Hey [@Jellies]‍ 

Yup, I reckon the steroids were the main culprits for weight gain. Since stopping I've managed somehow to shed a few pounds and rid myself of the so-called "round face ". I looked like a chubby chipmunk. 

Your data pattern comment made me smile. We both work in the same sector. Im always banging the data driven decision making drum. Well, until it's unhelpful and I resort to the trusty hierarchical method. Ha.

Hope your pill popping regime isn't too bothersome. You will likey do well, being younger like me we can withstand quite a battering.

Take care, you're doing really well!

M

Hi Matthew, 

I came across the forum as my dad has just been diagnosed with a case nearly the same as yours and panic stations have set in.  I was just after a update on how you're coping and how you're doing now?

Many thanks 

Tom

Hello Tom,

Firstly, I am so sorry to hear that your Dad has been diagnosed. The initial feelings of disbelief, shock and fear are of course very real but believe me, he and you will adjust. Many men can expect many years of life given the ongoing development of new interventions and innovations. 

This forum and others such as PC UK are excellent amd safe places to seek counsel and give/receive support. If you're comfortable, tell me about your Dad. 

As for me, I'm newring the end of 20 fractions of radiotherapy to my prostate.  I'm feeling positive despite handing the common side effects. PSA last time I checked was 1.3 and hoping the radiotherapy will knock it lastingly below 1 soon  

Hang in there.  
 

Matthew

[@Jellies]‍ Hi buddy, how are you and yours?

Hi Matthew  radiotherapy went fine, bit of pain hours after and tired for days. Started chemotherapy Monday, 10 sessions every 3 weeks. Lovely Christmas present.  Have to see what side effects hit me. Oh and I've some syringes to self inject from Friday boost my white blood cells, not sure i can do it yet. Nurse was supposed to explain what to do, but went off and i couldn't find her before i left. 

Have to see how things go. 

Billy 

Hi Billy - you're certainly going through an intensive period of treatments (I know the feeling). Best get back to the nurses and see what you need to do. How is your wife and are you coping with all her care arrangements? Lots going on. 
 

No doubt you'll approach this next phase with your characteristic fortitude. 
 

Take care. 

Hi Matthew,
 

Yes it was a massive shock to the system, as we was expecting the prostate cancer but not the spread. As time has gone on we have are slowly coming to terms with it. Just hard not trying to think of it all the time and my dad thinks his time will be up very soon, which I keep assuring him it won't.

Abit of back ground on my dad he's 54 and was weeing all the time. I tried for ages to get him to go to the doctors but wouldn't listen as he thought it was because he was getting older, it wasn't until he had a burning sensation he decided to go to the doctors.Where they did blood tests and his PSA came back at 53.3. So he got referred to the hospital where they done all the tests on him. We went to the hospital on Thursday where they gave us the news that he had prostate cancer and had spread to his pelvis and rib. The Gleason score was 4 + 5. They have started him on hormone injections and has been referred to the oncologist.

Did the radiotherapy and chemotherapy knock you about much? Me and my dad are self employed bricklayers and he's worrying about money and the amount of time he's going to have off. He has life insurance and critical cover which we will be sorting out soon so hopefully that will be able to take a weight off his shoulders. I know he likes being at work to so we don't want him to be lost without it, but it is what it is.

Really happy to see you're doing well and getting the results you want. Thank you for replying and I wish you and your family all the best.

many thanks 

Tom

Hi Mathew. All ok with my boss still gives orders daily and must be obeyed. 

I've found a neighbour who has injection same as me and going to show me what to do this evening.  So getting sorted finally. 

Carers are a laugh turning up anytime or not a all or just a phone call from there office saying is earlier or later ok. Simple answer no supposed to be set time. 

Luckily im still managing ok yet. 

Billy 

Billygoat

I have the same injection.  It is called Neulasta. 

The Nurse came and did the first one for me and my plan for the next one is to look away and the missus can do it.  She did all my Clexane injections after my prostatectomy.

Best of luck with the chemo.  Hopefully you can get through it. We are both starting around the same time but I have 6 cycles.

Before my first cycle I had to take Dexamethazone tablets which made me feel dizzy and was slurring my speech.  Am hoping it's not as bad this time round. 

Rory