend of mine's Mom had it and I know that this foundation was a life saver for her and her family


Lusgraten Foundation

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

My dad had this about 3 years ago. He opted to do the Cyber Knife procedure. It is intense radiation - he went for an hour a day for 5 days. I believe only Winthrop offers this currently. It worked great and he is cancer free. But def had side effects after about a year. I don't think anything is without them. My father-in-law also had prostate cancer and he opted for the surgery to remove it all. He had lots of problems after and to this day. I would NOT go the surgery root if possible. It really is hard after it.

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

i don't think they suggested surgery to him yet, but again since we just found yesterday we really don't know anything yet and he still has to speak to the oncologist he was referred to

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

My dad had it, but had his prostate removed so no need for radiation. 10 years later he is perfectly healthy. I know it's not the same thing but my mom had breast cancer a few years ago and had the 10 mins a day 5 days a week radiation treatment for 6 weeks. It's different for every person but she didn't experience the side effects nearly as bad as we expected. Mostly it just left her very tired and it was a bit painful at the site of the treatment.

I'm sorry you are going through this. Best wishes for a speedy recovery for your dad!

P.s. maybe post on the Health board as well... You might get more responses there.

Message edited 2/2/2012 9:37:12 AM.

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

Posted by moonmist09

Posted by Mrs-D-Girl

First want to send you prayers and hugs.

A friend of mine's Mom had it and I know that this foundation was a life saver for her and her family


Lusgraten Foundation

thank you for the help, however, my father has prostate cancer, not pancreatic cancer

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

i didn't know there was a health board, thank you for suggesting it!

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

I don't have any experience but just wanted to send your some and

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

my dad had prostate cancer....he had surgery to remove his prostate and they checked things after that to see if he would need anymore treatments.
they ended up getting all the cancer by taking his prostate out so he didnt need anymore treatment.
he has yearly appointments now (2.5 years later)
the recovery from the surgery was hard, but he recovered 100%

stay strong!!! its not easy news to get at all, i know that.

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

My FIL was diaganosed just 3 months ago. They started with hormone shots and wanted to treat with radiation.

After doing some research and getting second opinions, he opted for surgery which he just had done a wk 1/2 ago. All went well and he is cancer free.

He just left on a plane to FL where he will heal/recover and enjoy some relaxing time in the warmth.

Many prayers that what is offered will help and that he can be cancer free someday!

Message edited 2/2/2012 12:40:28 PM.

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

Sorry that I can't provide you with any useful info but I just wanted to wish you, your dad and your family lots of strength during this difficult time.

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

I don't have much experience, other than my uncle had it and after treatment he is fine now, but I just wanted to say I'm sorry and I hope you're dad is ok. If it helps, I've heard that prostate cancer has one of the highest cure rates.

Message edited 2/2/2012 2:15:26 PM.

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

Please FM me with any questions.

My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago, and had to have his prostate removed.

He is cancer free and today and living a very normal life.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

I just wanted to send prayers for your dad

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I am so sorry. My father also was just diagnosed with prostate cancer 2 weeks ago. From what I have learned the treatment options vary greatly based on the gleeson score, how his scans/tests come back, and age. My dad's gleeson was 7 out of 10 which means the cancer is rather aggresive. Luckily, his tests showed that the cancer is localized in his prostate only. He is scheduled for surgery to have his removed March 15th. His doctor, the head of urology for Vanderbilt in TN, said that this was the best option for him since he is realitively young (62) and that after recovery he should be heathy as an ox.

I know how devastating it is to find out and how difficult the waiting for more information can be. I wish you and your family all the best! Stay strong!!

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

My dad was diagnosed years ago. I'm not sure of the specifics, though. They implanted him with some kind of "seed radiation." It worked for him. In and out of the hospital in one day. With this treatment, I guess he gave off some kind of radiation. So, there was a short time where they limited how close he could be to young children, pregnant women, etc. But he had something to cover himself, like the shield you get when you have x-rays at the dentist. It was not bad at all!

Good Luck! Many prayers!

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

My dad was diagnosed early last year, and although it was not very aggressive he opted to have his prostate removed. He was out of commission for a few days, out of work for a few weeks, and other that had has recovered wonderfully. Let me know if you have any questions.

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

i am so sorry

my dad had prostate cancer and needed surgery and radiation

he is doing great now and living a normal life

fm me with any questions