Prostate Cancer

[Bbbananas]

My beloved dad has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Now I do have more than a smattering of medical knowledge, so i know not to panic (he is 80 next week, so it's not an unexpected or unusual diagnosis) - however I am surprised he is having absolutely no treatment whatsoever other than a check-up in 6 months. I presume this is 'watchful waiting' or 'under survillance' - as we do with many a patient at our surgery with this diagnosis.

Now obviously it isn't a high grade cancer or a very advanced one, or they wouldn't feel safe to leave it with no surgery, injection or tablets - But 6 months? I've heard of patients being monitored 3-monthly, but 6 months does seem a long time for a new diagnosis. Anyone else had experience of this length of wait between tests?

[sqad617]

salla....perfectly normal management with this type of prostate cancer.

salla...remember....more men die WITH prostate cancer than BECAUSE of it.

[Bbbananas]

wow that was quick sqad - thanks - I knew I could rely on you!

I know you're absolutely right with your 2nd statement & I'm honestly not overreacting or having him at death's door (although my mother is - which I'm sure is not helping my dad right now). But, somehow it's differnet isn't it, when it's someone you love. Sense can easily fly out of the window and emotion fly in.
Thanks x

[barney1966]

I am also aware of some elderly men who have been diagnosed with low-grade / non-aggressive prostate cancer and the opinion seemed to be that old age would probably get them before the cancer did.

[Obidashi]

I think sometimes leaving it be can be best in the long run. My father has prostate cancer and has had no treatment other than they monitor it. He has had it for 9 years now - he is 81. My father in law had prostate cancer at the age of 64 and "opted" for an operation, sadly the cancer spread and he died at 65.

My own father believes that sometimes having an operation causes the cancer to spread.

So perhaps given your fathers age, it is as well for them not to rush into an operation or other radical treatment.

I wish both him, you and your family well

[sara3]

I'm sorry Sal, I wish your dad all the best xxxx

[Bbbananas]

Thanks all.
I'm not unduly worried - they obviously wouldn't leave it 6 months unless it was low-grade or advanced. It's just that it's my dad you know? My hero!
I'm sure he'll be fine. It's his 80th birthday next saturday & we're having a big family party for him - there'll be no long faces that's for sure.