Worried Sick About My Dad Aged 65 (Ireland)
The specialist said we can do radiation treatment for 3 months and you will be fine and that will give you 10 years etc, but we wont know much until he is sent for the MRI scan and I will be going up with him for support etc, I am just so worried I am 30yrs of age and moving out of home soon that is my plan but now I am thinking should I stay will he be ok should I stay here for Mams sake and help her as will this be a difficult road ahead if he does get the radiation treatment as I have read this tiredness builds up on you and even that itself will upset me so much if I have moved out of home and to come back and see him in bed all the time and feeling weak of course I dont mind once they can eradicate this and make him better and live for the next 10 20 yrs or how ever long. Each person loves their Dad and each Dad is special to people and if I was to write up how much I love him and how much he has done for me and helped me and everything I would be hear all night I just hope and pray I am just off to sleep now as I finish this it is now 3.15am that he will be al-right, I did read about BHP or something which means it could be benign or something that their is just tissue growing that can increase PSA levels as to how accurate that information is on the internet I dont know,
Please if anyone can reply, Kongo etc I have seen your posts and its people like you that can help so many people,
Please reply anyone if you can,
Gary.
Comments
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Try to gather as must information as possible from previous test
Gary
I am sorry to read about your father’s recurrence. Your family is worried but as you all have learnt from ten years ago, to have prostate cancer is not equal to a death sentence.
Recurrence is always possible to happen, however, as at the initial detection, we have weapons to fight the “bandit”, and your father will knock it down again.
You can continue with your plans because the problem will be managed for many more years. You can care for your father from your new place and you can give him affection visiting your parents and being in constant contact. Surely that decision is very private of yours and your decision is the best.
I hope Kongo and others will give you their opinion on your daddys’ case. Meanwhile you could get familiar with the meaning of “recurrence” and how the problem can be address (type of salvage treatments).
You can read on the matter here;
http://prostatecancer.about.com/od/symptomsanddiagnosis/a/recurrence.htm
http://www.health-articles-news.com/prostate-cancer-treatment-for-those-with-recurrent-prostate-cancer
http://www.hisprostatecancer.com/salvage-radiation.html
http://esciencenews.com/articles/2008/06/17/radiation.treatment.cancer.after.radical.prostatectomy.linked.with.increased.survival
MRI is a good test to judge about localized recurrence. However, your father should be recommended a bone scan to verify for probable metastasis at distant places too.
Radiation (salvage radiotherapy) is a good modality to care for recurrence but if the tests confirm metastasis, your father needs treatment to systemic cases with hormonal treatment or in a combination of both.
I would suggest your father to meet the previous doctor or get test results he have done during the ten years in remission. It is common for us survivors to have constant follow-ups on the progress of the treatment. I believe that the PSA of 4.5 has not spiked instantaneously. It may have progressed along a period of time and that information (PSADT) with other elements (Gleason pattern, etc.) will be important for decisions in the following steps of treatment.
You could try to gather as must information as possible.
Your daddy should get informed on the side effects from treatments and how to handle them. Diet and physical exercises are important elements in the care of PCa. There is a good book I recommend you to obtain as reference for similar cases. “Beating Prostate Cancer: Hormonal Therapy & Diet” by Dr. Charles “Snuffy” Myers. You can get copies (used or new) from Amazon site.
I was found with prostate cancer eleven years ago. I also had Radical Prostatectomy and later recurrence, which was tackled with salvage radiations. In 2010 I got recurrence again and now I am on hormonal therapy. In future if the treatment stops working (maybe in ten years) I plan to manage the case with a second line of hormonal treatment before I start chemo. I believe it will take twenty years before I become dependent on others for my daily life.
I hope my insight is of help to you.
Wishing your family the best.
VGama
(Algarve, Portugal)0 -
Thank you for replying...VascodaGama said:Try to gather as must information as possible from previous test
Gary
I am sorry to read about your father’s recurrence. Your family is worried but as you all have learnt from ten years ago, to have prostate cancer is not equal to a death sentence.
Recurrence is always possible to happen, however, as at the initial detection, we have weapons to fight the “bandit”, and your father will knock it down again.
You can continue with your plans because the problem will be managed for many more years. You can care for your father from your new place and you can give him affection visiting your parents and being in constant contact. Surely that decision is very private of yours and your decision is the best.
I hope Kongo and others will give you their opinion on your daddys’ case. Meanwhile you could get familiar with the meaning of “recurrence” and how the problem can be address (type of salvage treatments).
You can read on the matter here;
http://prostatecancer.about.com/od/symptomsanddiagnosis/a/recurrence.htm
http://www.health-articles-news.com/prostate-cancer-treatment-for-those-with-recurrent-prostate-cancer
http://www.hisprostatecancer.com/salvage-radiation.html
http://esciencenews.com/articles/2008/06/17/radiation.treatment.cancer.after.radical.prostatectomy.linked.with.increased.survival
MRI is a good test to judge about localized recurrence. However, your father should be recommended a bone scan to verify for probable metastasis at distant places too.
Radiation (salvage radiotherapy) is a good modality to care for recurrence but if the tests confirm metastasis, your father needs treatment to systemic cases with hormonal treatment or in a combination of both.
I would suggest your father to meet the previous doctor or get test results he have done during the ten years in remission. It is common for us survivors to have constant follow-ups on the progress of the treatment. I believe that the PSA of 4.5 has not spiked instantaneously. It may have progressed along a period of time and that information (PSADT) with other elements (Gleason pattern, etc.) will be important for decisions in the following steps of treatment.
You could try to gather as must information as possible.
Your daddy should get informed on the side effects from treatments and how to handle them. Diet and physical exercises are important elements in the care of PCa. There is a good book I recommend you to obtain as reference for similar cases. “Beating Prostate Cancer: Hormonal Therapy & Diet” by Dr. Charles “Snuffy” Myers. You can get copies (used or new) from Amazon site.
I was found with prostate cancer eleven years ago. I also had Radical Prostatectomy and later recurrence, which was tackled with salvage radiations. In 2010 I got recurrence again and now I am on hormonal therapy. In future if the treatment stops working (maybe in ten years) I plan to manage the case with a second line of hormonal treatment before I start chemo. I believe it will take twenty years before I become dependent on others for my daily life.
I hope my insight is of help to you.
Wishing your family the best.
VGama
(Algarve, Portugal)
Hi VGama,
Thank you so much for replying I will have to stay strong for Mam & Dad, Mam doesnt know what is happening and thinks the MRI scan will come back negative but I am trying to prepare her to let her know that something will show up as that is why his PSA level is 4.5,
The specialist looked at the notes and in 2004 his PSA was 2.3 or something not to sure but he said that should of been spotted immediately and something done that brings us up to 2011 and it is 4.5 but I am thinking that is a very low increase in that amount of time which in turn will give Daddy the greatest possible outcome which means another 20 years left, of course I will never be prepared for the news if the MRI or anything shows that it has spread that is what I am dreading, so I am hoping it is just around that area where he had it removed.
When the rectal exam was done on Wednesday the doctor did feel something like the other Doctor who referred him (his new Doctor)I have read up and they are feeling for nodules is it? are these basically Tumors?
In your own case VGama, was the radiation really bad did you sleep all the time as I have read or will Dad be ok he could do with resting any ways as he is under so much stress, the irony of it all is over the past 2 years he has been driving a mini bus of cancer patients for the last 2 years and he collects them and brings them for treatment this is all voluntary and there is other drivers to but little did I think he would have to go through it himself.
You have no idea how much even replying to me knowing well the fact you went through this yourself and are still going through it again I don't know your age Dad is 65 going on 66,
I said to Mam today I will be treating you both to a Sun holiday at Christmas as I hope Daddy will be finished treatment then as it will probably be 12 weeks Monday - Friday that's what the specialist said which we both will be there for him every step of the way.
Its not easy as I am trying to support Mam also as she is obviously angry and said If I had known this was going to happen 10 years later I wouldn't of let him have the operation 10 years ago to which I said to her he is lucky he did have that as now in my own mind there is a 95% chance Dad will be fully better and continue living a normal and the Doctors will now monitor him closely and he can be safe in the knowledge that he will make a full recovery.
I am thinking about the moving out its not a simple move out as myself and my partner like I have said are purchasing a house and I am just fearing the worst and all the what ifs, but Dad wants to do work for us in the house but doesn't know how I am feeling since getting this news as last week I was all excited that they knew our offer was accepted on the house now I am not excited and dont really care its a house but I hope if we do go ahead for this house it will be good for them both knowing I am always there for them its just I dont want them upset I am away as that what will happen as if Dad is asleep all the time Mam will have no one to chat to and will be worrying all the time as she is a nervous reck and always have been even before this news as she relys so much on Daddy ie for everything getting shopping etc etc,
Ill just pray and pray and pray that the MRI scan shows something tiny and something that with Radiation will be gone before we know it and his PSA drops back to normal I think thats why he would need the treatment as its a matter of getting the PSA back to normal maybe I am wrong but that's why I told Mam he will need treatment as it wont go down on its own.
