Husband diagnosed with prostate cancer for third time

My husband had radical prostatectomy for cancer 11 years ago.  Over 5 years later the cancer returned to the bed of where prostate had been and he had intense targeted radiotherapy treatment and psa retuned to 0. Recently his psa started rising again and after several tests including Ct scan, MRI and pet scan it is confirmed the cancer has spread to abdomen in lymph nodes.  He can’t tolerate hormone therapy so can’t have chemo.  I’m so scared and he only told me after he received 4 hospital letters in the same day.  Is this stage 4? 

  • Hi Doris, and welcome, sadly lymph node positive prostate cancer is seen as stage 4, which along with limited treatment options, is something we share my friend, but there are treatments available, you can have chemotherapy as a stand alone treatment, HT alongside isn't always needed, and if just a few nodes are affected maybe surgery or SABR could be an option, there are also targeted and immuno therapies as well as clinical trials to consider.

    Eddie xx 

  • Hello DorisW, and thank you for your post,

    I am sorry to learn that your husband's prostate cancer has come back again. This must not be easy for you both.

    Your husband's specialist or specialist nurse (CNS) who knows his situation are best placed to confirm what this means for him.

    When a cancer has spread to another part of the body such as an organ or lymph nodes this is likely to be stage 4. I can appreciate this is difficult to read.

    Your husband's team will also work out what the best treatment will be for him.

    It can be a scary time when there is a lot of uncertainty and if you can just take one step at a time, I know this is easier said than done.

    If you would like to speak with one of our nurses on the helpline then give us a call. We are available between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and the free phone number to call is 0808 800 4040.

    Take care,

    Jemma