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1) This is why it is important to get PSA tested every few years; it would have identified a problem.
3) Since you asked about how long your Dad might live and the doctors will never tell you I can give you very general estimates based on what happens in the next 6 months:
If he responds well to the hormone treatment, PSA goes below 1.0 and stays low, then he probably won't die of prostate cancer given the progress that is being made in treatments coming out in the next three years.
If the hormone treatment doesn't drop his PSA down to below 1.0 and the PSA starts to go back up within about 3 months then he will probably live about 1 to 3 more years.
But never give up hope because every case is different and better treatments are coming out every month.
4 As Terry said the treatments that he will receive shouldn't weaken his bones until he has been on the hormone treatment for a few years but the cancer might already be causing bone weakness.
After a month on the hormone treatment all his prostate cancer symptons should disappear for as long as the hormone treatment is working.
I will look into asking my GP about supplements for dad. I am also in the process of trying to get an appointment to see an oncologist to see what i need to be aware of in helping dad through this. Also he hasn't seen one yet so when i get him down here i have to set him up with my doctor and hopefully the same oncologist i see. I have all his medical notes and results with me.
I feel quite overwhelmed with what comes next, as he has also got diabetes and his lower legs and feet are going very dark. And he has just had 2 knee replacements! He is a strong old bugger! And i know he is in more pain then what he is letting on. So with all of that i am a bit scared of not knowing how to look after him properly, but i am determined to learn quickly and i want to make him as comfortable and happy as possible.
Gee, Janelle, your Dad certainly does have a multitude of problems to deal with. I'm amazed that no one checked his PSA level before his knee surgery - or maybe they did and that led to his biopsy? And surely the X-Rays which must have been taken for the surgery would have spotted such widespread metastases?
And knee surgery with advanced diabetes in a man in his 70s? - again a surprising medical decision. So often we see specialists in one area of health completely ignoring other ares outside their limited focus. Madness!!
Good luck with what is likely to be a very rough ride I am sorry to say.
Just a quick question Janelle. I suspect you are from the U.K.as are my husband and I. The U.K. seem to be way behind with testing. My husband was tested too late, even after asking for tests. He was "put off" by his G.P. after he was told it's an inconclusive test. Good luck with your battle.
Jennie
Hi Jennie, No we are in Australia, i am surprised as is my dad, by the fact that he has had so much medically going on that this hadn't turned up earlier, seems crazy to me!
Doesn't give me much faith in the medical system!
