"Prostate Cancer" Topic

[rant]

Ok, does anyone else hate this crap as much as I do?!

A family member (vague for privacy) has recently been diagnosed with a mid-stage Prostate cancer. They don't believe it has metastasized, but on the bone-scan a small spot has been located near the spine.

At this point, the docs are still fairly optimistic. They suggest hormone therapy for the prostate, and spot-radiation treatments should the "speck" near the spine prove cancerous.

After spending most of the past 3 weeks in and out of hospitals and clinics I'm getting real tired of dealing with doctors, to whom I have a natural aversion. (I come from a family of malpractice lawyers!) They've done 2 biopsies, a bone-scan, and a full-body MRI is scheduled for this week.

I think part of what angers me is the inability to really do anything to fight it, other than moral support…

[/rant]

I worked in medicine for many years. I am convinced that if you are a male and live long enough, you will develop prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer treatments work really well . . . for a while. Trouble is, at some point the cancer becomes completely resistant to treatment and when this happens the end generally comes in two to three years. The final 6-8 months can be quite miserable.

Methadone was the best symptomatic treatment for pain associated with bone mets. Worked quite well.

Bottom line is that once the disease escapes the prostate capsule, it is only a matter of time till you die. So don't plan for tomorrow. Live for today. Go do all the things you ever wanted to do and see all the people you wanted to see.

mjc

Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. sometimes a "speck" can be dislodged like flushing a toilet repeatedly. The anti oxidents will also help. And don't forget the liberal use of garlic. Also, drink lots of V8, OJ, apple juice and especially cranberry juice. You may have to take a bathroom break every 2 hours or less, but you will flush your system out.

You will also need to get lot's of sleep, and spend at least 30 minutes a day absorbing sunlight. You must also get an extemely strenuous workout every day to the point were you are sweating frofusely, and gasping for breath. Don't overdo it though. Also, only eat meat a maximum of 4 days a week. 3 would be better, but don't go below 2. And whatever you do, STAY AWAY FROM DEEP FRIED FOODS.

My Dad had prostrate cancer, caught early on, and they treated it with the freeze procedure. That happened about 10 years ago, and there has been no reappearance to date. I wish you and your family the best of luck. Cancer s.

"I think part of what angers me is the inability to really do anything to fight it"

Dealing with any chronic life threatening condition in a relative is grim, and anger is quite a natural reaction, part of the grieving process.

Good luck and I hope it has a positive outcome.

"Bottom line is that once the disease escapes the prostate capsule, it is only a matter of time till you die."

Man, you're a regular ray of sunshine, aren't you? Don't ever get into any sort of counseling job, dude!

Good luck to you, Tsunami!

Bottom line is that once the disease escapes the prostate capsule, it is only a matter of time till you die.

That's true for all of us, every single day, no matter the state of our health.

Thanks fellas, I appreciate the comments and advice. I've been reading about dietary changes that can help, but exercise is pretty much out, as the family member is 77 years old. He's in fairly good shape, and as active as he can be, but back problems prevent higher amounts of exercise.

Again, you all have my thanks.

My grandfather had prostate cancer when he was in his 60s or early 70s. He was pretty much clean of it in the latter years of his life, dying from a stroke in his mid 80s. There is no reason to be sweating bullets right now. Be supportive, be sympathetic, be willing to help when the chemo (if that's the route he goes) makes him uncomfortable, but don't be running to meet trouble. You think he's not picking up on your stress on top of his own?

At his age, a good walk is fine for exercise.

Often, in older patients, the cancer grows so slowly that no treatment is recommended, and they can enjoy many good quality years, ultimately succumbing to something entirely unrelated.

Do as Neotacha says.

If he's 77 then he'll probably die with the cancer, not of it.

As the last two comments suggest my dad has had it now for at least 5 years and had no treatment. They told him he will almost certainly die from something else before this kills him.

Still, do the best you can and try to do the right thing with diet and exercise.

Good Luck.

My grandfather got diagnosed a few months ago, I've long wished I could be as healthy as he is when I'm in my 80's. After doing a lot of research, it seems that prostate is one of the more survivable cancers- I can't think of a type I'd rather have… if I had to pick one :(

Good luck, I wouldn't get too 'gloom and doom' about it just yet, but everyone reacts differently.

No signs of it in me yet,according to my doctor. So far,so good.

My condolences, my mother is dealing with serious colon cancer herself right now.

She's only 59, and started chemo a few weeks ago.

Best wishes to you and your family member.

-Alex

Same for you and your mom,Alex.

Cancer is never an easy thing to deal with. My grandmother had lung cancer, and I used to come home from college (at the time I was only 45min away) to drive her to Chemo. The final days were not pleasant (she indeed did not die of the cancer, but rather the lack of ability to breathe because of it). Of course the lesson to be taken from here is quit smoking (if you do), but I wish the best for your family member…

Damon.