Hi there Debbie and thank you for your post

I am sorry to hear about your dad and appreciate you having a couple of questions. These are best answered by his own team who may be able to give you a clearer understanding of what the future may look like.

Generally speaking the outlook for a patient with any advanced cancer that had spread throughout the body who isn't having treatment is going to be limited. But how long anyone may have will also depend on a number of factors such as the general health and fitness of the patient and whether they have any other underlying illnesses that could also shorten life. The statistics show that 50% of men with advanced stage 4 prostate cancer survive their disease for 5 years or more.

The important thing as you say is to make sure your dad is kept comfortable as possible and any symptoms he may experience in the future are addressed and managed. It sounds like the team have already said if you dad starts to get pain from the cancer in his bones they may be able to give some radiotherapy to help control this.

Once again it is difficult to predict how someone will deteriorate as the cancer progresses because cancer affects and behaves in each cancer patient so differently. It really is about taking things one step at a time and seeking out advice and support as it is required. I am not sure if your dad has been allocated a palliative care nurse (sometimes called Macmillan nurses) but they are able to be contacted as and when needed. They can also check in on how your dad is doing from time to time to assess his health and needs along the way. They can then refer him on to other services and advise on any symptoms as and when the need should arise.

I hope this is helpful.

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