Hi music_man.
I'm about the same age as you. In 2009, my dad who was then 81 years old, told me that he'd been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He told me it was nothing to worry about and that they were keeping an eye on him. Ashamedly, I never asked how bad it was, and at the time knew very little about the disease. He told me that he had to visit the hospital every three months for blood tests and injections in his stomach. I now presume this was for PSA checks and HT.
As long as I can remember he'd always had urinary problems, having to get up half a dozen times a night for a wee, but apart from that he appeared fine.
Life continued as normal. However, about 7 years later, he suddenly became very frail, wasn't eating well and had pains in his lower back and left leg. I took him to the doctors and apparently his PSA was in the thousands. I took him for a scan and unfortunately he was riddled with the disease. They said he was so poorly that I shouldn't have even transported him to the hospital.
Mum who was looking after him couldn't cope anymore, I moved in with them to help out. Only a couple of days later I could see he was really struggling. He wouldn't eat or drink. I telephoned his GP who refused a home visit. I telephoned MacMillan and a nurse attended within hours. It was quite obvious that he was fading fast and whilst we were organising moving him to a hospice he passed away peacefully in bed. He died aged 88 years.
I'm posting this because, unlike your good self, I still feel guilty for not looking into his condition as much I should have done.
I'm now presuming that his disease was very serious, when he was first diagnosed, yet apart from the last few days of his life, he was leading a relatively normal life. I'm hoping this gives you some comfort.
Knowing what I know now, I think my dad was a hero.
Best of luck. My thoughts are with you and your dad.
Edited by member 25 Jul 2024 at 18:04
| Reason: Typo