OT The C word

[Arthur1947]

Just found out today my father has prostate cancer . I'm worried. He's been getting his annual check-ups so I'm sure they caught it early. Has anyone gone through this treatment? I've heard that treatment is less invasive and more successful than breast cancer. My mother had cancer in the early nineties and that was very difficult.

Best.

ARTHU

[Joe Flanagan]

Arthur,

I believe prostate cancer is the slowest growing and most treatable form of cancer. They say you are much more likely to die WITH it than to die OF it. I have had a lot of prostate trouble myself. Not from cancer but from a condition known as BPH, benign prostate hyperplasia. Fancy name for enlarged prostate. I'm 49, which is young for that condition but as the doctor told me, you have to live somewhere on the curve. Anyway, that's when I started reading about prostate cancer because I thought I might have it. I think if you have to have cancer, that's the type to have. Do you know anything else, like how extensive it is?

[Joe Flanagan]

Forgot to add that if they plan to remove tissue from the prostate, they will likely do it arthroscopically, which means sending a scope and a cutting tool right up the . . . . You got it. The front end. I've gone through this twice. You're under general anaesthesia. When you wake up, you're hooked up to a catheter and have a bag strapped to your leg. It's no fun but it's not agony either, by any means. But that first time you have to go, believe me, it will put you on your toes. From what you say, I wouldn't worry. He's had regular checkups. Keep us posted on how he's doing.

[Niel Hoback]

Check today's news about Andrew LLoyd Webber. Same thing and the prognosis is what you're looking for.

[Phil Martin]

I had prostate cancer in 2002. Took out the gland no chemo or anything.

[Arthur1947]

Guys that's a major relief to hear. Spoke with my Dad and everything seems fine, it's not aggressive thank God. He will have the robot procedure done soon. I told him that he will be turned into a human corn dog.

Best.

BEST

ARTHUR

[Joe Flanagan]

That's what I hear. It isn't a very aggressive cancer in general. Is he having his entire prostate removed? If he is uncomfortable after the surgery peridium can be helpful (don't know if I spelled it right). The urethra is pretty upset with you after you allow the doctor to run his tools through it. So every time you urinate, it will let you know how unhappy it is. Peridium is an alagesic that pretty much wipes out that discomfort. The doctor may give him some or if you remember, tell him to ask for it. It is not a narcotic, it just acts locally.

[martybose]

I was diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer in early 2007. I did my own research and decided to go with radiation treatment instead of surgery. Just visited my urologist last week, and he said that everything seems fine, and the PSA test is very good. Two years and counting!

Marty

[Jim Saraceno]

My buddy had prostate cancer. He had the surgery and he's just fine now. He is in his 50s.

Hope your dad does as well.

[power_hungry]

My dad (86 years old ) has had it for many years. He did Chemo and radiation, and it seems that the radiation "cooked" his colon and it tears when he has a bowel movement, which cause a lot of bleeding. The cancer moved into his bones (fairly common, I understand), which is affecting his ability to produce blood, so he's getting transfusions frequently. He's getting a bit of pain from the bone cancer now but he is doing better than one would expect for a man in his condition. I think if he had it to do over again, he'd go for the removal surgery.

I don't expect him to last much into the new year. He has talked for years about wanting to see the farm get the "Centenial Family Farm" designation. His dad bought the place December 31st, 1909, so its only a couple months away. After that he'll probably lose a lot of his fight to survive.

[adam_knox]

I've known a few gentlemen with prostate cancer and try to keep up with research and progress. A large percentage of men will get prostate cancer, and for many it grows soooooooo slow something else year's later will be the cause of their death. So while obviously be concerned for your pops, keep an optimistic attitude that the stats are in his favor. Do make sure he know's the pro's and con's of the treatment, power hungry's story is correct the inconstinence is a risk of some procedures as well as sexual ability. Hope all goes well!

[alan32433]

My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer about 3 years ago. He elected to have radioactive seeds inserted into the prostate for treatment. He didn't require chemo or additional radiation and his PSA readings have been perfect ever sense. So far, his other side effects have been minimal also. Fact is, prostate cancer is very treatable so try not to sweat it too much.

[55 Fargo]

Sorry to hear about this News Arthur, hope all goes well in your Fathers treatment and recovery......Fred

[Arthur1947]

He'll be fine. Thank you for your kind thought guys. My Dad dropped by today and I painted his face like Darth Maul. He's still a big kid and doesn't seem stressed in any way.

Best.

ARTHUR

[Don Coatney]

Glad to hear your dad is in good sprits. You could have done him up as Darth Mater