Any one living with prostate cancer? Or have a close relative who is?

[SDMom]

I’m not sure where to turn, but I just need somewhere for support. My Dad (68 years old) was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. The doctors caught it early and we were told it is a non-aggressive type of cancer. I cry often just thinking about this …

Any one else in the same boat or know a close relative who is? I think I just need to hear stories from others who can relate … and maybe ask for a hug or two … :bighanky:

 

[Schluns]

My father had it, but he died of Lung cancer. My Step-Father has it; he and my father were both diagnosed early, but Dad was already 5 years out from his lung cancer diagnosis. My SF was diagnosed about 15 years ago and at 72, it’s probably not what he will die from. My FIL was diagnosed about 4 years ago.

Also, I am an oncology nurse and see a lot of patients who come through the clinic that are 10, 15, and even 20 years out from their diagnosis.

Mind you being a cancer nurse, my father felt completely free telling me about the biopsy and radiation that he received ‘down there’. I am firmly of the belief that there are areas of your parents body that you really should not know about.

That aside, I really understand what you are going through. With his lung cancer diagnosis, I had been working in oncology for 3 months. I was so distraught that I quit the job for 8 months and went back to pediatrics, then came to my senses and the oncology job was still willing to hire me back. His being diagnosed with prostate cancer was almost anti-climatic for everyone.

SF and FIL had surgery instead of radiation. SF is doing great, but apparently FIL has some issues with the faucet leaking occasionally.

Hope this helps and :console:

Susan

 

[Jay53]

My Dad (age 72) has prostate cancer (diagnosed last year) and has opted not to do anything about it at this point. Apparently it’s in the early stages and the doctor said that even if he does nothing he’s still more likely to die from heart disease, stroke, etc. One of his options was the radioactive seed implants, but my Dad doesn’t want to do that. My Mom died of lung cancer April 2007 and I know that has alot to do with his decision. In fact, he told the doctor that if my Mom were alive he would have the treatment. His diagnosis so soon after my Mom’s death, needless to say, threw me for a loop. But, so far Dad feels fine so I’m just dealing with this as it comes. And praying.

If you want to know anything else, please feel free to PM me. :hug1:

Incidentally, a coworker also had prostate cancer, received the radioactive seed implants and is fine now.

 

[mel_72]

So sorry to hear this. My grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2000. He went through daily radiation for what I believe was a month and ended up beating prostate cancer. Hope this helps ease your worries.

 

[aurora77]

My dad was diagnosed at 52 in 2007. He had surgery in December of that year and has had no further treatments so far.

Big hugs to you, SDmom.:hug1: That time between his diagnosis and surgery (about 4 months) was one of the hardest times of my life, and I had my own cancer diagnosis earlier in '07. That was hard, but seeing someone I love deal with it was so much harder.

I never realized just how stress can make a person physically sick until my dad got his diagnosis. I spent the entire first week after the dx absolutely sick to my stomach, with all the symptoms of the stomach flu. It was crazy.

I managed to deal pretty well with things until a couple of weeks before the surgery. I’m 6 and 8 years older than my brothers, so I feel like I have to be the strong one if you know what I mean. I also didn’t want my DH to worry about me, so I cried every night in the shower when I was alone. It was rough!!

The day of the surgery I think I broke down 4 times or so while we were at the hospital. I guess I’d let everything build up, so it all came out.

Thanks be to God, he’s having some side effects, but is still cancer free. He was getting checkup PSA tests every three months; I think he’s graduated to the every six month plan, which is fantastic.

I’m so sorry he and your family have to deal with this. It absolutely stinks and is really hard. At the same time, it’s also possible your family may grow closer because of this; I think our’s has. God bless you!!

 

[Joannm]

My dad was diagnosed with it in his late 50’s. He will be 78 in April. Not sure what treatment he had but it has not reoccured. My uncle had it about 6 years ago, was treated and is cancer free. My boss (and also my pastor) had his prostate removed last year because it was cancerous. Aside from a long recovery he is doing very well. Repeating what others have said, men with this kind of slow advancing cancer, that is treatable, will probably not die from it unless it was discovered in advanced stages.

 

[acadian]

My dad was diagnosed 7 or 8 years ago. He was in his early 60’s. He received treatment at a center in Georgia. Seed implants and radiation. He tolerated the treatment very well, and today we really don’t give much thought to his diagnosis.

