Dad just diagnosed. Need advice

Thank you Lyn.

Yes we did question him only having 6 months of HT. I did also post it on here. We were told from the Onco that because his cancer was confined to the prostate, he would only require 6 months of HT in total. We even got a letter confirming this. I spoke to the McMillan nurses and also Prostate cancer nurses who said it is not unheard of. I hope the correct decision re his treatment plan has been made. The Onco at Mount Vernon hospital does seem to be reputable. 

Thanks for the information for post treatment stuff. I have never understood what was meant by nadir but now i see it means the lowest reading. 

Really hoping the Radiotherapy has worked. Does RT ever fail?

Onco says I'm on track for a complete recovery - I hope he is right.

They are rather short, many recruited by track & trace - more money there, I guess?

Hello,

I thought i would check in and give an update re dad.

It has nearly been a month now since the end of RT. He is generally well. The main side effects so far have been more than usual bowl movements and getting up nearly every hour at night to empty bladder. Getting up every hour is causing him lack of sleep so he is getting a bit down about this. Will this improve in time?

He has his last Zoladex implant next Thursday. We were told his next PSA test would be in February when he has the telephone consultation with the oncologist. We were told this is because sometimes RT can cause the PSA to raise, so it is best to wait a few months.

However, today we got a text from the radiotherapy department regarding a follow up telephone appointment for next week and to ensure he has PSA done before. I remember asking them about this on the last day of his RT and they told us to wait till February. Any idea if this is normal?

I am not sure if the nurse will have any appointments to fit dad in. I will call the Radiotherapy department tomorrow and get some clarity.

He is managing hot flushes with evening primrose oil and sage. Definitely helps.

Hope everyone is well and looking forward to the holidays.

Haha! I defo will remind dad of that! I think he is just tired from lack of sleep as he is having to go loo so much. Hopefully in time it will improve.

He has the oncologist apt in February. I was just told my the surgery to book his bloods in early as there is a backlog of apts! I hope he is able to get an appointment! Such hassles.

Enjoy the xmas break and stay safe.

One thing I've learnt the last few years, after two operations for different cancers, is that it's best to ask if you have any concerns at all.

Yes, it is very common, it will settle with time - things will be a bit inflamed down there! I had it & I understand, it is unusual for it NOT to occur. 

Bleeding is common after radiotherapy, definitely worth mentioning I think.

Hello! 

Quick update. Dad had the last (hopefully) Zoladex implant yesterday. 

That is a total of 6 months of HT treatment.

Onco apt is in Feb. Have booked PSA test for mid January. 

He has not experienced any more blood when he empties bowels. Still getting up every hour at night to empty bladder, which is really getting him down now.

He will  mention all this to the radiologist when they call next week.

So now i guess it is all about PSA tests and observations. Hopefully treatment has worked and we can have some positive times ahead.

I will post updates on PSA results and any other side effects etc.

I am so grateful to have found this group and thank you so much for all the support and advice.

Have a good xmas break and a better 2021.. we hope!

Hi Dave,

Nice to hear from you.

Dad has coped better than what we imagined.. for now. We are aware he could have late onset of side effects.

We have a bottle like this but he refuses to use it! Just hope the night time wee's get less.

Hope you are keeping well. I have been reading some of your posts.

Take care and stay safe