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

I;m so sorry to hear that, I hope and pray he gets better soon.

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

i don't know much about it - in my law school sorority we used to raise money for the lustgarten foundation for PC because one of the girls fathers had it. you should check out their website because i remember they had a lot of useful information.

i am so sorry to hear this sending you and your family lots of prayers

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

Antonella im so sorry to hear. While i know people living with prostate cancer... i have no advice to offer except for you to know that WHATEVER you need we are here. A shoulder to cry on, a drink or two after work, just someone to listen we are def here for you! Hang in there!!! Lots of love and prayers your way!

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So sorry to hear this. I'll have your father in my prayers!!

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You and your family are in my prayers!! I know somebody who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. It's not a walk in the park, but the fact that it was caught within 6 months is so positive!! Good for him for getting tested frequently! Think positive!

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

I'm sorry to hear this Antonella And I know how scary it sounds.

FIL was diagnosed 4 years ago and we were devastated. however, prostate cancer usually has a very good prognosis! Especially since you say it is probably caught within the last 6 months! FIL did have radiation treatment too but he was already retired so I am not much help on whether your father will be able to work or not. FIL is doing GREAT and he goes for regular check ups but I think he is pretty much in the clear!!!

My coworker was diagnosed with a bad case of melanoma and he gets radiation treatments and he is still able to work...I know he doesn't feel too great though

thinking of you and your family!

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Oh antonella, Im so sorry to hear about your dad! I am FMing you right now. We are going through something similar.

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I am so sorry to hear this! Sending prayers that everything goes well with your dad.

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IM so sorry chica... =-(

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I'm sorry, I have nothing to offer in the way of advice but I just wanted to say I'm so sorry and I will keep you, your father and your family in my prayers.

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Keeping you and your family in my prayers. I know every case is different but when my uncle went for radiation he was able to continue daily living just fine its wasnt like when he was on chemo.

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

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Posted by spdy540

Keeping you and your family in my prayers. I know every case is different but when my uncle went for radiation he was able to continue daily living just fine its wasnt like when he was on chemo.

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Many many prayers and thoughts coming your way!!!

My grandfather and uncle both had prostrate cancer, had treatments, were ok (not 100%, but about 80%) to work and are in the clear for YEARS now!!! It's a great thing that it was caught so early! We're all here if you need to vent, yell, scream, cry or laugh!

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i'm so sorry to hear this. i don't know anything about it but sending prayers your way.

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

Thanks so much for the support and responses!

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Awww, I am sorry to hear this!

I am a Physician Assistant

I actually just read some articles on prostate CA as I know someone else who was just diagnosed
and we also did some studies on it in one of my masters classes

anyway, prostate CA is most of the time very slow growing, so slow growing that men can go years with the diagnosis and never have any symptoms or negative outcomes etc. there is actually a lot of debate on whether or not to even treat prostate CA, because it is thought that by the time prostate CA would cause major harm or death that the person would have probably died from something else- heart disease, lung disease, old age etc.

My biggest most important rec I ever give to people is to get more than one opinion and try to research the best doctor to go to, someone who deals with only or mostly prostate CA. Do not just go along with what the first doctor says, he should really explore his options.

Do you know if he is a candidate for the seed method? where they place little radioactive seeds in the prostate to help kill the CA?

i dont know if this link works but here is a good article i just read
prostate article

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Posted by LoveyDovey



My biggest most important rec I ever give to people is to get more than one opinion and try to research the best doctor to go to, someone who deals with only or mostly prostate CA. Do not just go along with what the first doctor says, he should really explore his options.

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ITA!!! FIL went to a different doctor that diagnosed the prostate cancer after MIL kept on him because something wasn't right.

A second opinion can never hurt

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My FIL went through that about two years ago. They caught it early.

No physical changes. He was fine with the radition as well just a little tired. Was his normal self the whole time. FM me if you want any further details.

I am sure all will be ok. I will keep him in my prayers.

PS I also know a woman who is her 60's going through radition now and is working. Hope that helps a little.

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I'm so sorry to hear this and your father is in my prayers.

My FIL was diagnosed in June 2011. He had surgery in August 2011 to have his prostate removed. He didn't have much control of going to the bathroom. When that started to get better he started his radiation treatments. He actually just finished radiation last Friday. He hasn't worked since before his surgery. Radiation every day didn't let him work. He had his treatments at 11:30AM so he couldn't work while doing that. He did it for like 2 months. He didn't really have any side effects from the radiation except he was a LITTLE tired and towards the end his stomach started to hurt. However, I think he was tired because my MIL NEVER let him rest and had him running all over town with her since he wasn't working.

He's fine now and I hope you and your family have an easy time with this!

Re: Prostate Cancer Help

So sorry to hear!! The only thing aside from prayer that I can offer up is my mom's experience with radiation. Hers was obviously not on her prostate, but she had it every day for months. She was a little more exhausted then usual and she had a rash. But she didn't stop working (teacher). so hopefully that helps a little??