I will have a look for that book for definite but having something like this and you replying means so much to me so thank you,
Best Wishes,
Gary.0 -
Your family is definetly
Your family is definetly wise in following up on your dad's situation. Sorry to read about the recurrance. Unfortuantely their are only two things that make PSA....The prostate or Prostate cancer cells. So as you know this is a reccurance with a PSA at 4.5.
The task at hand now is to find where the reccurance is.
At 65 and with either radiation or hormone therapy your dad should be able to bring the PSA down. My mother went through radation for Breast cancer at age 70 and it did tire her some but not to the extent of being bed ridden.
Be there as much as you can for your mom and dad. If you did move out of home how far would you be from them?
Please keep us posted as how he does.
Larry age 56 prostate cancer survivor0 -
Thanks Larry...lewvino said:Your family is definetly
Your family is definetly wise in following up on your dad's situation. Sorry to read about the recurrance. Unfortuantely their are only two things that make PSA....The prostate or Prostate cancer cells. So as you know this is a reccurance with a PSA at 4.5.
The task at hand now is to find where the reccurance is.
At 65 and with either radiation or hormone therapy your dad should be able to bring the PSA down. My mother went through radation for Breast cancer at age 70 and it did tire her some but not to the extent of being bed ridden.
Be there as much as you can for your mom and dad. If you did move out of home how far would you be from them?
Please keep us posted as how he does.
Larry age 56 prostate cancer survivor
Hi Larry,
So nice for you to reply,
If I move out it is into a new home and it is 45 minutes drive, Mam & Dad saw the house and they love it as we waited for a year for it as the company had trouble etc and then we had to wait and about 5 weeks ago we got the good news in getting it and we bought Mam and Dad out for a meal on Sunday last week to tell them the good news only to get this news on Wednesday which was a shock which I wasn't prepared for, so now is the decision to go ahead or not as I don't know should I continue to live here or commute as much as possible when they need me,
I hope the MRI scan can actually show it hasnt moved or spread and there is something tiny there that will be zapped with Radiation which would be my dream come true as I am 30 in August so from what was going to be a party I am now just going to have a meal instead as I don't need to celebrate anything except having my family around me and I would prefer it etc...
Thank you so much for your reply and I really hope you are on the mend to as its good to hear from other people going through the exact same thing that Daddy is going through.
Best Wishes,
Gary.0 -
Your Father
Gary,
I'm sorry to hear of your father's condition and the anxiety it has caused your family. From what you described in your posts, it would appear that your father's prostate cancer has returned after his prostatectomy several years ago. This is evidenced by his rising PSA scores and the lumps felt during his rectal exam which are likely small tumors growing in the prostate bed where small amounts of prostate tissue remained after his surgery. Prostate cancer recurrence is not unusual and for men who have surgery, about 35% see a recurrence within 10 years.
Since your father has had his prostate removed, your guess that his present condition might be BPH (benign prostate hyperplasia -- an enlarged prostate) is off the mark. As others have pointed out, the only thing that generates PSA in men is a normal healthy prostate, inflamed prostate cells, or prostate cancer. It is unlikely that the small amount of prostate tissue usually left behind after surgery is the cause of the PSA readings your father is seeing now and the scores would certainly not be rising from benign cells remaining in the prostate bed area.
On the positive side, the PSA scores you describe indicate a very slow growing cancer which is much less of a threat than what many men experience who see a very rapid rise in their PSA scores when the cancer recurs. A MRI exam will help the doctors judge the extent of the cancer today and enable them to develop a treatment plan best suited for your father's condition.
In the United States the usual treatment for recurring prostate cancer is radiation to the prostate bed and hormone therapy. Sometimes these treatments are used in conjunction with each other. Hormone therapy blocks the production of testosterone in the male body, most of which is produced in the testes. Prostate cancer needs testosterone to grow so the theory is that halting the cancer growth while radiating the cancerous cells to damage their DNA to prevent cancer cell mitosis (mitosis is when the cells divide)is an effective treatment.
Although I have spent much enjoyable time exploring your beautiful country I don't know anything about the Irish health care system or what standard treatments for your father may involve. I know you are doing research on options and I encourage you to continue this course.
Your local doctors should have picked up on the rising PSA score back in 2004 and addressed it then. The fact that they didn't may mean that your family doctor is not well trained in prostate cancer treatment. This is all the more reason for you and your father to educate yourself thoroughly on prostate cancer and understand what the medical tests mean and what the treatments involve, including of course, likely side effects. Regardless of the whether or not your doctors are expert about prostate cancer or your local health facilities are as modern and fully equipped as the hospital in Dublin, your father's health is his responsibility and the choices he must make are his alone. Only an educated patient can get the best possible outcomes. From what you describe, you have made a good start in this direction and I hope your father is fully involved as well and not hanging the burden of this entirely on you, which can be an enormous load for an adult child to bear.
Regarding radiation and hormone treatments. Most radiation today to treat recurring prostate cancer than is confined to the bed of the prostate consists of about 45 sessions where a small fraction of the total radiation is delivered each day. This system of delivery is highly accurate and minimizes radiation to surrounding organs and tissue. Each man reacts to radiation treatment in different ways and the general health of the patient to begin with is an important factor. In my own case, I never experienced any fatigue but I had radiation from a different system delivered in five sessions although the total dosage was higher. Some men to experience mild fatigue toward the end of their course of treatment and most of the men I know who have undergone this simply take a nap in the afternoon (not a bad thing at all) and the condition usually passes within a few weeks to a month. Some men also experience some urinary discomfort or a sense of urgency or needing to urinate more frequently. This too passes within a few weeks and can be treated with drugs such as Flomax or in mild cases, Advil. Hormone treatment, depending on the drug used, can have several types of side effects including swelling at the point of injection, hot flashes, breast enlargement, and loss of sexual desire or libido. Some men experience little if any side effects from hormone treatment. If your father's doctors suggest HT, make sure you and your father fully understand the potential side effects of the particular drug proposed.
It's important not to panic and there is really no need to over worry excessivly about this now. Even in men with recurring prostate cancer, life expectancies exceed 10 years even without treatment. Overwhelmingly, men with prostate cancer die from heart disease (unrelated to cancer) not the cancer and from the conditions you describe in your father, he is most likely looking to many, many more satisfying years.
Hope this helps, Gary. Best of luck to you and your family.
K0 -
Kongo thank you so much....Kongo said:Your Father
Gary,
I'm sorry to hear of your father's condition and the anxiety it has caused your family. From what you described in your posts, it would appear that your father's prostate cancer has returned after his prostatectomy several years ago. This is evidenced by his rising PSA scores and the lumps felt during his rectal exam which are likely small tumors growing in the prostate bed where small amounts of prostate tissue remained after his surgery. Prostate cancer recurrence is not unusual and for men who have surgery, about 35% see a recurrence within 10 years.
Since your father has had his prostate removed, your guess that his present condition might be BPH (benign prostate hyperplasia -- an enlarged prostate) is off the mark. As others have pointed out, the only thing that generates PSA in men is a normal healthy prostate, inflamed prostate cells, or prostate cancer. It is unlikely that the small amount of prostate tissue usually left behind after surgery is the cause of the PSA readings your father is seeing now and the scores would certainly not be rising from benign cells remaining in the prostate bed area.
On the positive side, the PSA scores you describe indicate a very slow growing cancer which is much less of a threat than what many men experience who see a very rapid rise in their PSA scores when the cancer recurs. A MRI exam will help the doctors judge the extent of the cancer today and enable them to develop a treatment plan best suited for your father's condition.
In the United States the usual treatment for recurring prostate cancer is radiation to the prostate bed and hormone therapy. Sometimes these treatments are used in conjunction with each other. Hormone therapy blocks the production of testosterone in the male body, most of which is produced in the testes. Prostate cancer needs testosterone to grow so the theory is that halting the cancer growth while radiating the cancerous cells to damage their DNA to prevent cancer cell mitosis (mitosis is when the cells divide)is an effective treatment.
Although I have spent much enjoyable time exploring your beautiful country I don't know anything about the Irish health care system or what standard treatments for your father may involve. I know you are doing research on options and I encourage you to continue this course.
Your local doctors should have picked up on the rising PSA score back in 2004 and addressed it then. The fact that they didn't may mean that your family doctor is not well trained in prostate cancer treatment. This is all the more reason for you and your father to educate yourself thoroughly on prostate cancer and understand what the medical tests mean and what the treatments involve, including of course, likely side effects. Regardless of the whether or not your doctors are expert about prostate cancer or your local health facilities are as modern and fully equipped as the hospital in Dublin, your father's health is his responsibility and the choices he must make are his alone. Only an educated patient can get the best possible outcomes. From what you describe, you have made a good start in this direction and I hope your father is fully involved as well and not hanging the burden of this entirely on you, which can be an enormous load for an adult child to bear.