 

[OLHope]

I have an acquaintance with it, it has been about six years, not severe. Prostate cancer is not like the doom your get with liver or pancreas. It is mild, and it seems that many men get as one of their choices for solution to do nothing, just constant monitoring. There is surgery and seedling type resolutions(I don’t know what that is). I would not worry too much.

Another example, my old pastor is deceased, had prostate cancer for 12 years, but past away from a genetic blood disease.

I would just sit back and see what the doctor presents as options. He can still live a longer life. I do not personally know any man who has past away from this particular cancer so far.

All in all, it still seems to be a very personal and embarrassing issue for men to talk about. News anchor, Robert Jordan had it, and he is vehement about speaking out about it because of these issues.

I wouldn’t worry too much unless the feedback from the doctor draws reason for some concern. Your spirits should be secure with this one.

 

[Sina]

My FIL had it and made a full recovery. I know it was very hard on my DH and his family. His dad never cries, but he cried when he told them. FIL was 58 when he got it. MIL got breastcancer at the same time and had a masectomy and is also doing well now.

I have a close friend whose father got it when he was around 65 and he is also doing well.

I am really really glad they caught it early. It sounds like he will recover. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t scary and hard on you and your family. Spend as much time with your dad as possible. A cancer discovery makes life so much more precious. Your family has my prayers.

 

[SDMom]

*****Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. I have been reading your posts, but haven’t had a chance to get back 'till now. Thank you so much for sharing your stories!

Susan – I sent you a PM, and just read yours. Thank you so much again.*****

My Dad (age 72) has prostate cancer (diagnosed last year) and has opted not to do anything about it at this point. Apparently it’s in the early stages and the doctor said that even if he does nothing he’s still more likely to die from heart disease, stroke, etc. My Mom died of lung cancer April 2007 and I know that has alot to do with his decision. In fact, he told the doctor that if my Mom were alive he would have the treatment. His diagnosis so soon after my Mom’s death, needless to say, threw me for a loop. But, so far Dad feels fine so I’m just dealing with this as it comes. And praying.

*Thank you for sharing your story and for the hugs. I’m sorry to hear about your Mom. :console: I personally don’t know a lot about the possible treatments for prostate cancer which is why I’m here, wanting to hear others’ stories, and also been googling “prostate cancer” like mad. My Mom & Dad have also opted for the “Watchful Waiting” treatment, since the docs say he is in the early stages & has a non-agressive type of prostate cancer – adenocarcinoma, I think it’s called. I didn’t even know a “non-aggressive” type of cancer existed. *

So sorry to hear this. My grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2000. He went through daily radiation for what I believe was a month and ended up beating prostate cancer. Hope this helps ease your worries.

*I’m glad your grandfather beat the cancer! My Dad doesn’t want to go through any therapy right now, though. I think he’s most fearful for the side effects. I don’t blame him. It’s just so hard to know that he has cancer. I have to swallow that thought every minute of every day, and sometimes I just feel like I am suffocating. It’s so, so hard. *

My dad was diagnosed at 52 in 2007. He had surgery in December of that year and has had no further treatments so far.

*That is really great to hear. Did he have any complications from the surgery? *

Big hugs to you, SDmom.:hug1: That time between his diagnosis and surgery (about 4 months) was one of the hardest times of my life, and I had my own cancer diagnosis earlier in '07. That was hard, but seeing someone I love deal with it was so much harder.

• Thank you for the hugs and for your words … they really, really mean a lot. How are you dealing with your cancer? Did you go through treatment? Wow, double whammy in your family. I will def. keep you both in my prayers. *

I never realized just how stress can make a person physically sick until my dad got his diagnosis. I spent the entire first week after the dx absolutely sick to my stomach, with all the symptoms of the stomach flu. It was crazy.

• Yes, the same thing is happening to me right now. Well, it’s cold season, but I am fighting a really bad cough, sore throat, & cold right now. I’ve had headaches almost daily since we received the news about Dad. That, plus I’m pregnant with our 3rd, so I’m dealing w/ nausea here and there, too. *

I managed to deal pretty well with things until a couple of weeks before the surgery. I’m 6 and 8 years older than my brothers, so I feel like I have to be the strong one if you know what I mean. I also didn’t want my DH to worry about me, so I cried every night in the shower when I was alone. It was rough!!

• You sound like my older sister! I’m the youngest, and I **always ***cry. When we have our “family” meetings (when Mom pulls all us siblings together (3 of us) to talk about the latest news with Dad), I’m always the one that breaks down. I know my sis is hurting, but she rarely cries. We all need to cry every now and then, though.

