Advanced prostate cancer

Hi hoosier,

Welcome to Caring's groups.  I'm really glad you found us!

While I've had experience with folks I know and love having prostate cancer, they've all been caught early, thankfully.  So I don't have a real life story that addresses what your family is going through.  I'm sorry your dad is having to deal with this.    I'm really hopeful, though, that someone else will post who will have something meaningful to share with you. 

I'll be thinking about you and your father.

Hello Hoosier, and welcome to Caring's groups. I can't speak from experience myself, but I'm sure someone else here will have some insight for you. We're here to listen, anytime.

My Dad waited over 5 years before he would go to the doctor but then it was too late. He was only 69. Is your father taking chemo and/or radiation? Whatever the doctors say, do it. Daddy would cancel his appointments if he didn't feel good and so the chemo didn't work. Love him, hold him, listen to every word he says, ask him to tell you the favorite stories you've heard a million times! Start him on ENSURE, Daddy liked the bottle kind best. Get him jello, pudding, stew, soups. Be careful what Hospice you choose when and if the time comes. Daddy never wanted Hospice because of a bad experience with his mother. Home Health Care workers came but not Hospice. His nephew was a minister so he had spiritual guidance through it all. I will be praying for you.

My husband, 87, has had prostate cancer for 11 yrs; he has chosen not to do anything.  He has no ill effects presently; he is in excellent health.  Find out if cryotherapy could be an answer.  It's not invasive - it's freezing of the prostate - but only if it is self contained.  My husband had cryro surgery on a tumor on his kidney a year and a half ago, and it has been successful.  ANY treatment for prostate surgery has side effects.  My brother-in-law is taking hormone shots.  Attitude and education are importantf or both the patient and caregivers.

My dad's cancer has spread from the prostate into his bones. So he is taking Casodex (not sure if correct spelling) and he also is on pain patches. His doctor said that patients who respond to the medication mentioned above live for about 18 months. He had a check-up to see if he was responding and the doctor said he was responding very well. It is reassuring to know that and hopefully he will be around longer then expected. I truly appreciate all the comments so far and look forward to more.