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Husband diagnosed at 53

User
Posted 11 Jul 2026 at 21:00

Hi

What a whirlwind of a month! Husband contacted the doctor after having night time symptoms for 3 weeks. No other symptoms. Within 3 days he'd had a PSA test, urine test and a referral for suspected cancer (psa 2097)

The next two weeks saw a prostate examination, biopsies, MRI and bone scan. Had Degarelix at the first urology appointment to put a brake on things and last week had prostap. 

We had his urology appointment on Friday where they confirmed advanced cancer, spread to lymph nodes in his pelvis, looks like his hip and some ribs. We'd kind of prepared for the worst but it was still massive shock. He's been referred to oncology for a treatment plan, where I'm sure we'll get more answers. They also took a blood sample to see if the injections have brought his PSA down, will find out on Monday 

He is being so positive, seeing it as a chronic illness which needs managing.  His diet was already pretty good but he's cut out coffee and is generally being more careful.

User
Posted 12 Jul 2026 at 13:30

Hi , sorry that you find yourself self here . It can be quite quiet at the weekend so hold on and you will get reply’s .
My husband was 55 at diagnosis, PSA lower but Gleason was 4+5 . His had spread to lymph nodes and was told it was incurable. His treatment was hormone injections every 12 weeks and also a course of 6 chemotherapy sessions over 18 weeks .
His PSA came down rapidly too after about 3/4 chemo sessions. He then was lucky enough to be enrolled onto a trial ( worth asking if any around at the moment) He still has the prostap injections every 12 weeks and on ABI which is another hormone . Yes life will be different but he’s still going strong 10 yrs along .
Stay strong .
Debby .

Edited by member 12 Jul 2026 at 14:07  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 12 Jul 2026 at 14:04

Sorry you're here, I know this is a worrying time but sounds like a treatment plan will be available soon.

Considering his age and assuming he is fit to handle the side effects I'd be looking at the most aggressive treatment on offer.

Hopefully this will get things under control. Diet is important too, but no need to obsess about it, but certain adjustments can help counter side effects of the treatment, your onco or clinical nurse should be able to advise on this.

Keep positive and post anything on your mind.

Some very knowledge and understanding people on here.

Edited by member 12 Jul 2026 at 14:10  | Reason: Not specified

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User
Posted 12 Jul 2026 at 13:30

Hi , sorry that you find yourself self here . It can be quite quiet at the weekend so hold on and you will get reply’s .
My husband was 55 at diagnosis, PSA lower but Gleason was 4+5 . His had spread to lymph nodes and was told it was incurable. His treatment was hormone injections every 12 weeks and also a course of 6 chemotherapy sessions over 18 weeks .
His PSA came down rapidly too after about 3/4 chemo sessions. He then was lucky enough to be enrolled onto a trial ( worth asking if any around at the moment) He still has the prostap injections every 12 weeks and on ABI which is another hormone . Yes life will be different but he’s still going strong 10 yrs along .
Stay strong .
Debby .

Edited by member 12 Jul 2026 at 14:07  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 12 Jul 2026 at 14:04

Sorry you're here, I know this is a worrying time but sounds like a treatment plan will be available soon.

Considering his age and assuming he is fit to handle the side effects I'd be looking at the most aggressive treatment on offer.

Hopefully this will get things under control. Diet is important too, but no need to obsess about it, but certain adjustments can help counter side effects of the treatment, your onco or clinical nurse should be able to advise on this.

Keep positive and post anything on your mind.

Some very knowledge and understanding people on here.

Edited by member 12 Jul 2026 at 14:10  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 12 Jul 2026 at 18:27

Thankyou both

Yeah he is good health, blood tests shows organs working as they should be and he's in a good position to take any treatment 

 

Merrivale, Great news that your husband is still going strong 10 years own. That's our hope, we have a 16 year old daughter and 13 year old son x

User
Posted 12 Jul 2026 at 19:09

Hi,

Terribly sorry you had to join the forum, but you'll find all kinds of advice, information and support here.

Early detection is really important and hopefully for your husband that will lead to a good prognosis. 

You are about to become experts in a lot of medical jargon and terminology. The best advice I could offer you is to be well prepared for any consultations and be ready to fight your corner. The NHS can do some wonderful things, but it is also capable of dropping the ball spectacularly and often.

My brother wasn't referred for RT due to a communication SNAFU. Appointments were cancelled and time was lost on the silliest of things.

His cancer was very advanced when it was detected and the treatments they could offer had no effect on it. So he's now on palliative care at home.

Be your own advocate, no one will guide you through the process or offer meaningful advice on treatment options. 

All you can do is care for each other and your kids, keep them in the loop and help them to understand what's happening to their dad. 

Stay strong and please stay in touch of the chat room, it really does help 

Mick xx

 

 
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