My father has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer. His PSA level was 6 which is why he had a biopsy done. The 1st Dr. (less experienced) said that his gleason score was 6. He had the slides reviewed by a 2nd Dr. that said his score was actually an 8. Now they want to run tests to see if the cancer has spread to his lymph nodes or bones. My father is only 53 and has always been in good shape (not that cancer cares). The Dr. said that he has a relatively small prostate. Does anyone know what the chances are of the cancer having spread and what treatment options are. I'm just scared and confused and want everything to be OK. My 2 children love their grandfather as well as myself and I just can't believe that this is happening. Anyone in similar situations? What was the outcome?
2006-09-27 07:18:55 · 9 answers · asked by Jessica E 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
My father has it as well (61) and he too is in excellent shape (like you said, like cancer cares), my only advise is to understand all options and be aggressive...... there are a lot of option and this cancer is treatable.......
best of luck to you and your family...
2006-09-27 07:22:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Prostate cancer is a disease that is actually very complicated, even for seasoned oncologists, so don't be discouraged that things are confusing.
There are a few important things to know that provides prognosis for patients: Gleason score, PSA, and the T-stage. It sounds like your father's PSA is < 10, which is good. His prostate cancer was not detectable by physical exam alone, therefore his T-stage (meaning how much the cancer has extended from the prostate) is low, again a good thing. The tricky part is the Gleason score. While 6 and 8 don't sound like they're too different, actually, Gleason 6 is considered low-risk while Gleason 8 is considered high-risk. So the exact Gleason scoring is important to know. Remember though, interpretation of biopsies is subjective, but under an expert pathologist, can be very useful.
With a PSA of 6, it is quite likely that the cancer has not spread elsewhere. The treatment options at this point would be the following: surgery, radiation, or expectant management. Depending on the situation and the patient, there may be an appropriate best option, but there is no absolute right answer. The details of therapy would be best discussed with an oncologist.
2006-09-28 14:24:24 · answer #2 · answered by Cycman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your father is young for prostate cancer. The first advice I would give is that if you have brothers, make sure they get tested earlier than the regular male. It can be a genetic disease. A gleason 4+4 is an intermediately aggressive prostate cancer. I have seen PSA's alot higher though. The best thing would be to have a Retropubic Radical Prostatectomy... at that time is when they can tell if the cancer has metastasized to the lymph nodes as well as look to see the tumor volume and final gleason score. Radiation Therapy and Hormonal Therapy (like Lupron or Casodex) are most common to controlling the disease.
2006-09-28 10:03:48 · answer #3 · answered by Curious 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prostate cancer is a very curable disease, especially if it's caught early. There is no way to tell if your dad's disease has spread until further testing is done. Also, a PSA of 6 is relatively low, but it is more important to know what your dad's normal PSA is and how quickly it has risen. The fact that his prostate is not enlarged is also a good sign. The best indication is his Gleason score (6-8,) which indicates that his cancer is mildly to moderately aggressive. (FYI, the Gleason score is determined by the pathologist who looks at the slides prepared at the time of biopsy, not by the physician.) Treatment options include prostatectomy (removal of the prostate,) hormone treatments, radiation, and occasionally chemo is offered. I treat prostate cancer patients with radiation, and most tolerate the treatment very well and have good outcomes. Best of luck to your dad and your family.
2006-09-27 13:34:44 · answer #4 · answered by cancer killer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My step father had advanced prostate cancer 2 years ago and unfortunately it was not caught until the time it had gone into all areas of his body. He ended up paralysed as the cancer got into his spine and affected his nervous system so he could not walk.
The first sign was back pain which he did not get looked at straight away, then he went to a physiotherapist for treatment and they broke a rib as cancer makes the bones brittle.
By the time we got to the doctor his PSA level was extremely high. They did a scan and found that there were cancers within his upper body that had spread from the prostate.
In order to curb the cancer spreading further he had an operation to remove the part of his scrotum that can stop testosterone being produced. He also went immediately onto treatment in pill form.
During this time we booked for him and his son to go and watch the test match in the BWI to give him some lasting memory and something to live for.
He then gradually worsened and collapsed, this was at the time the cancer went into his spine. He was admitted to hospital and had scans to assess the cancer with the result that he would not walk again. He underwent massive radiotherapy but it was too late. He was given 6 months and lasted over a year but in the end with all the medication his organs gave up and he passed away.
It was a terrible situation.
During the time he had this I spoke to various people. One person had it diagnosed and immediately underwent massive chemo, this halted the cancer and gradually it went away. The best course of action is to move extremely fast and dont be put off by doctors who slow you down - do everything you can to make things happen immediately including treatment if necessary, it can work.
There was a new drug being tested which included shells from sea snails - this was meant to be a miracle cure but it was not being tested in the UK at the time of my experience so I could not get it. You may want to look it up on the internet.
Make sure you have a doctor that is responsive, doesnt phob you off with making you wait and most of all make sure that you see a top consultant if you can afford it.
Good luck. I know it doesnt make it any easier as cancer is so horrible but the best thing you can do is stay strong until all your options are exhausted.
If you want to mail me please do monkeyfunkylala@yahoo.co.uk.
2006-10-01 00:03:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Dad was diagnosed 3 years ago and has been getting treatments. He is 85. Doc told him that the cancer wouldn't be the thing to get him. I guess because of his age. There are books out about it. No two people are the same, so hang in there. Be aware some treatments may give him hot flashes like you wouldn't believe. If your Mom is around and dealing with menopause, she'll appreciate this.
Cancer doesn't have to take him away. My Mom had it twice and died at 80, years after treatment and from old age, not cancer
2006-09-27 07:28:33 · answer #6 · answered by Book0602 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For details of cancer and the cancer industry, and some links to sites with natural cures,. see this site.
Cancer
http://dgwa1.fortunecity.com/body/cancer.html
2006-09-29 21:51:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i wish that i could give you an answer to ease your pain.i dont know much about it.im sorry to hear this ,and i wish you,and your family the best of luck.your father will be in my prayers
http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org/
maybe this will help
2006-09-27 07:22:35 · answer #8 · answered by lori b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i not sure sorry hope you dad get better tho
2006-09-27 07:20:41 · answer #9 · answered by care bear 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