Regarding radiation and hormone treatments. Most radiation today to treat recurring prostate cancer than is confined to the bed of the prostate consists of about 45 sessions where a small fraction of the total radiation is delivered each day. This system of delivery is highly accurate and minimizes radiation to surrounding organs and tissue. Each man reacts to radiation treatment in different ways and the general health of the patient to begin with is an important factor. In my own case, I never experienced any fatigue but I had radiation from a different system delivered in five sessions although the total dosage was higher. Some men to experience mild fatigue toward the end of their course of treatment and most of the men I know who have undergone this simply take a nap in the afternoon (not a bad thing at all) and the condition usually passes within a few weeks to a month. Some men also experience some urinary discomfort or a sense of urgency or needing to urinate more frequently. This too passes within a few weeks and can be treated with drugs such as Flomax or in mild cases, Advil. Hormone treatment, depending on the drug used, can have several types of side effects including swelling at the point of injection, hot flashes, breast enlargement, and loss of sexual desire or libido. Some men experience little if any side effects from hormone treatment. If your father's doctors suggest HT, make sure you and your father fully understand the potential side effects of the particular drug proposed.
It's important not to panic and there is really no need to over worry excessivly about this now. Even in men with recurring prostate cancer, life expectancies exceed 10 years even without treatment. Overwhelmingly, men with prostate cancer die from heart disease (unrelated to cancer) not the cancer and from the conditions you describe in your father, he is most likely looking to many, many more satisfying years.
Hope this helps, Gary. Best of luck to you and your family.
K
Kongo,
Thank you so much for replying he is very frustrated that it wasnt picked up in 2004 its the other surgeon up in Dublin and his new Doctor had said it to him and he should of had the treatment in 2004 etc...
I am keeping Dad informed I have just asked him and the Prosectomy was done in November 2001, so I think he is doing well and I hope the chance like you said of survival is 100%.
I told him about the hormone treatment also and he said no he will refuse to do that as does not want to grow breasts etc but depending on the MRI scan it might be very small what ever is inside him that he might only need a small bit of hormone treatment again I dont know.
Can you explain how it works once something is found in the MRI scan. Dad is worried it has spread to other organs and thats whats making him anxious and me as when that is the case the dangers are more greater so in my own heart I am praying it is just around where he had the operation in 2001 then I will be happy. Thank you for clearing up about it being benign I was unsure etc.
But once something is found they will tell Daddy where it is and then mark him and explain he will get radiation is that correct?
Will they take another PSA test before starting treatment and will they give him the full treatment ie 12 weeks and how soon after that will they test his PSA. Does that kill all the cells that are cancerous and then it begins again ie in another 5 or 6 years the tissues reactivate and it starts again and then you look at treatment again or once the radiation zaps it is it going to be under 1 then his PSA level etc?
I went to my own Doctor that same day as we were home early from Dublin which is state of the art the facilities up there but if he is getting radiation he will be getting it done in Waterford which is where myself and my partners new house is, but he will get a bus up and down each day as that is the bus he used to volunteer for also and help out the patients so if anything he knows exactly what needs to be done but he has told me today,
dont stay here and worry yourself and not move into your new house I will be looking forward to seeing you and it will be good for me an Mam to go down and see you and you come up etc dont think you have to wait until I am finished treatment I will be grand (although I can tell he is a nervous reck as would anyone and I am sure everyone who has replied to me who has had it including you Kongo were nervous) but its making me feel better talking to you all knowing well that your all still alive and doing well, its like something you have to live with but once it is treated you just keep an eye on it,
His own Dad had it but died at 78 so of course when I am 40 I am now going on 30 I will be getting tested for it of course I will get tested sooner if anyone on here recommends me to do so but he didn't die from prostate I think he died from lung or heart trouble I am unsure but lived until 78.
So after posting on here I will keep you all updated he will hopefully get the letter from the hospital in Dublin on Monday I dont know how soon they will send him for the MRI scan if they saw him on Wednesday just gone I am hoping it is very soon so he can start treatment etc and then get rid of the cancer for good.
Kongo I really appreciate as do I with anyone who posts on here to me as no matter what age you are I am a child still to them an adult one but one that always is close to my Parents and not only are we dealing with this but his other son (my brother) knows nothing about Dads ilness as he is not diagnosed yet but suffers from Bi-Polar or something like it as there are text messages that come to Dads phone that call him a "sick B*****rd" "wasteful dad" "dont text or call me again or I will call the police" "your nothing but scum" all messages like this so between that and this it is difficult but he has said he doesnt want to hear from Mam or Dad and he will let them know when hes dead (ie my brother said when he himself dies he will let them know) its things like that have made us realise he is unwell and is treating his own condition as he does not know what he is suffering from as he thinks everyone is against him its hurtful on Dad and Mam.
So we are staying well out of his life now and all I want is to have Dad well for Christmas and the Doctors to give him the good news that all the cells have been destroyed and we will be watching you every 6 months now but you can enjoy your life and retirement as we have caught it in time.
Thats my Birthday wish (13th August I will be 30) and also my Christmas Wish,
Thank you everyone,
Gary.0 -
Radiotherapy was simple and not scary at allIrish-Psychic said:Kongo thank you so much....
Kongo,
Thank you so much for replying he is very frustrated that it wasnt picked up in 2004 its the other surgeon up in Dublin and his new Doctor had said it to him and he should of had the treatment in 2004 etc...
I am keeping Dad informed I have just asked him and the Prosectomy was done in November 2001, so I think he is doing well and I hope the chance like you said of survival is 100%.
I told him about the hormone treatment also and he said no he will refuse to do that as does not want to grow breasts etc but depending on the MRI scan it might be very small what ever is inside him that he might only need a small bit of hormone treatment again I dont know.
Can you explain how it works once something is found in the MRI scan. Dad is worried it has spread to other organs and thats whats making him anxious and me as when that is the case the dangers are more greater so in my own heart I am praying it is just around where he had the operation in 2001 then I will be happy. Thank you for clearing up about it being benign I was unsure etc.
But once something is found they will tell Daddy where it is and then mark him and explain he will get radiation is that correct?
Will they take another PSA test before starting treatment and will they give him the full treatment ie 12 weeks and how soon after that will they test his PSA. Does that kill all the cells that are cancerous and then it begins again ie in another 5 or 6 years the tissues reactivate and it starts again and then you look at treatment again or once the radiation zaps it is it going to be under 1 then his PSA level etc?
I went to my own Doctor that same day as we were home early from Dublin which is state of the art the facilities up there but if he is getting radiation he will be getting it done in Waterford which is where myself and my partners new house is, but he will get a bus up and down each day as that is the bus he used to volunteer for also and help out the patients so if anything he knows exactly what needs to be done but he has told me today,
dont stay here and worry yourself and not move into your new house I will be looking forward to seeing you and it will be good for me an Mam to go down and see you and you come up etc dont think you have to wait until I am finished treatment I will be grand (although I can tell he is a nervous reck as would anyone and I am sure everyone who has replied to me who has had it including you Kongo were nervous) but its making me feel better talking to you all knowing well that your all still alive and doing well, its like something you have to live with but once it is treated you just keep an eye on it,
His own Dad had it but died at 78 so of course when I am 40 I am now going on 30 I will be getting tested for it of course I will get tested sooner if anyone on here recommends me to do so but he didn't die from prostate I think he died from lung or heart trouble I am unsure but lived until 78.
So after posting on here I will keep you all updated he will hopefully get the letter from the hospital in Dublin on Monday I dont know how soon they will send him for the MRI scan if they saw him on Wednesday just gone I am hoping it is very soon so he can start treatment etc and then get rid of the cancer for good.
Kongo I really appreciate as do I with anyone who posts on here to me as no matter what age you are I am a child still to them an adult one but one that always is close to my Parents and not only are we dealing with this but his other son (my brother) knows nothing about Dads ilness as he is not diagnosed yet but suffers from Bi-Polar or something like it as there are text messages that come to Dads phone that call him a "sick B*****rd" "wasteful dad" "dont text or call me again or I will call the police" "your nothing but scum" all messages like this so between that and this it is difficult but he has said he doesnt want to hear from Mam or Dad and he will let them know when hes dead (ie my brother said when he himself dies he will let them know) its things like that have made us realise he is unwell and is treating his own condition as he does not know what he is suffering from as he thinks everyone is against him its hurtful on Dad and Mam.
So we are staying well out of his life now and all I want is to have Dad well for Christmas and the Doctors to give him the good news that all the cells have been destroyed and we will be watching you every 6 months now but you can enjoy your life and retirement as we have caught it in time.
Thats my Birthday wish (13th August I will be 30) and also my Christmas Wish,
Thank you everyone,
Gary.
Gary
Thanks for the beautiful words.
I sense that you know that you are not alone in this difficult moment in your life. Many here will help you to understand the causes of the problem and many will guide you with their experiences. Just be positive.
I am 61 years old, retired and I am enjoying my “free” time under the sunshine of the Algarve. On weekends I enjoy golf with my best buddy Liam, an Irish citizen, and during the week I do some gardening, walk my dog “Fellow” (7Km) and do some oil painting. Wine is good and life is supper, and my treatment is working as demonstrated by the PSA now at 0.05 level.
I have been a lucky survivor of prostate cancer with mild side effects, even after enduring two failed treatments. Radical prostatectomy gave me ED (sex never returned to normalcy level but it still exists) and salvage radiotherapy gave me only the symptom of partial loss in rectum sensation when passing stool. Though, I never had incontinence problems (urine or stool).
