Hi there, 

Hope you're all very well :) I wonder if anyone might be able to help. My dear Grandpa was diagnosed with prostate cancer some years ago. He's had hormone therapy and has largely carried on life without much hindrance, (aside from the side effects of the hormones) and only very sporadic check-ups at the hospital. His PSA level had remained very low and he'd been doing brilliantly.

Last December we became aware he was being sent for scans and his treamtent had switched to chemo tablets, though he didn't come out and tell us, he just was suddenly going to the hospital more and taking tablets as well as having his hormone injections. We asked him about this and he said he'd started chemo tablets. He said his scan came back clear and has since said that at all of his (now very regular) check ups that his level is the lowest it could be. I have some concerns he's protecting my Grandma and the rest of the family, and may not be letting us know what's happening with his appointments or his treatment plan. Of course, that's absolutely his right and I wouldn't want to take that away from him, I also don't want him to be taking the burden on himself if anything has changed. He's become very tired recently (I think side effects of the chemo?) and rather emotional and I'm concerned he might need more support or more might be going on than he's saying.

From the reading I've done about chemotherapy for prostate cancer it appears that its likely to be prescribed if the cancer has spread but am not sure if that's always the case. It may be entirely impossible to say from this outline, and may change from person to person, but I wondered if there was any advice available?

(For info I read about chemo for prostate cancer on various cancer charity websites and medical/urology sites to try and get the most accurate info)

Thanks so much :)