I have not told family I have Prostate Cancer.

MTC

I'll be 67 this December and was diagnosed with prostate cancer 2+ years ago. I was on active surveillance for the past two years. About 7 months ago my PSA went up to 4.8 and I received my second biopsy. It showed the cancer was growing and I was started on Lupron. I'm a fat guy and need to lose another 10 lbs before the oncologist will schedule radiation treatment. I have already lost 27 lbs. and hope to be scheduled in the next several weeks. I have not told my family and really have no intention of doing so.

I live alone (except for my dog and cat) an have been for decades. I like my privacy. I grew up understanding the only one you have to count on is yourself. I have many brothers (3)and sisters (3) and I'm closest with 2 of them. We all live our own lives and only one lives close by. I also have a daughter who's 38 years old. I taught her to be independent and not rely on others and I wouldn't have it any other way. I helped her buy her own home when she was 25. Her and her boyfriend both work in law enforcement and have busy lives. I do talk to her on average of once every few weeks.

I have had health issues in the past and still do. I have had open heart surgery and knee replacement surgery. During those times I received no help from family. One brother and his wife did bring me some groceries one time because I was unable to get out. I didn't ask they just showed up one day with them. When my knee was replace and family lived close by I chose to go into a nursing home for a couple of weeks because I knew everyone else had their own lives and I'm on my own. My daughter was living with me at the time and didn't want to bring me to get a prescription or to a doctors appointment so I had to start driving myself.

With this new heath issue I see no reason to involve them. I really don't want to take calls and explain my health issues to family members I speak to one a year or my daughter that has her own busy life. I guess someday I may tell them or they will find out but that's not anytime soon. I'm a private person that likes to do things on my own and want to keep it that way.

I'm really glad I found this forum. You have all been dealing with prostate cancer and your posts and experiences have given me lots of knowledge and hope as to available for treatments and what to expect going forward. I thank you, for that.

MTC

centralPA

Hey, sorry that you have to come off of AS. Are you using GLP one inhibitors to lose weight? I’d take this **** deal as an opportunity to force yourself into getting to fighting trim.

what was is your risk category? Favorable intermediate?

best of luck with your treatment.!

MTC

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1725229#Comment_1725229

No, I'm not taking anything for weight loss. I don't have diabetes. I really didn't start packing on the lbs until years after my heart surgery. It's been an issue a long time and I guess no time like the present to start making better choices. My last biopsy my samples were 2 benign, 3, 3+3, and 7, 3+4. I'm not exactly sure of the risk category. I also had a CT scan and there was no spread.

VascodaGama

MTC,

Welcome to the board.

You haven't share much details of your PCa issue but I would think you having a low risk case as you were set for Active Surveillance during two years.

I can see that you have chosen radiation therapy (RT) to fight the bandit. Typically, oncologists propose RT protocols adding a Hormonal component, as it provides better outcomes. However, ADT (Lupron in your case) can be nasty as it causes a series of side effects leading to cases of depression, mood swings, fatigue, etc, to which you need to be prepared.

I wonder if Lupron is behind your discussion above informing on the decision in not telling to your family that you have contracted prostate cancer.

I think that it would be good for you having someone (a family member or close friend) with whom to talk to. Just to clear your thoughts. That wouldn't affect your privacy.

In fact, your daughter needs to know that her father has/had prostate cancer to prevent her contracting /helping in breast cancer issues. These two bandits share the same genes.

I wish you the best in this journey.

VGama

MTC

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1725231#Comment_1725231

Thank you for your insight. I'm on month 5 of a 18 month treatment with Lupron. I have had several of the side effects, hot flashes, fatigue, and I'm experiencing some dizziness as well. I'm not really sure they are all related to the Lupron but it is suspicious they all arrived at the same time I started it. The fatigue has been the hardest to deal with at times but I push through it. I started this journey 2+ years ago and I decided then not to say anything so the Lupron was not in the equation. Doctors have remained very positive and so have I. I stopped at the doctors today so they can check my weight. The nurse said 6 more pounds and the doctor will schedule radiation treatments. The Doctor had asked me if I told my family and I told him no and he left it at that. I will look into what your said about breast canner issues. My family don't have any history of breast cancer or prostate cancer but here I am. I do appreciate the advice.

Thank you,

MTC

VascodaGama

@MTC

I wonder the type/modality of RT you are committed to. In any case, I would recommend you to discuss with your radiotherapist on shielding processes (SpaceOAR, etc) to avoid damage to close organs.

It helps in being cautious.

VascodaGama

https://www.primrmed.com/blog-post/a-simple-technique-to-minimize-side-effects-in-prostate-cancer-treatment-the-sabre-trial

MTC

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1725247#Comment_1725247

I'll be receiving IMRT. My urologist installed the Barrigel spacer about 4 weeks ago before sending me to the oncologist. I'm still somewhat nervous about that and told that to the doctor. He told me that will not be an issue. I also had a recent colonoscopy with great results. I'm good for 10 years. The hospital gave me a printed copy at the time so I brought it to my appointment and he made a copy. I have been concerned about the spacer the longer we wait to start treatment. Hopefully they will start scheduling after next week. I have always done things with a sense of urgency and it seems like things are moving slow. The wait bothers me.

Thank you, for the information.

MTC

Steve1961

send out the samples testing to make sure it is not . Because I am proof that radiation I don’t mean to 7 I why don’t you just have it taken out I regret to this day doing radiation first the surgery was not all from what I hear the radiation messed and I am petrified of hormone treatments. I know two people on them and they messed them were living hell for the last 56 years. That’s just my opinion. Good luck to you.

MTC

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1725252#Comment_1725252

Hello Steve1961.

Thank you for your introspective. The samples taken were tested. I chose this path with my doctors as the best choice for me. Everyone is different and may have different reactions to treatment. The side effects and treatments are the most tolerable for me right now. I believe the treatment plan I chose will put an end to my cancer. Only time will tell.

Thank you, for your comment.

MTC

Old Salt

Nothing wrong with going your own way. You have given the issue(s) considerable thought and I see nothing wrong with the decisions you have made so far.

Good luck with the radiation therapy. It will tire you out, but do keep up exercising and keeping your chin up.

MTC

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1725258#Comment_1725258

Thank you, Old Salt!