The radiotherapy was simple and not scary at all. The treatment was done in a modern IMRT facility in 37 fractions, every day except Sundays (Total dosage of 68Gys). The daily sections become a kind of a routine. One hour in advance I would drink lots of water to fill the bladder (it helps in minimizing the side effects), and then I would drive to the clinic (50km far from my house). There, I would dress a light gown and lay face up on the machine’s stretcher while the beam head would move around me stopping here and there to deliver the rays. All actions and movements were controlled by the staff in their computer screens live, in a separate room. Each section would take approximately 15 to 20 minutes (2 to 4 minutes under radiation). I never felt fatigue (played golf on weekends) or nausea or anything that impaired my daily routine. I had a sensation of burning pain on my fifths’ week of treatment when urinating and the stool became much liquefied with traces of blood (proctitis), although no skin burning marks. These side effects were treated with separate medicines in two months post treatment, and they never come back.
Your daddy will do well too. His cancer does not seem to be aggressive because the doubling time PSADT is very long (over 70 months). The MRI may be negative for any metastases but I hope the doctors can locate the tumour and radiate it for good. There are established protocols to follow in cases similar to your fathers’ even if no spots are shown in the image studies. Expect the best and that will happen with or without spots.
Surely the doctors will check on the advance of the cancer through PSA tests. They usually take one before starting the treatment and then every three months post treatment.
Remember that the success of the treatment depend very must on the quality of the equipment delivering the radiation and of the radiologist experience. Try to investigate about the facilities where your father could get the treatment and check for the equipment specifications (Model, Years in use, Software, etc.) as well as about the curriculum of the doctors and their team.
Give a hug to your mother. She is feeling hopelessness for the problem affecting your father. Cancer chooses no boundaries. We are all affected but we should learn how to continue a normal life living with the culprit.
Your father may be saddened if he finds out that you gave up with your “dream” plan of acquiring a house, because of his cancer. I think you will find an answer in discussions on the matter with your mother. She is the best to help you in that decision.
I wish you find that peace of mind.
The best to your family.
VGama0 -
Next StepsIrish-Psychic said:Kongo thank you so much....
Kongo,
Thank you so much for replying he is very frustrated that it wasnt picked up in 2004 its the other surgeon up in Dublin and his new Doctor had said it to him and he should of had the treatment in 2004 etc...
I am keeping Dad informed I have just asked him and the Prosectomy was done in November 2001, so I think he is doing well and I hope the chance like you said of survival is 100%.
I told him about the hormone treatment also and he said no he will refuse to do that as does not want to grow breasts etc but depending on the MRI scan it might be very small what ever is inside him that he might only need a small bit of hormone treatment again I dont know.
Can you explain how it works once something is found in the MRI scan. Dad is worried it has spread to other organs and thats whats making him anxious and me as when that is the case the dangers are more greater so in my own heart I am praying it is just around where he had the operation in 2001 then I will be happy. Thank you for clearing up about it being benign I was unsure etc.
But once something is found they will tell Daddy where it is and then mark him and explain he will get radiation is that correct?
Will they take another PSA test before starting treatment and will they give him the full treatment ie 12 weeks and how soon after that will they test his PSA. Does that kill all the cells that are cancerous and then it begins again ie in another 5 or 6 years the tissues reactivate and it starts again and then you look at treatment again or once the radiation zaps it is it going to be under 1 then his PSA level etc?
I went to my own Doctor that same day as we were home early from Dublin which is state of the art the facilities up there but if he is getting radiation he will be getting it done in Waterford which is where myself and my partners new house is, but he will get a bus up and down each day as that is the bus he used to volunteer for also and help out the patients so if anything he knows exactly what needs to be done but he has told me today,
dont stay here and worry yourself and not move into your new house I will be looking forward to seeing you and it will be good for me an Mam to go down and see you and you come up etc dont think you have to wait until I am finished treatment I will be grand (although I can tell he is a nervous reck as would anyone and I am sure everyone who has replied to me who has had it including you Kongo were nervous) but its making me feel better talking to you all knowing well that your all still alive and doing well, its like something you have to live with but once it is treated you just keep an eye on it,
His own Dad had it but died at 78 so of course when I am 40 I am now going on 30 I will be getting tested for it of course I will get tested sooner if anyone on here recommends me to do so but he didn't die from prostate I think he died from lung or heart trouble I am unsure but lived until 78.
So after posting on here I will keep you all updated he will hopefully get the letter from the hospital in Dublin on Monday I dont know how soon they will send him for the MRI scan if they saw him on Wednesday just gone I am hoping it is very soon so he can start treatment etc and then get rid of the cancer for good.
Kongo I really appreciate as do I with anyone who posts on here to me as no matter what age you are I am a child still to them an adult one but one that always is close to my Parents and not only are we dealing with this but his other son (my brother) knows nothing about Dads ilness as he is not diagnosed yet but suffers from Bi-Polar or something like it as there are text messages that come to Dads phone that call him a "sick B*****rd" "wasteful dad" "dont text or call me again or I will call the police" "your nothing but scum" all messages like this so between that and this it is difficult but he has said he doesnt want to hear from Mam or Dad and he will let them know when hes dead (ie my brother said when he himself dies he will let them know) its things like that have made us realise he is unwell and is treating his own condition as he does not know what he is suffering from as he thinks everyone is against him its hurtful on Dad and Mam.
So we are staying well out of his life now and all I want is to have Dad well for Christmas and the Doctors to give him the good news that all the cells have been destroyed and we will be watching you every 6 months now but you can enjoy your life and retirement as we have caught it in time.
Thats my Birthday wish (13th August I will be 30) and also my Christmas Wish,
Thank you everyone,
Gary.
Gary,
I would suggest that your father keep an open mind about hormone treatment. While HT alone won't cure cancer, when it is used in conjunction with radiation treatment it has been shown to be more effective in most cases than radiation alone. The percentage of men who "grow breasts" or have other ill effects is very, very small and you should listen carefully to what the medical teams explain to you about its potential benefits as well as possible side effects. At this point, I don't believe it is prudent to make decisions on preconceived notions that have no basis in fact. Education is the key here, not myths and folklore.
The MRI will help to pinpoint the area of where new tumors are growing. Keep in mind that prostate cancer, like many other types of cancer, is inherently metastatic. This means that it almost always tends to spread and it does this by cancer cells traveling through the blood stream and lymph system in the body. Fortunately for us, most of these cells are attacked and destroyed by the body's immune system and never pose a problem. Those that do tend to take root in other organs (liver, lung, and bones are favorite places for prostate cancer) tend to grow very slowly (the histology of prostate cancer is greater than 50 years) so those of us who have it eventually end up passing on from some other malady.
What the MRI will most likely be able to pinpoint is where most of the cancerous prostate cancer cells are clustered near where the prostate used to be. This information enables the doctors to develop a radiation plan to target these areas so that the cancer cells can be destroyed. Radiaton does not kill cancer cells immediately. The radiation damages the DNA in the cell making continued growth of the cancer cell through division impossible. Since cancer cells live for a long time (about 18 months on average) it takes some time for the radiation to have effect and sometimes it takes a couple of generations of cancer cells to pass by before the effect is fully felt.
Radiation to the cancer tumors detected by the MRI is no guarantee that eventually microscopic cells undetected by the MRI in different areas of the body won't grow and start a PSA rise all over again. There is always a possibility that some other cancer might develop that is unrelated to prostate cancer but life is uncertain at best.
The doctors should take a PSA test just before the treatment to establish a baseline. Typically they wait six to eight weeks following treatment to begin PSA testing again. After radiation the PSA levels gradually drop to some low level and remain there. Typcally this number is less than 0.1 ng/ml for a man who has had his prostate removed. It might take a year or so to reach this level for the reasons described above.
Many of us who have had prostate cancer cast a critical eye at our diet and in particular, our dairy intake. Many studies have shown that dairy products contain chemical compounds that accelerate cancer growth. In my own case, I eliminated dairy completely shortly after my diagnosis and my PSA dropped from 4.2 to 2.3 in six weeks. Meat products, particularly beef raised and slaughtered in large feed lots such as they have in the United States, also contain growth hormones that promote cancer growth. Most doctors are not trained on the impact of diet and nutrition on cancer so I would encourage you to do your own research on this. In particular, I would recommend you and your father read a book by Professor Jane Plant titled: Prostate Cancer--Understand, Prevent, Overcome. Professor Plant lives in London so I would think you could find it in Ireland easily or you could order it online. This book takes a very thorough look at the impact of dairy products on prostate cancer and is something you and your father should pay attention to. It makes no sense at all to me to treat your cancer and then continue a diet that can cause it to start up again. Something to think about.
I know your part of Ireland well. My son spent a year at UCC Cork during a study abroad program and of course I've been to the crystal factory in Waterford as well as the Jameson distillery nearby. I liked the distillery much more than the crystal factory.
Best,
K0 -
Kongo & V Gama...Kongo said:Next Steps
Gary,
I would suggest that your father keep an open mind about hormone treatment. While HT alone won't cure cancer, when it is used in conjunction with radiation treatment it has been shown to be more effective in most cases than radiation alone. The percentage of men who "grow breasts" or have other ill effects is very, very small and you should listen carefully to what the medical teams explain to you about its potential benefits as well as possible side effects. At this point, I don't believe it is prudent to make decisions on preconceived notions that have no basis in fact. Education is the key here, not myths and folklore.
