Devastating news - partner diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer

My partner received a call last Tuesday from our GP practice with the results of his MRI, which was to tell us he had prostate cancer that had spread to bones. We had to wait until yesterday for the call to go through the next stages. Today we were called in for the biopsy and to get him started on hormone injections. We are very grateful they saw us a day after finding out the next steps into his diagnoses and treatment (due to a cancellation) However, we met the cancer specialists nurse afterwards who administered the injections (Loading dose) She also went through the full findings and the bone spread is in the pelvis, femur, right hip bone but advised the spine was clear. They automatically did a bone scan due to his age (47) and have requested more tests to see if the bladder has been affected and a CT scan to check the whole body for cancer. The CNS advised she feels the biopsy score will likely be a 4 or 5 due to the spread of the cancer. My partner had a genetic test on the biopsy to see if he has inherited a gene. This could mean my daughter might be a carrier too. They are talking about triple therapy. 1. Hormone injections, 2. Hormone tablets and 3. Chemo. He has started the hormone injections today which is really good. The CNS said we are still looking at years not months or weeks, but I'm in complete shock. This man hasn't been to a GP for over 20 years, never had any symptoms until April. I'm soo scared what this means for his quality of life and what we have in terms of 'years'. I know I shouldn’t but I'm so frightened of what might be. We have a 4 year old who starts school in September. I just hope we have good quality time together and many years to come even after this awful information today. 

  • Hello Orvy

    I'm sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis. Undoubtedly this will have been very difficult news to hear and it's understandable that you have lots of questions, concerns and fears for the future. 

    I can see that you've been chatting with Eddiel on another thread and that his story gave you some hope and reassurance. Heopfully as time goes on you will be able to connect with others who are in similar circumstances. 

    In the meantime I wanted to give you some information about additional sources of support that you may want to access either now or at some point int he future. 

    There is an organisation called Shine Cancer Support who support people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who are diagnosed with cancer. They also run a Plus Ones Circle programme  which you might be interested in. 

    It's also worth checking to see if there is a Maggie's centre in your local area. They are a great source of face to face support and information. 

    Here at Cancer Research UK we have a team of nurses that you can call to talk with if you feel that would be helpful at any point. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Please know that the Cancer Chat community is here for you Orvy. Keep in touch if it helps to have a safe space to put down in writing how you're feeling, ask questions or simply chat with others who understand. We'll do all we can to support you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator