Hello, my 79 ye old Dad has just been told his prostate cancer is terminal, he didn’t want to know how long he may have left but Mum and I do-how can we find out, recognising it’s never an exact science of course
Hello, my 79 ye old Dad has just been told his prostate cancer is terminal, he didn’t want to know how long he may have left but Mum and I do-how can we find out, recognising it’s never an exact science of course
Just enjoy each day life has to offer with your dad. Create some nice memories being together as a family and dont go down that path of estimating life expectancy.
Hi Pepa, and welcome to the forum, I too have prostate cancer, which is "treatable" but not curable and as you say a prognosis is difficult, since diagnosis 2.5 years ago mine has changed 4 times so now I take no notice of it, as a result life is much better, counting down your days to somebody's guesstimate is not a thing I wanted to be doing, and I guess your dad feels the same, as for getting a prognosis, if your dad is of sound mind, you will have to get his ok to ask his consultant, but please have a little think about it first, best wishes to all your family.
Eddie xx
Hello Pepa and thanks for your post,
I am sorry to hear about your dad.
Prognosis is a difficult thing to predict with prostate cancer and doctors are reluctant/unable to give an accurate time frame, as when they give an estimation it is based on other patients with a similar cancer. People vary on how their body responds to cancer.
A lot will depend on the stage and grade of the cancer and whether your dad has any other health conditions.
Your dad's doctors are the only one's who can give you an idea about time frames but you would need to ask your dad's permission in the first place.
We have some general information on survival of prostate cancer based on stage which you may find helpful to look at.
We have some general information on coping with advanced prostate cancer
I hope some of these links may be helpful. You are very welcome to ring and chat this through with one of the helpline nurses. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.
All the best,
Catherine
Thanks Catherine