The MRI will help to pinpoint the area of where new tumors are growing. Keep in mind that prostate cancer, like many other types of cancer, is inherently metastatic. This means that it almost always tends to spread and it does this by cancer cells traveling through the blood stream and lymph system in the body. Fortunately for us, most of these cells are attacked and destroyed by the body's immune system and never pose a problem. Those that do tend to take root in other organs (liver, lung, and bones are favorite places for prostate cancer) tend to grow very slowly (the histology of prostate cancer is greater than 50 years) so those of us who have it eventually end up passing on from some other malady.
What the MRI will most likely be able to pinpoint is where most of the cancerous prostate cancer cells are clustered near where the prostate used to be. This information enables the doctors to develop a radiation plan to target these areas so that the cancer cells can be destroyed. Radiaton does not kill cancer cells immediately. The radiation damages the DNA in the cell making continued growth of the cancer cell through division impossible. Since cancer cells live for a long time (about 18 months on average) it takes some time for the radiation to have effect and sometimes it takes a couple of generations of cancer cells to pass by before the effect is fully felt.
Radiation to the cancer tumors detected by the MRI is no guarantee that eventually microscopic cells undetected by the MRI in different areas of the body won't grow and start a PSA rise all over again. There is always a possibility that some other cancer might develop that is unrelated to prostate cancer but life is uncertain at best.
The doctors should take a PSA test just before the treatment to establish a baseline. Typically they wait six to eight weeks following treatment to begin PSA testing again. After radiation the PSA levels gradually drop to some low level and remain there. Typcally this number is less than 0.1 ng/ml for a man who has had his prostate removed. It might take a year or so to reach this level for the reasons described above.
Many of us who have had prostate cancer cast a critical eye at our diet and in particular, our dairy intake. Many studies have shown that dairy products contain chemical compounds that accelerate cancer growth. In my own case, I eliminated dairy completely shortly after my diagnosis and my PSA dropped from 4.2 to 2.3 in six weeks. Meat products, particularly beef raised and slaughtered in large feed lots such as they have in the United States, also contain growth hormones that promote cancer growth. Most doctors are not trained on the impact of diet and nutrition on cancer so I would encourage you to do your own research on this. In particular, I would recommend you and your father read a book by Professor Jane Plant titled: Prostate Cancer--Understand, Prevent, Overcome. Professor Plant lives in London so I would think you could find it in Ireland easily or you could order it online. This book takes a very thorough look at the impact of dairy products on prostate cancer and is something you and your father should pay attention to. It makes no sense at all to me to treat your cancer and then continue a diet that can cause it to start up again. Something to think about.
I know your part of Ireland well. My son spent a year at UCC Cork during a study abroad program and of course I've been to the crystal factory in Waterford as well as the Jameson distillery nearby. I liked the distillery much more than the crystal factory.
Best,
K
I have just talked to my Dad and as much as I hate talking about it I need to let him know he will be fine and he is the type of person that always remains positive and is always the life and soul of any party so I am sure he will be soon again once treatment finishes.
I have just mentioned the Dairy thing to him and 10 years ago when he asked the surgeon and speciliast he said drink a glass of red wine each day (he hasnt) and he said nothing else about how to lower your PSA etc so from what you have said you have been there done that and Mam is on my side and is thinking more positive with regards the Dairy and will follow it.
I have bought Pomegranate Juice it has 48% and then you dilute it in water if anyone knows another one to get please do let me know, But regards the Dairy and stopping everything please advise...
He drinks Tea with milk is this ok?
Do you cut out a glass of milk with your dinner?
Do you cut out all red meats so no steak, no beef, no lamb chops or roast lamb etc?
Do you cut out all eggs so no boiled eggs, no egg mayonnaises, no scrambled eggs etc
Change to Chicken - Fish - Pork etc...
Advice on what he should be doing now and if that will help lower his PSA etc and help him improve faster like you said Kongo no point in doing treatment if things like dairy can effect you this way...
I have also mentioned again about the Hormone treatment all he is worried about is growing boobs etc, My Dad would not be as slim as the average man he is carrying extra weight so I hope that wont have any negative effect on him but I doubt it will.
Side effects for hormone treatment as well as Radiation I dont actually know except it lowers the Testostrone in the man but Dad thinks you would be on it for life? I said I dont think you would be I think you just take a tablet once a day while on the Radiation Treatment to help with the Radiation again I dont think they mentioned this to him yet but if they do suggest it is the best approach Id rather trust them and trust you on here who have said this,
I will move and make Dad & Mam proud in the new house and it will be good for them both to travel down to me as I will be in the same area if he chooses to get treated there and I will make sure to look after him completely along with Mam and will remain strong, I did cry on Wednesday without my Dad seeing and again Thursday and then Today it just is coming on me in waves but since I have come home from town and read your posts its actually making me feel well this is what we have to do, this will give you the best outcome, all these people Dad who have replied (he cant use a pc or laptop) have gone through exactly the same thing as what you will be going through and you will be fine and Im sure your own families were just as worried about you as I am for my Dad but I really am thankful to of even found this site it seriously has put my mind at so much ease I cannot thank you all enough...
I am just so delighted that you are on here posting for other people who are going through the exact same thing and I am presuming you are all the same age as my Dad 65 (66 in November) or around the same area,
If you can let me know the Dairy things to stop I will be letting him know immediately,
Thank you all so much,
Gary.0 -
Gary,As you can tell youIrish-Psychic said:Kongo & V Gama...
I have just talked to my Dad and as much as I hate talking about it I need to let him know he will be fine and he is the type of person that always remains positive and is always the life and soul of any party so I am sure he will be soon again once treatment finishes.
I have just mentioned the Dairy thing to him and 10 years ago when he asked the surgeon and speciliast he said drink a glass of red wine each day (he hasnt) and he said nothing else about how to lower your PSA etc so from what you have said you have been there done that and Mam is on my side and is thinking more positive with regards the Dairy and will follow it.
I have bought Pomegranate Juice it has 48% and then you dilute it in water if anyone knows another one to get please do let me know, But regards the Dairy and stopping everything please advise...
He drinks Tea with milk is this ok?
Do you cut out a glass of milk with your dinner?
Do you cut out all red meats so no steak, no beef, no lamb chops or roast lamb etc?
Do you cut out all eggs so no boiled eggs, no egg mayonnaises, no scrambled eggs etc
Change to Chicken - Fish - Pork etc...
Advice on what he should be doing now and if that will help lower his PSA etc and help him improve faster like you said Kongo no point in doing treatment if things like dairy can effect you this way...
I have also mentioned again about the Hormone treatment all he is worried about is growing boobs etc, My Dad would not be as slim as the average man he is carrying extra weight so I hope that wont have any negative effect on him but I doubt it will.
Side effects for hormone treatment as well as Radiation I dont actually know except it lowers the Testostrone in the man but Dad thinks you would be on it for life? I said I dont think you would be I think you just take a tablet once a day while on the Radiation Treatment to help with the Radiation again I dont think they mentioned this to him yet but if they do suggest it is the best approach Id rather trust them and trust you on here who have said this,
I will move and make Dad & Mam proud in the new house and it will be good for them both to travel down to me as I will be in the same area if he chooses to get treated there and I will make sure to look after him completely along with Mam and will remain strong, I did cry on Wednesday without my Dad seeing and again Thursday and then Today it just is coming on me in waves but since I have come home from town and read your posts its actually making me feel well this is what we have to do, this will give you the best outcome, all these people Dad who have replied (he cant use a pc or laptop) have gone through exactly the same thing as what you will be going through and you will be fine and Im sure your own families were just as worried about you as I am for my Dad but I really am thankful to of even found this site it seriously has put my mind at so much ease I cannot thank you all enough...
I am just so delighted that you are on here posting for other people who are going through the exact same thing and I am presuming you are all the same age as my Dad 65 (66 in November) or around the same area,
If you can let me know the Dairy things to stop I will be letting him know immediately,
Thank you all so much,
Gary.
Gary,
As you can tell you have found a great sight here with all of our support from those that have been down this path before. There are even woman on the forum who's husbands/boyfriends or other family members have had prostate cancer. They can lend support to your mother if she needs to talk also.
Your fears and crying are normal so don't worry about that at all. I think you moving will actually be good. With you in a location not to far away they can look forward to you visiting them and their visits to you!
For diet changes each person has different opinions if they will do any good or not. Myself when I found out about my prostate cancer I immediately eliminated all RED MEAT. I've gone over 2 years now with out red meat. I eat only Chicken and seafood. Some lamb on occasion - perhaps two or three times per year. I had not used eggs or milk for a very long time. I will eat cheese on occasion. The only eggs or milk I have are if the recipe calls for them in something that I eat.
I've started eating more soy products such as tofu. I'm using several different capsules of items as follows: Pomegranite capsules (This is less expensive then drinking the juice),
Acai Berry Capsules, Green Tea (decaffinated) in a capsule, Green barley in capsules. This can all be purchased on line or in a health food store in a larger city.
Is any of this doing any good? I don't know for a fact but I can tell you that pre-surgery I was a gleason grade 7 with a PSA of 5.4. In august 2011 I will be 24 months post treatment. After my surgery the doctor told me that I had a 'positive margin' THis means that cancer cells were found to the very edge of the specimens removed at surgery. Is some cancer still lingering in me? I don't know but so far my PSA Levels have been 0.
