Hi,
progressive isn't a word that is usually used in relation to prostate cancer diagnosis so perhaps he misheard or you did? My guess is that they told him it was advanced and they may also have said it was aggressive? It seems that it has spread outside your dad's prostate and there is no cure or other treatment to offer - once it has spread they can't get it all with an operation or radiotherapy and chemo doesn't cure cancer (although for some men it can make the HT work more effectively).
However, don't make the mistake of thinking he is 'only' having hormones.
Hormone therapy is very clever. Actually, prostate cancer is very clever but HT is more so. There are two types of HT. One stops the body from making testosterone and since PCa needs testosterone to survive, the cancer starves. The other type disguises whatever testosterone is still hanging around so that the cancer can't find it. Your dad should very quickly find that the tumours start to shrink and any pain or problems weeing that he might (or might not) have will start to get better. Some men stay well on HT for 10 years or more and we have had members who have done 14 years! Sadly, HT doesn't work for everyone and then there are other things that can be tried to slow it down a bit.
Did dad tell you where the cancer has spread to? That sometimes makes a difference to how well the hormone treatment works.
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
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User
Hi,
ThankYou for you're reply to my message. Both my Dad and myself are overwhelmed with information, it's all so much to take in right now.
Before Christmas he was told his Prostate was enlarged, now the news its cancer. It's a very emotional time, lots of negative thoughts.
ThankYou for you're detailed reply. Hopefully as the days go foreword will learn more and understand better.
Kind Regards
User
Have they actually told him it has spread? Sometimes men are put on HT in preparation for radiotherapy, which is curative. Did they mention radiotherapy?
Phone the number at the top of the page tomorrow and order a copy of the toolkit - it will clear the muddy waters.
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
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User
Hi Alex,
Your dad should have a letter from GP / Hosp detailing his full diagnosis
- in very simple terms everyone is 'coded' to a system. Have a look here
http://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information/just-diagnosed/what-do-my-test-results-mean
If you can post a little about treatment, appointments so far and approx dates it will assist members to understand and help in their responses. There are numerous 'weapons' to tackle the cancer at whatever stage it is. As Lyn states. do order the toolkit.
The treatment approach and options can vary from geographically area, etc . They is no 'standard' solution 'fits all' - that is why this forum is so valuable in my opinion.
Welcome
Gordon
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