I have prostate cancer ( 6 ) I will have seed radiation but in the end how will I die ?

Question

What about pain , wasting away , other health problems ?

Answer 1

Gleason's grade 6 is not an automatic death sentence. It is considered intermediate grade. I have a friend who had that diagnosis years ago, saw him at the conference last week, he is fine. He has had to have treatment twice, as his PSA went back up, but he is more vital and needed more in his chosen profession than ever, and is compliant with his doctor and surveillance. Our country needs his skills and I feel sure he will be with us for years to come.

A fairly high percentage of men in your position do not die of their cancer but of other natural causes, usually heart disease, much later in their lives.

Answer 2

Did the doctor say the prostate cancer would take your life? You are going to be getting radiation so what makes you think you are going to die? My dad had/has prostate cancer. He had a radical prostatectomy 15 1/2 years ago. After that he wound up needing a quad heart bypass and valve repair and has also had a mild stoke. He has needed angioplasty with a stent and has had skin cancer. Topping it all off is the cancer came back and they had a hard time finding it but discovered it was in his soft tissue so he had radiation which was helpful but not helpful enough. He is now taking hormone shots monthly and seems stable. Every day he goes out and feeds the deer and the birds and works in his workshop. My brother just took our parents and single uncle to Branson MO last week. The meaning behind all of this is to do what the doctor orders and get a second opinion if you are not sure about what he has ordered but get on with your life and live it to the fullest. You do not have to die just because you have cancer or heart problems or something else. Life is short enough so live it to the best of your ability.

Answer 3

Hi, Why not have your prostate removed? or is it to late for that? You asked some hard questions, I have some hard answers. I just watched my Father die of this a little over a year ago. It is one of the most painful ways to go. The Drs. told us that, but I don't think either one of thought it would be as bad as it was. The cancer goes into the bones with protrate cancer. The only place it didn't go with my Dad was his brain. They have some wonderful pain meds when you get to that stage. I am so sorry for you to have to go through this. May I suggest that if there is anything you have always wanted to tell people you love or care about and you never have, please take the time to do so now. If will mean so much to them, and it will also give them an opportunity to express their love for you also. Terri T.

Answer 4

With out knowing your exact prostrate grade or level. I can only tell you that if you are getting seed radiation. The prognosis is actually pretty good and that type of treatment has a very high mortality rate. Here is a site that is is more specific.
http://www.prostate-cancer.com/hormone-therapy/survival-rates/hormonal-survival-rates.html
Depending on you age and how healthy you were before you were diagnosed will more than likely determine how you die. But this particular cancer you have and the treatment you are receiving seems to suggest you have a quite a few more yrs in you.
Be sure to educate yourself on your disease and all the treatments available. Including support groups in your area.
Here is just one ... I have no idea what you are going through right now..but I do know you aren't alone in this fight and you can survive it!....God Bless
American Cancer Society
Man-to-Man Program
P: 800.227.2345
www.cancer.org
This support group of the American Cancer Society offers advice on coping with illness and the side effects of treatment.

Answer 5

If this is your treatment you are getting advice and help from doctors. Make sure you have a good medical team to advise you and follow their advice.

Surgery is always one option for prostate cancer, and is very effective if the cancer is caught in its early stages. Keep a good attitude, stay busy and involved and stay in your treatment. The chances could be very good that you might die of old age a long time from now.

Pain is usually manageable, even in advanced stages. Wasting away is also a possibility. But it is also possible these might not happen.

Be prepared for the worst, hope and work for the best. Good luck and God bless and keep you.

Answer 6

You won't die from prostate cancer. It is a very slow cancer. Can take years (like 25) to even be a problem.

Where the issue arises is when any cancer spreads. However, because prostate cancer is SO slow, you can make lifestyle changes that can reduce, and even cure, the cancer.

Answer 7

cancers are generally painless hence, they are not picked up unless some other underlying problem surfaces-it is then that doing blood tests, xrays, ct's that a cancer is detected, either a mass or nodule-and sometimes, unfortunately it is in a invasive stage-prostate cancer leads to metastis of the cancer itself as the cancer progresses, meaning that the cancer spreads to the backbone, the lungs, any area that the blood will flow to...you are being treated with radiation, so it is targetting cancer cells and that will prevent early mets or cancer spread...however, don't dwell on when you will pass on, we all will one day, just take comfort in your loved ones and revisit the things you once enjoyed or always wanted to do-ultimately, our journey on earth is to pass on our love, our memories and to learn certain lessons whilst alive...God bless and don't fret....all our sufferings are transient as there is a much higher and loving place awaiting us...

Answer 8

You know that you have cancer so make the best time out of it . Enjoy life for the moments and spend time with your family . My brother in law is as sick as you are and he has a great deal of pain with in him . A lot of anger and frustration too . The other questions a doctor can answer best !
i will keep you in my prayers

Answer 9

I am sorry that you are having to go thru this. Live your life without thinking of the end. You will die peacefully and with no pain.

Answer 10

Keep a positive attitude. My dad is going through the same battle. You have to find a way to look on the plus side. Who knows, they could find a cure tomorrow. You never know. Good luck.