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My uncle's doctor says he has 3-5 years left

Posted , 7 users are following.

olivia99142
olivia99142

My uncle had his prostate removed a few years ago, which caused him to lose his ability to control his bladder as well as erectile disfunction. A little over a year ago, his PSA levels spiked again after those few years post-surgery cancer-free. He had a device installed shortly before this was discovered that allowed him to (at last!) control his bladder. His doctor couldn't tell exactly where the issue was, and so they directed radiation where his prostate used to be. This did nothing but break the device that allowed him to control his urine, and the month of chemotherapy that was attempted after just made him sick. My uncle is a very prideful bear of a man who has spent his entire life outside as a laborer and eventually as an owner of his own home improvement business, so when hormone therapy was the last resort he became very upset. I think he feels like, by beginning hormone therapy, he will lose all that is left of his dignity undergoing a treatment that could potentially just be another failed attempt. I would be very grateful to anyone who can tell me about their personal experience undergoing hormone therapy, and I would also appreciate anyone who might have been or be in a similar situation. Thank you so much. 

4 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • alfred5
    alfred5 olivia99142

    Posted

    Hello, sorry to hear your news. I just thought I would say after my other half was diagnosed earlier this year I have spent a lot of time reading up on prostate cancer, I look on this forum and on another prostate cancer UK site. There are several people on the other site with advanced prostate cancer, they are still going 10 years or so after diagnosis. So I wouldn't think too much about how long there is left as you can't tell. I do know hormones can keep it at bay for many, many years.

    Do plenty of research and try to read other people's experiences. It may help.

    Someone on here might offer you advice. Wishing you all the best.

  • david58851
    david58851 olivia99142

    Posted

    Olivia,his experiences and others I've read here make ever more sure that I will not enter into any more "therapy" for my prostate, after being miserable after just 9 radiation treatments.  My cancer is Gleason 6 and is very small in just one spot on my gland.  I am similar to him in that I very active and fit and am on a flexitarian diet. I feel I have many more years left and if the time comes when more drastic measures are recommended, I'll decide then whether to pursue treatment or just ask my G.P. for enough meds to end it. Good luck to you and Uncle 
  • georgeGG
    georgeGG olivia99142

    Posted

    Dear Olivia,

    I know hormone therapy has a bad reputation. I have not found it lives up to its reputation in my case. True by day 13 libido and erectile ability had gone.    In month four erectile ability started to come back and now a couple of weeks short of a year a substantial ability. Libido is modest and so not self starting. Still quite satisfactory considering the contribution HT is making to the control of this terrible disease. I had about six months of infrequent emotional storms - upsetting but minor again when held up against PCa. I have hot flushes but they are a minor issue. In my case I use Tincture of Sage. My worst side effect is bone thinning but most of that is attributable to steroid treatment decades ago. I am very comfortable and satisfied with my hormone therapy. I have found the effects interesting rather than distressing.

    I wish you and your uncle the very best outcome.

  • bill87517
    bill87517 olivia99142

    Posted

    Doctors should keep these type of opinions to themselves.  Has it helped anyone?  I have advanced prostate cancer and my oncologist suggested I only had 5 years.  This made me very depressed for a long time.  7 years later my PSA is still low and I lead a good life.  Live each day and don't worry about what might happen in the future.
    • georgeGG
      georgeGG bill87517

      Posted

      besides the stats include those who do what they can diet wise, exercise etc and those eat, drink and be merry until disaster strikes. The average may be well off the mark for you.
  • Kombi_Cruiser
    Kombi_Cruiser olivia99142

    Posted

    olivia99142...welcome to the forum...I trust you will only use experiences and opinions expressed as references to other peoples journeys and don't rely on them in any other way... Prostate Cancer, how it affects and the outcomes are very much connected to each and every individual... I have come to understand that the most important marker is each individual's Gleeson Score... Above everything else this seems to be the determining factor and gives a clear indication as to the aggressiveness of the cancer... Unfortunately my Gleeson Score is now rated as 5 + 5 = 10 and that's the driving force in every bit of treatment I have... Reading about all the probable side efftects of Hormonal Treatment can be somewhat scary but once in that zone these side effects really pale into insignificance in consideration of other potential outcome... I will continue to receive my 3 monthly injection until the day I die so they tell me so there's really nothing I can do but just keep on smiling... Many on this forum tell of treatments that have lasted many years whereas my research paints a very different picture... I am only 54, feeling almost as good as I ever did yet both my GP and Oncologist have just finished completing forms allowing me to access my superannuation now and the criteria is all focused around me having 24 months or less to live... As scary as it all is I just take each day as it comes and keep reminding myself that there are others worse off... I truly hope that your uncle gets through his current challenges and continues to regain his lifestyle somewhat and doesn't take his situation personally as he has done nothing to create this situation... Good Luck!
  • lewis12685
    lewis12685 olivia99142

    Posted

    Hi olivia, sorry to hear about your Uncle's issue, and I wish him well for the future.

    I went through Hormone treatment and Radiotherapy last year finished my 37 zapp (RT) on the 1st Dec. and headed off to Turkey on the same day for a nice 1 week break in Antalya Lara Beach.....My wife and I enjoyed it....and helped me to forget (a little) the treatment and psychological effects.

    I started my firts RT (9-15am) 13th Oct. I met 2 other patients 9am appointment and the 9-30am appointment, we started sharing our experiences of the treatments that were given to us. We ALL had 'hot flushes' (Hormone treat.) and a woman patient, waiting for her Breast treatment, remarked 'You now know what us women have to go through' we stared at each other for a brief moment and all of us burst out laughing, that broke the ice and enabled us to talk freely. 1 patient went through the same as your Uncle (prostate removal) they had not quite removed all of it so he was there having RT. All of us had bladder problems of various different natures and were given medical advice on how to deal with it.

    Kombi's post is very relevant about PSA and Gleeson score. My PSA reading was only 2.09 when I started (now 0.13)  but to some 2.09 is good. My Gleeson score was 3 + 3 = 6 which was localised (no spread) and not agressive so thankfully the cancer was succefully treated. My other 2 comrades are also progressing positively and we keep in touch regular. This to us is important, we believe, as it helped us battle through this disease. Final point about ED you can get medication (viagra calis etc.) free on the NHS if you are suffering from Prostate Cancer. Personally I found the Macmillan Organisation brilliant on advice etc.

    I hope your Uncle returns to his former self soon, take each day as it comes, and I look forward to read a post from him in the future. Good Luck to both of you

    and Good Luck to you Kombi Cruiser  

    • lewis12685
      lewis12685 Kombi_Cruiser

      Posted

      OK ....Kombi Cruiser ......keep taking the 'Happy Pills' and keep us posted on your progress....make sure you enjoy your superannuation and that your medical forecast is reversedwink
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