1. Community
  2. Cancer
  3. Prostate Cancer

Not sure what it all means

Posted , 7 users are following.

carol23204
carol23204

Hi , My brother has just been told he has prostrate cancer he is 64 he has a gleason score of 4+5 and they think it has gone to the bones in his lower back there were hotspots on his bone scan ,all biopsys that came back showed signs of cancer in his prostrate and he is now waiting to have an MRI on his back and an Xray on his shoulder where the 2 hotspots are . They have put him on hormone therapy immediately and are talking about surgery and radiation . can someone please be honest with me and tell me will he be ok . hope everyone on here is doing well and keep strong carol x

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • ken47739
    ken47739 carol23204

    Posted

    Hi Carol

    In Dec 2010 I was told following a biopsy that I had a Gleason 4-5 cancer of the prostate.  I was also 64.  For several weeks before this I had really troubling backache.  Similarly I was put on Casodex the same evening.  One week later I had radical surgery, one year later a course of radiotherapy and 2 years of Zoladex hormone treatment.  I am still here and getting three monthly PSA readings of zero.  So there are very good chances these days with Prostate Cancer.  I was also fortunate that our eldest son is a Doctor.  My real advice would be go along with your Medical Teams recommendations.  The acid test for me was is this the advice you would give your father in similar circumstances.  But above all be positive, it's not any easy road.  I wish you all well.

    kenW

    • carol23204
      carol23204 ken47739

      Posted

      Hi Ken,

      Thankyou so much for your reply at least there is plenty of hope and you are obviously living proof of it .i hope you stay well and take good care of yourself and again thank you .I will make sure my brother stays positive .

      carol 

    • carl05115
      carl05115 carol23204

      Posted

      Hi Carol,

      I am one who usually advises caution and questioning of medical interventions because far and away the vast majority of prostate cancer is very slow growing and doesn't need treatment.  Unfortunately, it is clear that is not the case for your brother and he is in need of immediate intervention.  He is fortunate to have a medical team who will escort him along the same path that Ken took and, as Ken says, there is much that can be done these days.  And, your brother is equally fortunate that he has a sister who loves him so much and will help him to be positive.      My Best To You,  Carl

    • carol23204
      carol23204 carl05115

      Posted

      Hi Carl ,

      Thank you for your kind words very much appreciated at such a worrying time ,I hope the medical team he is under in the uk is as good as the USA

      i keep my fingers crossed .

      many thanks

      Carol  

  • Whiteplume
    Whiteplume carol23204

    Posted

    Hi Carol,

    The main thing is to stay positive fix his thoughts on recovery not what may happen

    Listen to you doctor and proceed with all the strength he can muster. Family is importent and their positive help, After your op if you go that way pelvic training is a MUST KEEP training those pelvic muscles!

    I am recovering had it removed in Nov 14 almost 2 months after diagnosis and today I was cycling 45 km, got myself a new sattle

    And manage on one pad a day.

    Don't be afraid of the incontinence after the op IT GET BETTER Take it easy at first short walks I just had my 6 month PSA 0.07 which is the lowest measurement achieveable, So if I can get all this done on Germany with limited language, it hopefully is a walk in the park in the UK!

    I wish him well Stay positive

    Ian 64 yrs

  • glamour
    glamour carol23204

    Posted

    Hi Carol,

    It seems your brother and I have something in common.Both diagnosed at 64 and with Gleason 9. As I understand it the hormone treatment's function is to suppress the natural testosterone that this particular type of cancer feeds on. Logically it should have an affect on any tumours in any part of the body where the blood can gain access. Be positive, I am now just short of my 75 birthday,and there is plenty of life in this old dog. I expect your brother will feel similarly quite soon.

    Keep strong

  • Kombi_Cruiser
    Kombi_Cruiser carol23204

    Posted

    carol23204...welcome to the forum...at 54 I've been through somewhat silimar to what your brother is just starting only in a different order...I can't tell you that your brother will be OK but deep down I strongly encourage you to help him focus on being hopeful as without HOPE he will have no chance at all...

    I've had a G'score of both 9 & 10 at different times... my radical prostectomy was first followed by radiation and now the hormonal treatment of Zoladex for ever and a day... :-)

    Keep asking questions of your medical team as many are not good communicators I've found... They often brush over very important pieces of imformation...

    Prostate cancer is as individual as the person it's attacking...the reaction to treatments and the outcomes will all be equally individual...

    Stay close by as your brother may really need a shoulder and take care...

  • Sea77
    Sea77 carol23204

    Posted

    Hi carol I am sorry to hear about your brother I hope and pray that he will have the best treatment he needs and he and you have a positive outcome my brother was diagnosed with advanced prostrate cancer with senondries in his bones and lungs   He is  sow on an injection in his tummy every 3months as not seen an oncologist or anyone else since February and I and him have no ideas i don't know what the Gleason level is  he as not been offered treatment like chemo or radio I am at a loss by this so I hope things go well for you and especially your brother 
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.