By having my PSA checked frequently If I get a rise I will know immediately and then can start a followup treatment plan such as Radiation.
If possible perhaps you could ask your father or look for his medical records from 10 years ago to determine the extent of the cancer back then. They should have given him a PSA level before surgery and what is called a gleason Score. Usually made up of two numbers such as 3+3 (Gleason 6) Or 4+3 (Gleason 7) etc. The higher the number the more aggressive the cancer was as his original diagnosis.
As pointed out though it does appear his reccurance is a slow doubling which is good.
Did you know that Monday June 6 is Cancer survivor day here in the United States? Perhaps around the world. You will have many more years ahead with your father. My own dad was diagnosed with Prostate cancer in 1997 and is doing fine and as mentioned earlier my mother with breast cancer and my favorite aunt with Cancer in her lymph system. That's 4 of us that are Cancer survivors with many, many more around the world!
Have a good weekend!
Larry age 560 -
Thank you so much Larry...lewvino said:Gary,As you can tell you
Gary,
As you can tell you have found a great sight here with all of our support from those that have been down this path before. There are even woman on the forum who's husbands/boyfriends or other family members have had prostate cancer. They can lend support to your mother if she needs to talk also.
Your fears and crying are normal so don't worry about that at all. I think you moving will actually be good. With you in a location not to far away they can look forward to you visiting them and their visits to you!
For diet changes each person has different opinions if they will do any good or not. Myself when I found out about my prostate cancer I immediately eliminated all RED MEAT. I've gone over 2 years now with out red meat. I eat only Chicken and seafood. Some lamb on occasion - perhaps two or three times per year. I had not used eggs or milk for a very long time. I will eat cheese on occasion. The only eggs or milk I have are if the recipe calls for them in something that I eat.
I've started eating more soy products such as tofu. I'm using several different capsules of items as follows: Pomegranite capsules (This is less expensive then drinking the juice),
Acai Berry Capsules, Green Tea (decaffinated) in a capsule, Green barley in capsules. This can all be purchased on line or in a health food store in a larger city.
Is any of this doing any good? I don't know for a fact but I can tell you that pre-surgery I was a gleason grade 7 with a PSA of 5.4. In august 2011 I will be 24 months post treatment. After my surgery the doctor told me that I had a 'positive margin' THis means that cancer cells were found to the very edge of the specimens removed at surgery. Is some cancer still lingering in me? I don't know but so far my PSA Levels have been 0.
By having my PSA checked frequently If I get a rise I will know immediately and then can start a followup treatment plan such as Radiation.
If possible perhaps you could ask your father or look for his medical records from 10 years ago to determine the extent of the cancer back then. They should have given him a PSA level before surgery and what is called a gleason Score. Usually made up of two numbers such as 3+3 (Gleason 6) Or 4+3 (Gleason 7) etc. The higher the number the more aggressive the cancer was as his original diagnosis.
As pointed out though it does appear his reccurance is a slow doubling which is good.
Did you know that Monday June 6 is Cancer survivor day here in the United States? Perhaps around the world. You will have many more years ahead with your father. My own dad was diagnosed with Prostate cancer in 1997 and is doing fine and as mentioned earlier my mother with breast cancer and my favorite aunt with Cancer in her lymph system. That's 4 of us that are Cancer survivors with many, many more around the world!
Have a good weekend!
Larry age 56
I never new you could get Pomegranite capsules so will definitely be getting those, And the other capsules to should I get the 4 of them are they excellent?, I have just asked my Dad and his Gleason Score was 5, 10 years ago when he has the prosectomy which Dad said the surgeon said that was quite high, I will tell him about cutting out all red meats if possible he can its just a matter of being strict and changing your diet to actually eat other things but he does love roast beef and horseradish sauce and also he loves his lamb cutlets or chops with mint sauce so it means from what you are all saying cut them out completely which will be difficult for him, is mayonnaise also a no no with regards salad etc...
I didnt know about Monday being Cancer survivor day, I am so glad your family are doing so well it means allot to me even though I dont know you we are all connected as one I always feel.
Best Wishes,
Gary.0 -
DairyIrish-Psychic said:Kongo & V Gama...
I have just talked to my Dad and as much as I hate talking about it I need to let him know he will be fine and he is the type of person that always remains positive and is always the life and soul of any party so I am sure he will be soon again once treatment finishes.
I have just mentioned the Dairy thing to him and 10 years ago when he asked the surgeon and speciliast he said drink a glass of red wine each day (he hasnt) and he said nothing else about how to lower your PSA etc so from what you have said you have been there done that and Mam is on my side and is thinking more positive with regards the Dairy and will follow it.
I have bought Pomegranate Juice it has 48% and then you dilute it in water if anyone knows another one to get please do let me know, But regards the Dairy and stopping everything please advise...
He drinks Tea with milk is this ok?
Do you cut out a glass of milk with your dinner?
Do you cut out all red meats so no steak, no beef, no lamb chops or roast lamb etc?
Do you cut out all eggs so no boiled eggs, no egg mayonnaises, no scrambled eggs etc
Change to Chicken - Fish - Pork etc...
Advice on what he should be doing now and if that will help lower his PSA etc and help him improve faster like you said Kongo no point in doing treatment if things like dairy can effect you this way...
I have also mentioned again about the Hormone treatment all he is worried about is growing boobs etc, My Dad would not be as slim as the average man he is carrying extra weight so I hope that wont have any negative effect on him but I doubt it will.
Side effects for hormone treatment as well as Radiation I dont actually know except it lowers the Testostrone in the man but Dad thinks you would be on it for life? I said I dont think you would be I think you just take a tablet once a day while on the Radiation Treatment to help with the Radiation again I dont think they mentioned this to him yet but if they do suggest it is the best approach Id rather trust them and trust you on here who have said this,
I will move and make Dad & Mam proud in the new house and it will be good for them both to travel down to me as I will be in the same area if he chooses to get treated there and I will make sure to look after him completely along with Mam and will remain strong, I did cry on Wednesday without my Dad seeing and again Thursday and then Today it just is coming on me in waves but since I have come home from town and read your posts its actually making me feel well this is what we have to do, this will give you the best outcome, all these people Dad who have replied (he cant use a pc or laptop) have gone through exactly the same thing as what you will be going through and you will be fine and Im sure your own families were just as worried about you as I am for my Dad but I really am thankful to of even found this site it seriously has put my mind at so much ease I cannot thank you all enough...
I am just so delighted that you are on here posting for other people who are going through the exact same thing and I am presuming you are all the same age as my Dad 65 (66 in November) or around the same area,
If you can let me know the Dairy things to stop I will be letting him know immediately,
Thank you all so much,
Gary.
Gary,
Everything is relative but if you're going to really do the dairy thing, I recommend that you go cold turkey (an American expression) and eliminate ALL dairy, which includes milk with his tea, cheese, ice cream, yogurts, and so forth. You have to read labeling on food packages because dairy is in a lot of processed foods these days.
Instead of cow's milk, you might want to try soy milk with the tea or coffee or with a meal. I particularly enjoy vanilla flavored soy milk. Our taste buds completely change out every ten days or so which means that even if he doesn't like it at first within a week or so he won't even notice the slight change in taste. I also like almond milk, rice milk, and coconut milk. They also make no dairy cheeses, ice creams, sour cream, and so forth. I find them all quite tasty and didn't have a problem giving up dairy at all even though I was a huge cheese lover.
Please don't just take my word for it, do the research and reading on your own. If you understand the science behind the diet it will make a lot more sense.
I have pretty much gone completely vegan which is ALL meat products. I read a book several months ago called "The China Study" by a Dr. Campbell which lays out a compelling argument for going toward a plant based diet. My goal is to keep the protien from animal based products (including eggs and fish) to less than 10% overall. Studies cited in The China Study show that if you keep your animal protien to less than 10% of your total diet that cancers will actually reverse. If you have more than 15% of your protien come from animals the studies show that cancers begin to grow again. Besides cancer, a plant based diet also shows strong evidence of eliminating or reducing the effects of a host of other modern diseases such as MS, heart disease, dementia, lupus, and so forth. The old adage of "you are what you eat" makes more and more sense.
I do eat fish occasionally in small portions but always ensure it's either ocean fish or organically raised without growth hormones or other artificial additives. Instead of meat I mostly eat soy products (they make meat substitues with soy that taste like meat and have the same consistency), nuts, legumes, and so forth. I avoid eating eggs, even organic eggs, but will occasionally have scrambled eggs using a product like Egg Beaters (which I don't know if they have in Ireland but I am sure there is some sort of egg substitute there).
If you do eat meat, think about significantly reducing the amount of meat you intake and always try to get the organic products that are not bolstered by artificial growth hormones. These hormones pass through the animal directly to us when we eat them and many of these growth additives that make them fat and juicy accelerate cancer growth because of something known as Insulin Growth Hormones (IGFs) in these products.
Instead of using milk in baking I've found that you can do just as well with rice milk, soy milk, or almond milk although some recipies may require a bit of experimenting to get the right amounts. There are vegan cookbooks that can better explain how to do this.
