Extent of prostate cancer

zippy753 · New User Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 1

My father has been fighting prostate cancer for several years. Unfortunately, I live on the west coast and he lives in the Midwest - we see each other once or twice a year. He is always optimistic and I've been blind to the extent of his condition because of his attitude.

When I saw him 6 months ago, he seemed in really good shape and I wasn't worried at all. Now I understand that it spread to his spine and has eaten away his bone, he just had some kind of cement treatment that will keep his bones together. According to my sister, he is losing a lot of weight, his PSA shot up quickly, and is on morphine to kill the pain. He also has some kind of isotope that's supposed to destroy cancer cells inside. He has been getting his treatment from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

Now I'm worried and I'm going to fly out in two weeks to see him. I know that each person is different, but I'd like to know other peoples experience with bone metastases and weight loss. Can someone's condition degrade so quickly? How fast can prostate cancer take someone?

I can't help feeling like I'll never see him again; I guess I just want reassurance that this doesn't have to be the end of the road and it's possible to have some more time to visit and he won't suffer.

Thank you.

chrisz · Regular Joined: 09 Apr 2007 Posts: 31

Zippy,

I lost a close friend to PC recently. He was 52. From the time of
diagnoses to death was only one year. He did wait too long to go to the doctor, but the type of Prostate cancer he had was VERY aggressive.

Most PC is slow growing. I have an uncle who has had it for almost 20 years now. It has slowly spread to his bones about 3 years ago, but the Docs have had great success in slowing his cancer.

I done alot of reading, and research and there are many grades of PC. But that's only part of the story, as every body's body can react differently to the different grades of PC.

See your father ASAP because from what you have written, time is short.
He should be made a comfortable as possible with pain meds. In fact
some people actually die from pain med. overdose. But that's the way I want to go. Go to sleep, and never wake up again.

Since age 50 I have seen so much suffering with my family and friends that I find that that's the most important thing. That is, to suffer as little as possible. Dieing, I feel, is when the peace begins.

Chrisz

brainman · Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 1:48 pm Post subject: Re: Extent of prostate cancer

Zippy, I am truly sad that your father is declining so rapidly! Is he still alert and eating at least a little? If not, the end is very near. If he is still alert and eating some, even if he is losing weight, he still has a chance to live a few more months with the aggressive treatment that he is receiving. Bluntly ask his medical team about his prognosis. Mayo Clinic is one of the best in the world!

My advice to you, especially since you can spend so little time with him, is to spend each day as if it was your last day to see him alive. I know this may be difficult. Do not leave anything unsaid or undone that later you will regret. Make sure you express your love for him in words and deed. Make sure you give in at least one hug every day. If he wants to see someone in particular before he dies, try to make that happen.... etceteras.

I will keep you and your father in my prayers and thoughts. My father died last September so I can understand what you must be going through.
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