Recent incurable diagnosis… PSA 200.. help!

Hi all,

My grandad received news today that his prostrate cancer has spread to his bladder, lymph nodes and a multitude of bones. He has a PSA of 200 which is increasing rapidly. 
Hes undergoing hormone therapy and has been for 2 years, and has been offered palliative radiotherapy to help with the pain. 
Has anyone had a similar situation? I am someone who needs the full picture... how long does he realistically have? I'm getting married in 18 months and if he's not going to be there, I need to prepare myself. 
My mum was too afraid to ask the consultant the time line question as my grandad was understandly distressed. 
He's 84. 
Thanks in advance x

Parents
  • Hi crazycatlady! I think we may share a love of cats! So sorry to hear about you Grandad. It must be a very difficult time for you and your family. I have breast cancer myself and although I have not had a family member with cancer I did lose a very dear friend to bladder cancer which had spread to other areas in his body. You must remember that everyone is different so anything I say may not be the same for him. My friend had about a year between being told it was terminal and passing away. He was OK for about 9 months and then deteriorated quite quickly towards the end. With your wedding on the horizon I would try and get a time line from the oncologist, maybe in a few weeks when the shock of the diagnosis is less acute. It sound as if you have a caring family and I'm sure you will love and support him. I hope this note helps, keep strong, thinking of you, Mog, xx

Reply
  • Hi crazycatlady! I think we may share a love of cats! So sorry to hear about you Grandad. It must be a very difficult time for you and your family. I have breast cancer myself and although I have not had a family member with cancer I did lose a very dear friend to bladder cancer which had spread to other areas in his body. You must remember that everyone is different so anything I say may not be the same for him. My friend had about a year between being told it was terminal and passing away. He was OK for about 9 months and then deteriorated quite quickly towards the end. With your wedding on the horizon I would try and get a time line from the oncologist, maybe in a few weeks when the shock of the diagnosis is less acute. It sound as if you have a caring family and I'm sure you will love and support him. I hope this note helps, keep strong, thinking of you, Mog, xx

Children
  • Hi Mog! 
    I think we must! I have 2 cats, my absolute babies! Who, I must say, have clearly known there is something wrong and have been giving me lots of cuddles and affection the last couple days! 
    I have heard this before, and I must say, it's the bit I am most dreading- the sudden decline in health. 
    I am very sorry to hear about your friend. I hope they suffered no pain. 
    Its going to take some time before my grandad is ready to ask that question about timeline but I do agree, I would like to know. It's going to be a tough few months.
    Stay safe.

    Maddie x