Hello there and thanks for posting

I am sorry to hear about your husband's situation and appreciate you wanting a better understanding of what is going on.

You have posted on the ask the nurses section of the forum but hopefully other forum users on here will also pop on with their experiences.

I hope the appointment last night went well and that you may have some more information from them as well.

Every patient going through a diagnosis of cancer is different and coping styles will vary. Often patients go through a range of emotions along the way and this is all very normal. Some patients need extra support whether that be emotional, psychological or physical and the team involved in your husbands care will assess his needs at every step.

We have a section about coping with cancer here.

Most treatments I'm afraid do come with possible side effects and once again what one patient experiences will be different to another and it is difficult to predict how someone will be. It is important that your husband takes things one step at a time but also is aware of the possible side effects and different ways that these can be managed if they do occur.

You can read about prostate cancer here and hormone treatment here.

If any side effects or other symptoms are intolerable or are interfering with everyday life your husband must let his team know so they can re-assess him and come up with some solutions.

Whilst I understand the doctors are carrying out some more tests to work out the bigger picture of what is going on there will be pain killers that can be prescribed to try and ease his pain so do encourage him to take any pain medication he is given.

I would also encourage him to speak to his GP about his pain when he can so he is given the most appropriate pain killers.

I hope this is of some help to you but please get back if you wish. We also have a nurse helpline on 0808 800 4040 which you are welcome to call Monday-Friday 9-5.

Wishing you both the very best

Naomi

Hi Naomi

Thank you for your reassuring words and advice.  Mike was told yesterday by the Consultnat that it was very likely the cancer had spread to the bones in his rib cage which is where his pain is. Today he has commenced on a hormone drug which we are told will shrink the cancer cells.  We will see the consultant again once all his test results come back.  The consultant did say that it was good his xray result was normal, so a small blessing here.  I asked him about the outcome for Mike and he said it was good. We have to remain positive and that is what I am trying to do with Mike.

Gillian

If nobody has told you or Mike, bone scan will take at least 4 hours + ,the scan itself is around 1/2 hr injection of radiation takes 10 minutes ,rest of time is waiting in specal room waiting for fluid to get round body and to bones. Mike will want to read eat and drink probably. But should stop in that room, sometimes they bring things round food and drink. Ther is a toilet. 

Remember he will have to keep clear of young children and pregnant women. All that day, after scan he wants to drink plenty to help clear his body of radiation. 

I've had over 10 bone scans and all about the same, apart from some one brought in giger counter and checked me over.nurse said just checking it's going round properly. 

Billy 

Don't forget if i can help im on most days. 

HI Billy, thank you for this advice. We only received the information a few minutes ago and is exactly as you have said.  It so reassuring to hear from you especially as we are in the begining of this cancer journey. Mike started his first hormone tablet this morning so will see how he gets on. I am encouraging him  to be positive as at the moment he is feeling quite low, thininkg he wont make it to Xmas!! He is an extremely fit man and this is the first time ever in his life he is having to attend hospital so as a 79 year old ( 80 next month) he is doing very well.  Any advice on what I can do to get him into a more positive state of mind. G.

I always think something to consontrate on occupy the mind, so he's not thinking about cancer  .gardening going somewhere, get him helping you spring cleaning tidy the loft, anything really. 

Keeping positive really helps as does Keeping fit. 

Hormone tablets don't normally have much effect unless needs stronger, is he having injection as well. 

Billy 

No he only started the hormone tabs today. Wont know the full treatment plan until we get all the results from the various scans etc.

Please keep in touch and I'll try to give you information if needed. 

Billy 

i keep hoping others will join with information as well. 

HI Billy, I am sure there must be others who can share their experience as it would be so hepful.

Alot of prostate patients have been on forum for years, there's a couple who had it contained to prostate still on now and again. But I've not seen any lately with mets, I'll keep looking. 

Billy 

Thank you Billy. Just you being in touch with me is helping a lot.