Hello Tesco and a warm welcome to the forum though sorry you have to be here and that your partner has cancer. Like your partner i am 59 have prostate cancer and limited treatment options, regarding radiotherapy i have heard of one or two oncologists allowing radiotherapy but with a cautious approach, and if the colitis isn't too severe. Also a treatment called Brachytherapy can be suitable as the risk of radiation damage is much lower. Hormone therapy, which is my treatment, can be very effective and extended as long as it is helping, take care.

Eddie

Morning thank you for your response and I’m very sorry to hear you have prostrate cancer. We were told that he can only have hormone injection for 2 years is this correct?? I do believe his rectum is very inflamed from the colitis so very wary of radiation treatment. We had a meeting and was told his cancer was aggressive and he had a tumour and expect a short life expectancy. As you can imagine we were distraught hearing this. 

Hello Tesco and thanks for your post

I am sorry to hear about your partner's situation and this must be a worrying time for you both.

Unfortunately radiotherapy to the prostate can affect the bowel and cause bowel issues as the bowel is situated next to the prostate. Whilst the strongest radiotherapy does is directed to the tumour an area of healthy tissue around it will also be affected as the radiotherapy travels to the target site. Unfortunately for people who already have inflammation in the bowel this could cause more harm than good for your partner.

It is fair to say there are many different treatment for cancer. However as every patient as well as their cancer is unique, what is suitable for one person may not be for another.

I suggest you speak with the specialist team the next time your partner sees them to ask if there is anything else he could have. Your partner is being treated in a large cancer centre, so I would assume if there was anything available they would be offering it to him.

I hope you know more soon and wish you both all the best.

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Best wishes,

Naomi

Hi Tesco, I have just had my hormone therapy extended for another year, so 3 years and maybe more. I also saw my oncologist too, I also have advanced prostate cancer which has spread to 6 other places, diagnosed 2 years ago and was told 5 more years was possible and who know what may be available then, I know it' hard being given our diagnosis especially as our treatment options are limited but cancer treatments today are amazing and getting better all the time, take care. Edie