diagnosed

My dad was just diagnosed with prostate cancer today(29March2007). He has had seven biopsies in the past four years and they just found it on the seventh. They said its in the prostate of the left testicle. I don't know his PSA levels but I know they were high. Also, they told him they wanted to do sugery to completely removed it and something about chemo and radiation. How serious is this? Is all this meaning he is in a later stage or what. I don't understand all this stuff. I am really upset about this but i can't really go ask my dad and talk to him about it. The reason I can't talk to him is because I know he is scared and he is trying act like he is okay. My dad has never been sick. He has always been strong and healthy. He has always been there for me and i don't know what to do. I feel helpless and I need to understand what is exactly going on and what everything means. I will keep everyone updated but it would be helpful if anyone can give me any incite into what everything means soo far. Any information is welcomed.

K

K hi

I am really sorry you joined this club but you will find a lot of support and information here. Of course PC is a serious disease but as my father says "if you have to have cancer it is the best one to have". If caught early the cure rate is high. about your dad now although you don't give many information (age, psa, Gleason score) and I am mot a medical expert I don’t believe he ii in a later stage and the reason I am saying that it that he was offered the surgery solution. My dad was diagnosed with advanced PC for him surgery was not an option, all the doctors we visited said that.
What to do? Explain to your dad that it is more difficult for you not to know the exact situation because your imagination runs wild. Tell him that like he was always there for you need to be there for him, that it scares you not to be there.. He does not have to go through this alone. You can be there for him. Go to the doctor with him. If he refuses tell him that it is better to have two pairs of ears when visiting the doctor in order to catch all the details and two mouths in order to ask all the questions that need to be asked.
I decided that my father's PC was my business and nothing he said at the beginning stopped me. He now feels better to know that he doesn't have to be the only strong one in this. Like your dad he was never sick and this was quite a blow for all of us, but life goes on and the important thing is to live it. You have to make him believe that he is going to win this battle and that you will be there to help him.
A very interesting site to read is www.yananow.net you will find a lot of information there. In order to understand this mess you have to inform you self about this disease because in this case knowledge is power.
Since he was so recently diagnosed he probably has to make a few more tests, like a bone scan and a CT.
Also don't forget to take care of yourself too and keep posting here because we are here for both of you!
Elena

I am not sure about another appt. He works on the railroad and he is on call 24/7. They work his appts. around his schedule. If he is home he calls and they let him come in. I will have to get my mom to get all the info for me. My family is all in PA and I live in Illinois. It is an 8 hour drive. He is 62 years old. He is trying to retire and he really needs the rest of this year. They want to do the surgery by next month. It is scary because they seem like they are rushing it. I know about all the tests. I asked my mom and she just said the PSA was high and she didnt remember the number. She says she does not know the other ones. I wish i could drop everything and go home but i cant til May. I have a 9 month old and I am preparing to move to tx no later than august(military wife, move date is still up in the air). My husband is going to be out of here by the 1st of june for va so i plan on going home then to live til his school is done there but i am considering moving home by may so i can be there. Do you know the survival rate for some one that is older and diagnosed. I am really worried bc cancer runs in my family. My grandmother, my dad's mom, has had breast cancer. She was in remission but now it is back. I never knew about her having bc til just this past year. I guess she had it when she was quite young. She beat it but now it is back. She is in her eighties. I am worried because I know her cancer isn't very agressive this time and she isn't actively fighting it. But i know there is a chance that my dad's can spread and with the family history it could or may have already. Why would they push for surgery soo soon?

Surgery is the gold standard for prostate cancer. But it isn't more critical because they recommend it. Take a second, Hosk, and get this information we are asking for. Your answers will come as soon as you post them. As for cancer in the family, I read where there is a coalation between ovarian cancer in women and prostate cancer in men for heredity, but have not with breast cancer. 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and typically at your dads age. Many more get it and die from old age and not from it. So for your dads doctor to recommend surgery, he is prescribing the best treatment he does. That may not be the best treatment for your father. get us the information so we can educate you on our personal experiences. There are alternatives that work quite well including radiation (various types) and hormone treatments. Elena and Tanya are right on the money with their advice.

