Dad has Prostate Cancer- Metastasized to Lymph Nodes & ...

[Breezie]

Hi, I am a 22 yr old female, and my Dad has recently been diagnosed with Advanced Prostate cancer (Gleason score of 9), that has metastasized to his Lymph nodes and Bones. Dad goes in for a radical Prostatectomy on Monday, and will have the surrounding lymph nodes removed as well, following from the surgery Dad will have intense radiation targeting the cancer in the Pelvis. We have not been given much more information yet, as he was only diagnosed last week. The most frustrating part of the whole situation, is Dad had trouble with his Prostate back in Oct last year. The GP that he went to see, took bloods and gave him medication for an 'enlarged prostate' (If only this is all it was). Dad never heard back from the GP regarding the test results, and didn't think twice as the pain urinating reduced significantly. Little to our knowledge, Dad's PSA score in October was 42! Dads Urologist dug up the previous results (last week) and discovered this, and advised that it is more than likely Dad already had prostate Cancer in October due to the PSA level being so high. It is difficult to think about, as Dad's cancer may not have Metastasized to the bone, if it had of been acted on back in October. Very scared, and devastated that my Dad has to go through this. Praying that the Operation goes well on Monday, Positive thoughts

[ZOL]

Hope you dad is doing well post op. I too have a Gleason score of 9 but my diagnosis/prognosis is considerably different. Gleason; 9 Tumour T3b PSA: 4 Treatment: -6 mos androgen treatment -39 sessions of Radiation (2 grays per session.) -Tests -Resume androgen treatmen for a further 12 months -more tests Prognosis: 90% chance of a cure. I'm surprised that your dad was not referred to a urologist as soon as it was known that he had an abnormally high PSA. Even though I had a 4 PSA, the value had doubled in two years which set al;arm bells going. Next I had a repeat PSA test which confirmed the 4 reading Then I had an MRI scan which showed a "shadow" I then had a biopsy which confirmed the Tumour and the Gleason Following a panel evaluation of data it was decided to have radiation rather than surgery because in my case the prognosis was similar. My urologist advised me that each case is different depending on T rating, PSA, Gleason, age physical condition etc. I wish your father every success and tell him that it is best to stay fit, eat healthy and dont overthink the situationand trust his oncology team. Zol,

[Breezie]

Hi Zol , Thanks for your comment. I'm am sorry to hear about your experience- although it is fantastic that you chance of cure is so high. Yes we were very surprised also that dad had not been referred on to a urologist earlier -it is plain negligence, and now my poor dad is suffering. It has taken dad a while to bounce back after surgery. Unfortunately during the operation the Surgeon could see that the cancer had spread to the bladder too, so that was unexpectedly removed. We met the radiologist and he is starting Dad on hormone therapy (luprin I think) and different treatment options will be discussed later on down the track. Dad is taking part in a new scan study here in WA, so we will see what that brings. All the beat Zol and I hope things are still going well for you !