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User
Posted 16 Jan 2016 at 18:12

Hi. My son who is just 46 was diagnosed with advanced prostrate cancer last January. He has had chemo and is now on radiotherapy course and has another six days left. He does not talk to me much about it all, his way of coping. However, I understand from his girl friend that he has a swollen penis which is making it hard to wee.  Is this a usual symptom can anyone tell me please. I am so very worried about him and my heart aches for what he is going through physically and in his mind.  Thanks

User
Posted 16 Jan 2016 at 20:32

Hi Jackwyn,


This needs to be followed up with your son's specialist nurse or medical team. He may have lymphoedema which can caused by lymph glands not working properly either due to the disease, you don't say where the cancer was at diagnosis, or caused by damage to the abdominal lymph glands from the treatments. There can be residual internal swelling from RT for instance . The lymph glands are unable to perform their normal function of draining bodily fluids hence the swelling. It needs proper diagnosis and treatment if it is lymphoedema. Some Macmillan centres have specialist nurses who advise and treat, also there is a charity, the Lymphoedema Support Network I think it's called, who have an excellent help line and will advise on treatment.


My partner had genital lymphoedema, though he had an indwelling catheter. It had to be removed as the swelling was causing discomfort around the tip of the penis where the catheter came out. Your son's problem may improve after the RT but the last thing he needs is increased problems urinating. I may be over reacting here but please advise him to get it checked out. My heart goes out to him, very early to be diagnosed with advanced PCa but we do have men in their 40's and 50's in a similar predicament. You will get a lot of help and support from the site, we have many relatives  and partners who post here, Regards,


 


Fiona.

User
Posted 16 Jan 2016 at 20:52
Hi Jackwyn

Fiona has answered responsibly and with a very genuine concern. The situation your son is in needs to be checked out medically.
However I am also very concerned for the position you are in. When a parent learns of their child's diagnosis of cancer it must be devastating after all most of us would change places in a heartbeat but we cannot. Thank goodness your son's girlfriend has confided in you and that you have found this forum.

Even if it turns out not to be lymphodema any problems urinating need to be checked, urine retention can become extremely painful and serious.

I cannot tell you how to proceed but I would return your son's girlfriend's trust and confidence and maybe show her what has been said here. Just let her know how much you appreciate her coming to you because you want to help her and your son any way you can.

I really feel for you
xx
Mo
User
Posted 17 Jan 2016 at 09:39

Hello Jackwyn and welcome, although I see you joined as a member in June 2015 so that's a bit belated.


I was sorry to read in your bio that you lost your husband in 2013 to liver cancer, and now to have a son also with cancer that has spread must be very hard for you.


My then teenage grandson and my daughter also had cancer at the same time so I know how hard it is to stay positive, although we were helped by how positive they both were.


Like Fiona and Mo I would say your son needs help to sort this out. Have you considered asking advice from the site's specialist nurses. If they too feel that it is important to be proactive then you are armed with the necessary information for his girlfriend to pass on to him.


I do feel for you and send you and your family my very best wishes.


Sandra


 

Edited by member 17 Jan 2016 at 09:40  | Reason: Not specified

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