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Dad just diagnosed. Need advice

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User

Posted 02 May 2025 at 14:43

Hello, hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the sun!

So Oncology called today and said as its been 5 years now they are discharging dad back to the GP. He can carry on having 6 monthly PSA bloods done and if anything does change the GP can refer back to them.

This makes me feel anxious as they are no longer there as a cushion for us. Although, i do understand that they dont have the capacity to keep every case open forever.

Just wanted to check this process was the norm?

Can't believe its been 5 years since diagnosis!

Thank you!

User

Posted 04 May 2025 at 14:06

Yes completely normal to be discharged after 5 years. Just keep an eye on the PSA levels, I think it will be fairly easy to get referred back if the figures start going in the wrong direction.

Dave

User

Posted 04 May 2025 at 14:37

Thank you Dave. That is reassuring to hear

Would you know if we can still contact Macmillan? Not sure if this is still available to us if Oncology has discharged dad.

Hope all is well with you.

User

Posted 04 May 2025 at 18:30

This is from Macmillan's website

"Macmillan Cancer Support is here to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer."

Now I think taking the strictest reading of these words. I and your dad have been discharged, so we are not 'living with cancer' so by that definition, no. However if I and your dad are still living with the effects of cancer, a broader reading says, yes you can still contact them.

If I needed their services I would contact them, I wouldn't be worrying about the exact definition of who can or can't use their services.

Dave

User

Posted 04 May 2025 at 18:47

Thank you Dave. Very helpful as always.

Ah, i didn't realise you had also been discharged from Oncology follow ups.

I would definitely contact them, if need be. Lets hope we don't need to.

I remember how petrified we were when he got diagnosed. Still can't believe its been 5 years. This community is just amazing.

User

Posted 07 May 2025 at 09:38

I have my next 6 monthly PSA check in a few days - I expect I will be booted out from Oncology before long.
I had my RT, Autumn 2019.

User

Posted 07 May 2025 at 17:24

Good luck with the PSA Bob, not that you need it! Onco said they discharge after 5 years but GP can refer back if required. Hopefully they will keep you on their books for longer!

User

Posted 07 May 2025 at 22:47

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Good luck with the PSA Bob, not that you need it! Onco said they discharge after 5 years but GP can refer back if required. Hopefully they will keep you on their books for longer!

As it happens, the blood test is usually done at my GP surgery anyway - which is 70 yards from my home!
Otherwise, it would be a long trek to either Newmarket or Bury Hospital.
It sounds like your Dad is doing fine, or like me - as good as you can expect at our age.
My Life at 76, is plenty of exercise, good plain - not spicy food, keep mind busy, minimal alcohol, no smoking or other ways to poison your body.
A Friend is forever having tummy upsets, she blames on Norovirus - though I think she likes forign spicy food too much - she must be addicted to it 😅

User

Posted 08 May 2025 at 07:40

Same as dad. Bloods done at GP. Your lifestyle sounds just like my dad! At 83 he is very active and healthy.

Good idea to stay away from spicy foods. I can't handle it at all! Keeping it simple is best.

Glad you are keeping well Bob!

User

Posted 29 May 2025 at 10:12

BT was 0,45 so no change thankfully, I'm still under the hospital for my next BT though.

User

Posted 29 May 2025 at 12:29

Brilliant result Bob! It's good they are keeping you on. I think ours would have if it wasn't for lack of staff but i also understand they usually discharge to GP after 5 yrs anyway.

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