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

  • 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

  • Hi sorry about not replying sooner been thinking about what to put.

    i was diagnosed in Feb 2016 PSA was 1580 , cancer gone from prostate to lymph nodes spine ribs pelvis and a lung,I started on hormone therapy then some chemotherapy and PSA dropped to 0 .03 over 2years then rose over 2 to 68 ,so change of hormone therapy down again to 0.6 slow rise again 0.13 last one . 

    i started uncurable now palative care still doing odd jobs around house .im 70 years old . if i can help please ask, remember I'm not medically trained just experience .

    Billy

    PS i think I've been lucky. i try to keep positive and sure think that helps alot of times cancer is harder for relative's and friends .

     

     

     

  • Hi Billy,

    Thank you so much for sharing your story. 
    I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis at such a young age. I hope you have support around you! 
     

    My grandad was initially diagnosed with prostrate cancer around 3 years ago and actively decided against any treatment except hormone therapy which he could do at home.

    It's still quite a shock to come to terms with.

    Stay safe. 
    Maddie 

  • 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

  • Hi Maddie I was originally diagnosed at age 64 is was looking forward to retirement no symptoms to do with cancer.  . apart from I kept being sick which turned out to be hiatus hernia lucky one test persuaded them to do PSA test . and then I joined the club . I've been calling it my univited guest . 

    I was told 5years , over 6 years ago friends I talk to were given months 8+ years ago so im afraid timeline would be a guess even by the experts .

    Take care of yourself remember, and hoping things can be done .

    Billy

    Hope im not getting your hopes up to much as things can go either way .