All cancers are particular to the person who has them, just like we as individuals are all different. When we are given a prognosis, this is at best a "guesstimate", based on average figures for that type and stage of cancer. There are people who have been given months, who are still here several years later and sadly, also those who pass before their predicted time.
Have you been given a cancer diagnosis? We are always here for you.
Since my first admission to hospital when I was struggling to get enough oxygen I have understood that there is no cure for my prostate cancer which had already spread to lymph nodes, lungs and bones. In reality I have only come to terms with the state of my palliative care when my recent consultation with an oncologist gave me the options available. Previously the urologists have been in charge of my medication and treatment. However, my GP has provided me with the nearest to a prognosis and he has done an excellent job. Presently my very positive attitude and happy disposition gives me hope of seeing Christmas this year and my birthday in May 2026. Pain is presently non existent and my condition feels fairly stable except for some occasional joint pain when walking. I realise a fall or missed step could result in spine cord compression so I a am ultra cautious.
I am so sorry to hear that your cancer has already spread and that there is no cure, Is there any possibility of immunotherapy or targeted therapy to slow down the rate of growth? You are doing well to remain positive and happy in yourself. A positive attitude is a great help when trying to beat this. It is good news that all seems fairly stable at present and that you only have occasional joint pain, which I hope is not too severe.
I nursed my mum who developed secondary cancer, after having primary breast cancer for 12 years. Hers had spread to her brain, bones, liver and lungs and we only had 4 months with her after her secondary diagnosis.
Just try not to be over cautious when walking. I completed treatment for 2 bouts of breast cancer and 1 of pre-cancer, all within the same year. My bones were all fine on the scan with no sign of Osteoporosis following treatment. That was all 15 years ago, but I managed to break 4 bones in my foot recently, when I was standing on the floor closing a Velux window - I don't know how, as my bones still look quite strong.
Take care Peter and please remember that we are always here for you.
Hi HPeter, I've got Stage 4 prostate Cancer which has spread to my lymph, bones and bladder. I've just had my 5th Chemo with one more to go. My Docs won't commit to how long I've got but I'm trying to make the most of it. The way I see it is that I've just been giving a "timetable" to follow so I'm trying to do what I can in the time. As Jolamine rightly says it is just a guesstimate of how long you or I have and I find that people can be too pessimistic at times or not want to commit themselves. I'm not sure what they are expecting - that I'm going to sue them or something. How much mobility do you have? I'm quite lucky as in I'm actually able to do quite a lot, there is of course the chemo side-effects which have been getting worse as the treatment goes on but I'm trying to do what I can. I've cashed in a pension for £6,000 and have bought myself a couple of bikes - I've always loved motorcycles so I've bought ones I like while I can still ride a bit. One of them is a trike so I should be able to ride that a bit longer. Its my balance that's the killer for me - I crushed my right ankle a few years ago and the cancer cells loved that, they've made a nice little happy home for themselves. You can see it in the bone scan, the brilliant white all around the ankle as well as the hip and various other places. The way I'm handling things is simply that I'm going to die at some point but at least this way I'm not going to be one of those old 'uns in a nursing home sat there on a old chair stinking of p*ss just waiting to die. I'm still fairly mobile and compos mentis so I'm going to do what I can RIGHT now before I get any worse.. So I'm looking forward to the Chemo ending in 4 weeks time, the week after the last Chemo, they're going to do another CT scan with the iodine and we'll see how things are. If its not good news then I'm going to go and tour the UK and maybe a bit of Europe in the camper van. My parents bought me that when they heard the news - they're 85 and I may well die before them - what an absolute joke. What are you going to be doing? What plans have you got?
I’m 85 was diagnosed 13 months ago and from playing golf and ebiking every week I was too late for chemo and radiotherapy so went straight onto a 12 weekly treatment of hormones as PSA was 229. By Christmas it had fallen to 12 but noe the effects are not so active and I’ve got cancer throughout my bones. Falling is my biggest fear being 6 foot 3in and now have added weight mainly due to the hormone therapy which comes with regular hot flushes and increased boobs! I’ve taken the view that prevention is better than cure. I have two stair lifts to our apartment, an indoor 4 wheeler with a tray which is in constant use and acts as a mobile desk or tray. A similar lightweight carbon fibre buggy has a seat. So I can walk and take a rest as desired. I continue volunteering at the Windermere Jetty Museum where I have an intimate knowledge of many of the boats and local history. Finally I have a lightweight battery driven pavement buggy which is for use when shopping or being in a place where a wheelchair is desirable. My wife is not going to be able to push me around in a wheelchair. But my main attribute is a very positive out look on life backed up by an ability to remain in good spirits, ignoring everything around which might bring possible negativity. Classical music is preferable to news, newspapers and critical gossip. I wake each day with joy and expectation of meeting friends during the day, sharing happy tales and a sense of humour. I do not read newspapers, dwell on sad events but live in a world of miles of smiles. Treatment now consists of a 12 hourly morphine pill to keep possible pain away plus a daily steroid which supports my buoyant approach to adversity and the possibility of not living more than a few months. 13 months ago it seems I was very close to dying with low oxygen levels and cancer thought to be in the lungs and lymph nodes. I sleep very well but have a hospital bed and a number of physical aids to assist showering and toilet usage. I am obsessed with keeping free of old men smells but occasionally accidents happen and I’m well equipped wherever I go. I still drive a few miles but rarely more than 35. I have great support from the palliative care team. My family are based 275 miles away so friends and my wife’s family are incredibly supportive. Ans so I look forward to a new day, meeting friends later this morning and enjoying some shade from the intense heat of this unpredictable climate. Long distance travel is now very unlikely. Good luck to fellow suffers and keep smiling