I just got back from a week in the UK and found vegan restaurants and stores everywhere, even in the small villages. I'm sure it's similar in Ireland. Check it out in your local area.
Make sure, if your father decides to go down this path, that he explains his diet to his doctor.
Pomegranite juice is great for you but be careful in taking it if your father is on any chlorestoral medicine like Lipitor or Crestor. If he is on any of these drugs be sure to ask the doctor before guzzling down the juice as it can interfere with the drug and actually cause liver damage. (It works great in a Cosmopolitan martini too...)
BTW, I'm 60, which is a lot closer to your father's age than 30 but don't give up on teaching him how to use a computer so he can do his own research. You may be surprised at how smart some of us old folks can be if you give us a chance.
Best,
K0 -
Awww Thank You Kongo,,,Kongo said:Dairy
Gary,
Everything is relative but if you're going to really do the dairy thing, I recommend that you go cold turkey (an American expression) and eliminate ALL dairy, which includes milk with his tea, cheese, ice cream, yogurts, and so forth. You have to read labeling on food packages because dairy is in a lot of processed foods these days.
Instead of cow's milk, you might want to try soy milk with the tea or coffee or with a meal. I particularly enjoy vanilla flavored soy milk. Our taste buds completely change out every ten days or so which means that even if he doesn't like it at first within a week or so he won't even notice the slight change in taste. I also like almond milk, rice milk, and coconut milk. They also make no dairy cheeses, ice creams, sour cream, and so forth. I find them all quite tasty and didn't have a problem giving up dairy at all even though I was a huge cheese lover.
Please don't just take my word for it, do the research and reading on your own. If you understand the science behind the diet it will make a lot more sense.
I have pretty much gone completely vegan which is ALL meat products. I read a book several months ago called "The China Study" by a Dr. Campbell which lays out a compelling argument for going toward a plant based diet. My goal is to keep the protien from animal based products (including eggs and fish) to less than 10% overall. Studies cited in The China Study show that if you keep your animal protien to less than 10% of your total diet that cancers will actually reverse. If you have more than 15% of your protien come from animals the studies show that cancers begin to grow again. Besides cancer, a plant based diet also shows strong evidence of eliminating or reducing the effects of a host of other modern diseases such as MS, heart disease, dementia, lupus, and so forth. The old adage of "you are what you eat" makes more and more sense.
I do eat fish occasionally in small portions but always ensure it's either ocean fish or organically raised without growth hormones or other artificial additives. Instead of meat I mostly eat soy products (they make meat substitues with soy that taste like meat and have the same consistency), nuts, legumes, and so forth. I avoid eating eggs, even organic eggs, but will occasionally have scrambled eggs using a product like Egg Beaters (which I don't know if they have in Ireland but I am sure there is some sort of egg substitute there).
If you do eat meat, think about significantly reducing the amount of meat you intake and always try to get the organic products that are not bolstered by artificial growth hormones. These hormones pass through the animal directly to us when we eat them and many of these growth additives that make them fat and juicy accelerate cancer growth because of something known as Insulin Growth Hormones (IGFs) in these products.
Instead of using milk in baking I've found that you can do just as well with rice milk, soy milk, or almond milk although some recipies may require a bit of experimenting to get the right amounts. There are vegan cookbooks that can better explain how to do this.
I just got back from a week in the UK and found vegan restaurants and stores everywhere, even in the small villages. I'm sure it's similar in Ireland. Check it out in your local area.
Make sure, if your father decides to go down this path, that he explains his diet to his doctor.
Pomegranite juice is great for you but be careful in taking it if your father is on any chlorestoral medicine like Lipitor or Crestor. If he is on any of these drugs be sure to ask the doctor before guzzling down the juice as it can interfere with the drug and actually cause liver damage. (It works great in a Cosmopolitan martini too...)
BTW, I'm 60, which is a lot closer to your father's age than 30 but don't give up on teaching him how to use a computer so he can do his own research. You may be surprised at how smart some of us old folks can be if you give us a chance.
Best,
K
Awww bless ya for letting me know I will tell him all this and hopefully then he will begin to understand it and cut out the dairy, On Wednesday when Dad found out it was basically straight to the car as me and Matt drove him up, but I didnt get to talk to anyone nor did anyone explain to me what happend except Dad said they are sending me for an MRI scan which luckily I had prepared for that, as before Dad even went up I had told them both dont be surprised if they want to send you for an MRI to get checked fully as they might find something when you get to Dublin so Im happy in one way as this is the case that he will be getting a full screening rather then just sit back and wonder am I alright without him knowing his PSA was 4.5 etc so in one way Im happy to know he is in the best hands and they will be doing everything smoothly and routinely and will get him back to full health and his PSA decreases back to 0 that is one wish I am praying for and in my Heart I feel it will come true and for Mams sake also, its times like this I think what a wonderful Dad I have and Husband to Mam yes we all have our problems and with what is going on with my Brother at the moment is not easy but he will have to take control of his own life the same way as Dad is now in control of his life and will get the treatment he needs, My plan is to start saving once I move to New House and send them both off on a foreign holiday at Christmas I am presuming if this month is June he will be finished by then I dont know when the MRI scan will be I am hoping its next week so everything gets moving...
Best Wishes,
Gary0 -
Cancer Survivor day is June 5,lewvino said:Gary,As you can tell you
Gary,
As you can tell you have found a great sight here with all of our support from those that have been down this path before. There are even woman on the forum who's husbands/boyfriends or other family members have had prostate cancer. They can lend support to your mother if she needs to talk also.
Your fears and crying are normal so don't worry about that at all. I think you moving will actually be good. With you in a location not to far away they can look forward to you visiting them and their visits to you!
For diet changes each person has different opinions if they will do any good or not. Myself when I found out about my prostate cancer I immediately eliminated all RED MEAT. I've gone over 2 years now with out red meat. I eat only Chicken and seafood. Some lamb on occasion - perhaps two or three times per year. I had not used eggs or milk for a very long time. I will eat cheese on occasion. The only eggs or milk I have are if the recipe calls for them in something that I eat.
I've started eating more soy products such as tofu. I'm using several different capsules of items as follows: Pomegranite capsules (This is less expensive then drinking the juice),
Acai Berry Capsules, Green Tea (decaffinated) in a capsule, Green barley in capsules. This can all be purchased on line or in a health food store in a larger city.
Is any of this doing any good? I don't know for a fact but I can tell you that pre-surgery I was a gleason grade 7 with a PSA of 5.4. In august 2011 I will be 24 months post treatment. After my surgery the doctor told me that I had a 'positive margin' THis means that cancer cells were found to the very edge of the specimens removed at surgery. Is some cancer still lingering in me? I don't know but so far my PSA Levels have been 0.
By having my PSA checked frequently If I get a rise I will know immediately and then can start a followup treatment plan such as Radiation.
If possible perhaps you could ask your father or look for his medical records from 10 years ago to determine the extent of the cancer back then. They should have given him a PSA level before surgery and what is called a gleason Score. Usually made up of two numbers such as 3+3 (Gleason 6) Or 4+3 (Gleason 7) etc. The higher the number the more aggressive the cancer was as his original diagnosis.
As pointed out though it does appear his reccurance is a slow doubling which is good.
Did you know that Monday June 6 is Cancer survivor day here in the United States? Perhaps around the world. You will have many more years ahead with your father. My own dad was diagnosed with Prostate cancer in 1997 and is doing fine and as mentioned earlier my mother with breast cancer and my favorite aunt with Cancer in her lymph system. That's 4 of us that are Cancer survivors with many, many more around the world!
Have a good weekend!
Larry age 56
the first Sunday of June
http://www.ncsdf.org/Pages/AboutNCSD.html0 -
First Prostate Cancer testing for high risk individuals by ageIrish-Psychic said:Kongo thank you so much....
Kongo,
Thank you so much for replying he is very frustrated that it wasnt picked up in 2004 its the other surgeon up in Dublin and his new Doctor had said it to him and he should of had the treatment in 2004 etc...
I am keeping Dad informed I have just asked him and the Prosectomy was done in November 2001, so I think he is doing well and I hope the chance like you said of survival is 100%.
I told him about the hormone treatment also and he said no he will refuse to do that as does not want to grow breasts etc but depending on the MRI scan it might be very small what ever is inside him that he might only need a small bit of hormone treatment again I dont know.
Can you explain how it works once something is found in the MRI scan. Dad is worried it has spread to other organs and thats whats making him anxious and me as when that is the case the dangers are more greater so in my own heart I am praying it is just around where he had the operation in 2001 then I will be happy. Thank you for clearing up about it being benign I was unsure etc.
But once something is found they will tell Daddy where it is and then mark him and explain he will get radiation is that correct?
Will they take another PSA test before starting treatment and will they give him the full treatment ie 12 weeks and how soon after that will they test his PSA. Does that kill all the cells that are cancerous and then it begins again ie in another 5 or 6 years the tissues reactivate and it starts again and then you look at treatment again or once the radiation zaps it is it going to be under 1 then his PSA level etc?
I went to my own Doctor that same day as we were home early from Dublin which is state of the art the facilities up there but if he is getting radiation he will be getting it done in Waterford which is where myself and my partners new house is, but he will get a bus up and down each day as that is the bus he used to volunteer for also and help out the patients so if anything he knows exactly what needs to be done but he has told me today,
dont stay here and worry yourself and not move into your new house I will be looking forward to seeing you and it will be good for me an Mam to go down and see you and you come up etc dont think you have to wait until I am finished treatment I will be grand (although I can tell he is a nervous reck as would anyone and I am sure everyone who has replied to me who has had it including you Kongo were nervous) but its making me feel better talking to you all knowing well that your all still alive and doing well, its like something you have to live with but once it is treated you just keep an eye on it,
His own Dad had it but died at 78 so of course when I am 40 I am now going on 30 I will be getting tested for it of course I will get tested sooner if anyone on here recommends me to do so but he didn't die from prostate I think he died from lung or heart trouble I am unsure but lived until 78.
So after posting on here I will keep you all updated he will hopefully get the letter from the hospital in Dublin on Monday I dont know how soon they will send him for the MRI scan if they saw him on Wednesday just gone I am hoping it is very soon so he can start treatment etc and then get rid of the cancer for good.
Kongo I really appreciate as do I with anyone who posts on here to me as no matter what age you are I am a child still to them an adult one but one that always is close to my Parents and not only are we dealing with this but his other son (my brother) knows nothing about Dads ilness as he is not diagnosed yet but suffers from Bi-Polar or something like it as there are text messages that come to Dads phone that call him a "sick B*****rd" "wasteful dad" "dont text or call me again or I will call the police" "your nothing but scum" all messages like this so between that and this it is difficult but he has said he doesnt want to hear from Mam or Dad and he will let them know when hes dead (ie my brother said when he himself dies he will let them know) its things like that have made us realise he is unwell and is treating his own condition as he does not know what he is suffering from as he thinks everyone is against him its hurtful on Dad and Mam.
So we are staying well out of his life now and all I want is to have Dad well for Christmas and the Doctors to give him the good news that all the cells have been destroyed and we will be watching you every 6 months now but you can enjoy your life and retirement as we have caught it in time.
Thats my Birthday wish (13th August I will be 30) and also my Christmas Wish,
Thank you everyone,
Gary.
"His own Dad had it but died at 78 so of course when I am 40 I am now going on 30 I will be getting tested for it of course I will get tested sooner if anyone on here recommends me to do so but he didn't die from prostate I think he died from lung or heart trouble I am unsure but lived until 78."
Various organizations recommend testing at age 40, however many believe that one need to be tested at an earlier age, mainly to have a base line...there is a 35 year old prostate cancer patient where I am being treated. if I was your age, and in a high risk group as you, I would be tested at age 35 or earlier. It is important to keep all records of your medical visits for future reference.0 -
Thank you Hopeful...hopeful and optimistic said:First Prostate Cancer testing for high risk individuals by age
"His own Dad had it but died at 78 so of course when I am 40 I am now going on 30 I will be getting tested for it of course I will get tested sooner if anyone on here recommends me to do so but he didn't die from prostate I think he died from lung or heart trouble I am unsure but lived until 78."
Various organizations recommend testing at age 40, however many believe that one need to be tested at an earlier age, mainly to have a base line...there is a 35 year old prostate cancer patient where I am being treated. if I was your age, and in a high risk group as you, I would be tested at age 35 or earlier. It is important to keep all records of your medical visits for future reference.
Hi hopeful,
Thank you so much I will do that and just get checked just so I can say I have had the test etc, I always wonder why can we be tested for everything when you give blood it would not be viable I know but would be amazing if machine can do 1000 tests at the time of the blood sample,
Best Wishes,
Gary0 -
I forgot to mention...Irish-Psychic said:Thank you Hopeful...
Hi hopeful,
Thank you so much I will do that and just get checked just so I can say I have had the test etc, I always wonder why can we be tested for everything when you give blood it would not be viable I know but would be amazing if machine can do 1000 tests at the time of the blood sample,
Best Wishes,
Gary
Around a year ago or 2 years ago I think it was a year ago Dad had something removed from behind his ear as the doctor was not happy with it so it got removed would that be something to be alarmed about now or is it when something happens that is cancerous it is treated on site etc so this is just a new cancer now that I have mentioned which will be picked up by the MRI...
Best Wishes,
Gary.0 -
usuallyIrish-Psychic said:I forgot to mention...
Around a year ago or 2 years ago I think it was a year ago Dad had something removed from behind his ear as the doctor was not happy with it so it got removed would that be something to be alarmed about now or is it when something happens that is cancerous it is treated on site etc so this is just a new cancer now that I have mentioned which will be picked up by the MRI...
Best Wishes,
Gary.
when something is removed, the tissue is sent to a pathologist to determine whether or not it is cancerous.
It is possible that there can be an infection as a result of the removal.0 -
Kongo and Chlorestrol Tablets...Kongo said:Dairy
Gary,
Everything is relative but if you're going to really do the dairy thing, I recommend that you go cold turkey (an American expression) and eliminate ALL dairy, which includes milk with his tea, cheese, ice cream, yogurts, and so forth. You have to read labeling on food packages because dairy is in a lot of processed foods these days.
Instead of cow's milk, you might want to try soy milk with the tea or coffee or with a meal. I particularly enjoy vanilla flavored soy milk. Our taste buds completely change out every ten days or so which means that even if he doesn't like it at first within a week or so he won't even notice the slight change in taste. I also like almond milk, rice milk, and coconut milk. They also make no dairy cheeses, ice creams, sour cream, and so forth. I find them all quite tasty and didn't have a problem giving up dairy at all even though I was a huge cheese lover.
Please don't just take my word for it, do the research and reading on your own. If you understand the science behind the diet it will make a lot more sense.
I have pretty much gone completely vegan which is ALL meat products. I read a book several months ago called "The China Study" by a Dr. Campbell which lays out a compelling argument for going toward a plant based diet. My goal is to keep the protien from animal based products (including eggs and fish) to less than 10% overall. Studies cited in The China Study show that if you keep your animal protien to less than 10% of your total diet that cancers will actually reverse. If you have more than 15% of your protien come from animals the studies show that cancers begin to grow again. Besides cancer, a plant based diet also shows strong evidence of eliminating or reducing the effects of a host of other modern diseases such as MS, heart disease, dementia, lupus, and so forth. The old adage of "you are what you eat" makes more and more sense.
I do eat fish occasionally in small portions but always ensure it's either ocean fish or organically raised without growth hormones or other artificial additives. Instead of meat I mostly eat soy products (they make meat substitues with soy that taste like meat and have the same consistency), nuts, legumes, and so forth. I avoid eating eggs, even organic eggs, but will occasionally have scrambled eggs using a product like Egg Beaters (which I don't know if they have in Ireland but I am sure there is some sort of egg substitute there).
If you do eat meat, think about significantly reducing the amount of meat you intake and always try to get the organic products that are not bolstered by artificial growth hormones. These hormones pass through the animal directly to us when we eat them and many of these growth additives that make them fat and juicy accelerate cancer growth because of something known as Insulin Growth Hormones (IGFs) in these products.
Instead of using milk in baking I've found that you can do just as well with rice milk, soy milk, or almond milk although some recipies may require a bit of experimenting to get the right amounts. There are vegan cookbooks that can better explain how to do this.
I just got back from a week in the UK and found vegan restaurants and stores everywhere, even in the small villages. I'm sure it's similar in Ireland. Check it out in your local area.
Make sure, if your father decides to go down this path, that he explains his diet to his doctor.
Pomegranite juice is great for you but be careful in taking it if your father is on any chlorestoral medicine like Lipitor or Crestor. If he is on any of these drugs be sure to ask the doctor before guzzling down the juice as it can interfere with the drug and actually cause liver damage. (It works great in a Cosmopolitan martini too...)
BTW, I'm 60, which is a lot closer to your father's age than 30 but don't give up on teaching him how to use a computer so he can do his own research. You may be surprised at how smart some of us old folks can be if you give us a chance.
Best,
K
You were right!!!
Dad is actually on tablets which I didnt know and he said that he can take the juice if he doesnt take the tablets with it is that right? the stuff I bought is 46% and you dilute it and it makes up to 5 litres, but Larry who posted here also said you can get them in Capsule formula would they also be dangerous if he is on the tablets again I dont know the name of them he will check in the morning.
Just said I would let you know Kongo, you definitely know your stuff are you in the medical field yourself or just have read an awful lot about this?
Best wishes,
Gary.0 -
Pomegranite JuiceIrish-Psychic said:Kongo and Chlorestrol Tablets...
You were right!!!
Dad is actually on tablets which I didnt know and he said that he can take the juice if he doesnt take the tablets with it is that right? the stuff I bought is 46% and you dilute it and it makes up to 5 litres, but Larry who posted here also said you can get them in Capsule formula would they also be dangerous if he is on the tablets again I dont know the name of them he will check in the morning.
Just said I would let you know Kongo, you definitely know your stuff are you in the medical field yourself or just have read an awful lot about this?
Best wishes,
Gary.
Gary, I'm not a doctor but my understanding is that you shouldn't drink the juice while on certain types of chloresterol medication. Each drug is different so your father should really talk to his doctor about it. You might also try researching the brand name of the drug on the internet...there is usually a lot of information about what potential side effects are and what you should or should not take with it. Good luck.
K0
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