Thanks be to God, he’s having some side effects, but is still cancer free. He was getting checkup PSA tests every three months; I think he’s graduated to the every six month plan, which is fantastic.

*& yes, PRAISE GOD for your Dad’s health!!! I think my Dad is on every 3-month PSA tests. My brother is freaking out though & wants him checked monthly. He can’t stand the idea of him & Mom choosing to “watch and wait.” *

I’m so sorry he and your family have to deal with this. It absolutely stinks and is really hard. At the same time, it’s also possible your family may grow closer because of this; I think our’s has. God bless you!!

THANK YOU!!!

Repeating what others have said, men with this kind of slow advancing cancer, that is treatable, will probably not die from it unless it was discovered in advanced stages.

• That is what I’m sorta, kinda getting from the medical articles that I pull up online. It is just so scary, though … to hear the words that someone in your family has CANCER. *

My dad was diagnosed 7 or 8 years ago. He was in his early 60’s. He received treatment at a center in Georgia. Seed implants and radiation. He tolerated the treatment very well, and today we really don’t give much thought to his diagnosis.

• That is great. Praising God for your Dad’s well being *

THANK YOU ALL AGAIN FOR YOUR KIND WORDS, HUGS, & PRAYERS!!! They mean a lot to me!!! May our merciful & loving Father bless you all abundantly for your kindness.

 

[SDMom]

I have an acquaintance with it, it has been about six years, not severe. Prostate cancer is not like the doom your get with liver or pancreas. It is mild, and it seems that many men get as one of their choices for solution to do nothing, just constant monitoring. There is surgery and seedling type resolutions(I don’t know what that is). I would not worry too much.

Another example, my old pastor is deceased, had prostate cancer for 12 years, but past away from a genetic blood disease.

I would just sit back and see what the doctor presents as options. He can still live a longer life. I do not personally know any man who has past away from this particular cancer so far.

All in all, it still seems to be a very personal and embarrassing issue for men to talk about. News anchor, Robert Jordan had it, and he is vehement about speaking out about it because of these issues.

I wouldn’t worry too much unless the feedback from the doctor draws reason for some concern. Your spirits should be secure with this one.

*Thank you for sharing! I think the more educated I get about the subject, the more comfortable I will feel about all of this. Thank God my Mom is a retired oncology nurse, so she understands a lot of what is going on & can explain things to us. *

My FIL had it and made a full recovery. I know it was very hard on my DH and his family. His dad never cries, but he cried when he told them. FIL was 58 when he got it. MIL got breastcancer at the same time and had a masectomy and is also doing well now.

I have a close friend whose father got it when he was around 65 and he is also doing well.

I am really really glad they caught it early. It sounds like he will recover. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t scary and hard on you and your family. Spend as much time with your dad as possible. A cancer discovery makes life so much more precious. Your family has my prayers.

• Thank you! Yes, I am glad, too, that the docs caught it early. His primary doc is one that has been in the family for YEARS, so Mom & Dad are very confident that they are in good hands. I’m spending a lot more time with Dad, and he’s able to enjoy his grandkids, too. *

Thanking God for all of you …

 

[Schluns]

I read your PM and sent one back.

What I forgot to say, and honestly did not think about until just now as I was catching up: As you are online doing research. Do not get most of your information there. As you know from this site; people love to complain. It seems for every positive story there are 5-10 negative stories. Just be careful what you read on personal blogs.

 

[SDMom]

I read your PM and sent one back.

What I forgot to say, and honestly did not think about until just now as I was catching up: As you are online doing research. Do not get most of your information there. As you know from this site; people love to complain. It seems for every positive story there are 5-10 negative stories. Just be careful what you read on personal blogs.

Hi again! Yes, thank you for reminding me of that. I’m mostly sticking to info from “Mayo Clinic” & “Prostate Cancer Institute.” A good friend of mine also got his Ph.D. in immunology so I will probably turn to him next for some resources. All the best to you … thank you again for sharing your story and for your PM (just read it this a.m.) …

 

[Schluns]

Hi again! Yes, thank you for reminding me of that. I’m mostly sticking to info from “Mayo Clinic” & “Prostate Cancer Institute.” A good friend of mine also got his Ph.D. in immunology so I will probably turn to him next for some resources. All the best to you … thank you again for sharing your story and for your PM (just read it this a.m.) …