A little about me, I have advanced prostate cancer and I am 44. It is scary but I believe I will be fine. I had the surgery, but not until I researched many great centers to do it. You father needs to consider what type of surgery, alternatives to surgery, and he can only do this by understanding the PC treatments available.

K, it's day one with this stupid disease. I know you are scared as I was on day one. God bless you for reaching out to help him. But now you need to educate yourself and him as well.


Tony

So glad you came here, K. You will find much support.

To educate your family & yourself - get Dr. Patrick Walsh's book "Guide To Surviving Prostate Cancer". Most bookstores have it. Many here have read this book - it's a great place to start. You can do alot of research on the internet. I realize your parents are in shock but they need to see the importance of learning what the numbers mean in their decision making process. There are many men here and wives who post for their husbands. Maybe your parents would come on board?

You are a wonderful daughter with much on her mind. A baby, an upcoming move, a husband in the military and your dear dad. Try to take a deep breath. I believe as others have pointed out that your dad is probably not in later stages of pc...so during this time encourage them to get informed. No, it's not easy but it is doable.

Make sure to stay here and keep posting...we'll be looking for you.

All the best,
Susan

Hi Hosk, sorry to have to welcome you to our club. I can only echo what everyone else is saying. Try to find out what all his numbers are. With the new laws on privacy it can be harder. I'm sure mom could have the Dr's office call you with the info if she ask. It sounds like Dad is a strong healthy guy. He may want to inprove his diet. Drop a few pounds if needed. The best thing you can do to help is to try to get educated. There is alot of info out there. Also great advice on here. I did not find this site until after my surgery. My personal opinion is that if he is healthy enough for surgery I would want it out of my body first. Then deal with any remaining cancer (if any) with radiation, chemo, or any of the other treatments. But that is just Me. He has to do what he feels is best for him.

If you are comfortable with chatting on line, several of us are regulars on the PCa (prostate cancer) chat room on here. Just click on the "chat" button at the top of the page and log in using your same info you use to post with.

Good Luck helping Dad

KW

Hi Hosk.

I was recently diagnosed with Prostate cancer (PCa) after my second biopsy. The doctors believe they caught the cancer at an early stage and because of that my chances of a complete recovery are very good. At the bottom of the email you can see what my psa and biopsy results are. I have chosen surgery as a treatment but there are several other very good treatment options available as well.

Prostate cancer caught early is very treatable and often curable. If your dad had seven biopsies over 4 years before they found the cancer there is a good chance they have caught his cancer early. Gather as much information as you can, knowledge is power over this disease and the emotional turmoil in creates. Share what you learn about your dad's condition with us and we will help you work your way through this.

Joe

Hi ~    K   *Hosk,   Dad,   Mom,    &   Loved Ones,                            A    “Special”   Warm Welcome   to   You!         We know ~ we can “all” make “Your Journey” smoother just by being here for you!   This is truly a great forum!!! ~ You have joined!  You are now part our forum family ~ a group of wonderful individuals who are so willing to share...   It helps “all of us” ~ to help you ~ if we know where you are on your path. So ~ Please stay with us and take our hand when you need it!   Keep posting.... OKAY!!     KNOWLEDGE     IS     POWER   ...   and   POWER conquers   fear   YOU MAKE THE DECISIONS… YOU HAVE OPTIONS… ~ and ~ Your decision will be the right decision for you!!!   We invite you to visit our personal thread “Our Journey” in the signature line below. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you as you continue to move forward with your decision. In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy   “God Bless You” It's a little prayer   ~   "God Bless You" ...but it means so much each day, It means may angels guard you and guide you on your   way.   (Direct Link ~ just click on the title below and a new window will open!   Reminder … click on the REFRESH icon once you get there) Helpful Hints ~ & ~ Direct Links to Important Topic Threads ~ Hope this helps you!! :)