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Step dads diagnosis

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User
Posted 12 Jan 2016 at 20:20
Hi bladerunner,

Thanks for the link. No they didn't give him the option of chemo at all? Just hormone therapy and radiotherapy if it's contained or just hormone therapy if it's spread. Not sure if that's because of his Gleason score and because they think it wouldn't be worth it? I have passed the link onto my mum though so she can mention it to the consultant. Thank you

User
Posted 12 Jan 2016 at 21:21
Hi Steph,

I'm not an expert on hormone therapy, but as I understand it (and correct me if I'm wrong someone) hormone therapy works by lowering the level of testosterone. Testosterone makes the cancer cells grow faster, so by giving hormones the rate of growth slows down.

Steph, have you downloaded the toolkit on this site? I'm sure there's an absolute mound of stuff on all options, and they're written really well.

Louise

User
Posted 15 Jan 2016 at 22:44

Hi

Sorry to hear about your stepdad. You mention about the hotspots found on the bone scan, but at this stage it does not seem clear just what these are. It is possible they could be something else beside cancer. Whatever the case I believe a great deal could be done and will be done for your stepdad. Obviously if he can have radiotherapy as well as the hormone therapy this would be great. But even if not, hormone therapy itself is very effective at treating prostate cancer anywhere in the body, not just in the prostate and could prolong his life for a good number of years. Every individual is different, and I believe there is lot that those of us with pca can do to help ourselves by way of diet, appropriate supplements, exercise and having the support of family and friends and other people like the Prostate Cancer UK specialist nurses. My message is whatever the diagnosis there is a very great deal that can be done to help your stepdad.

                                                                        Best wishes

                                                                                     Richard

User
Posted 15 Jan 2016 at 23:35
Steph

My hubby has only ever had hormone therapy. Diagnosed Dec 2010, Gleason 10 with spread. There's plenty of hope for your step dad.

Lots of love

Devonmaid xx

User
Posted 16 Jan 2016 at 11:39
Hi devonmaid,

That is such a relief to hear. I'm sorry your going through it too. It's very scarey but it is so reassuring to hear how well hormone therapy actually works. His cancer nurse has been wonderful too and has been on the end of the phone every time we have needed her. Thank you to everyone who has commented, it's armed me with the knowledge I have needed and knowledge is power. I am feeling more optimistic now, as soon as I heard the word cancer that was it panic mode set In. I have told my family about this wonderful site and the positive stories and advice people have given me and I can't thank each of you enough. It's rubbish we are on here to begin with but I'm glad we are all there for each other on this journey.

User
Posted 17 Jan 2016 at 14:12

Hi Steph

Can I add my moral support to you and your stepdad. As others have said, there are many different types of hormone therapy and the toolkit provided by prostatecanceruk.org is very clear and informative. My understanding is that they can keep the lid on the little blighter for many years so important to stay positive.

All the best to you and your family.

 
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