My Dad was Just Diagnosed with Stage 2 Prostate Cancer

[Dave2]

For some reason, he seems to think it's not really life-threatening (yet), or maybe he was just trying to make me feel better since I was trying to fall asleep when he called. He's talking to his doctor today (I think) about what his treatment options are.

Anyway, prayers would be appreciated...

[WildBill]

Prayers for your dad.

I am not a doctor, but from what I understand prostate cancer is very slow growing and since it is stage 2 and hasn't spread, the prognosis is very good.

[Dave2]

For some reason, he seems to think it's not really life-threatening (yet)

Huh... according to cancer.org, Dad might be right (which I find weird, because I thought prostate cancer was one of the aggressive ones). I still don't mind admitting that I'm kinda scared, though.

[Dave2]

Prayers for your dad.

I am not a doctor, but from what I understand prostate cancer is very slow growing and since it is stage 2 and hasn't spread, the prognosis is very good.

I think you posted this while I was replying to myself... Thanks

[RPB]

I have a few relatives in their 80s/90s I think who had prostate cancer 20-30 years ago and are doing fine.
Colon Cancer may be what you are thinking about. It's a huge life-taker still, even though some home-test kits are available.
In the early 1970s, my dad had a thyroid cancer which was slow growing and they said he had had it for 10 years or more and that it had even spread to lymph nodes in his neck and no one had noticed it. They removed it and some lymph nodes and the parathyroid and he lived cancer-free until 2008.

Prayers sent

[varko]

Prayers sent.

[philip964]

I would go here for help with this

http://www.cancerforums.net/index.php?s ... 0b1ea57ef2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Prostate Cancer is slow growing and is very well contained for a while in the prostate.

Treatment will depend on your father's age. If he is in his 40's or 50's, removal is generally the best option. 60's, 70's 80's usually radiation is recommended. All men if they live long enough will get prostate cancer, but most of us die from something else before the prostate cancer kills us.

However many well know people have died from prostate cancer. The singer songwriter Dan Fogelberg was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer at 53. He died at 56. I understood TV anchorman Ron Stone died of prostate cancer, but I could not confirm that, he was 72. Warren Buffet was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, he is in his '80's. Old age will kill him, not the prostate cancer.

You need to get a PSA test in your early 40's to get a baseline. I would recommend additional tests as you get older. Yearly after 50.

There are lots of options for your dad. It is serious, but it is not as bad as it sounds.

[Dave2]

He's in his early 60s, and mentioned radiation treatment. I'm pretty sure he's been getting all the recommended screenings and whatnot. He works in the health insurance industry, so he knows how expensive things can get if they're not caught in time and treated properly.

Thank you so much for your prayers, everyone. I don't know yet how God will answer them, but between those and your comments I've managed to dial the panic back a bit.

[discoqueen]

Dave2, cancer is scary, no matter the form. But as others have said, it's typically slow growing and much more treatable than other forms.
I'm pretty sure, given the choice between the two, my husband would've picked prostate cancer over brain cancer.

With that said, I'm glad you're feeling a little better about it, but I'm sending prayers your way anyway! It's tough to see someone you care about go through it, no matter which type.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Your Dad is in our prayers also. As others have said, if one must have cancer, this is one to select. His prognosis should be very positive.

Chas.

[urnoodle]

I received my cancer diagnosis 2 years ago and it took a while for it to sink in. A positive outlook greatly increases the chances for a cure. Your family is in my prayers!

[Keith B]

Prayers from here for your Dad and all the family Dave.

[MoJo]

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in June of '09 I was 63 at the time. I had my Prostate removed in September of that same year. My tumor was contained completely in my prostate and I haven,t had any symptoms since. My last checkup my surgeon who is a faculty member a Baylor Medical Center in Houston told me I didn't need to come back for another followup for 12 months. The surgery was done roboticly with 5 tiny incisions.

Where does your dad live? If he's close to Houston I would advise him to go to Baylor Medical's Scott Department of Urology they are tops.

If he wants to talk to a survivor PM me for my phone number.

Prayers for your dad and family.

[Dave2]

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in June of '09. I had my Prostate removed in September of that same year. My tumor was contained completely in my prostate and I haven,t had any symptoms since. My surgeon is a faculty member of Baylor Medical Center in Houston the surgery was done roboticly with 5 tiny incisions.

Where does your dad live? If he's close to Houston I would advise him to go to Baylor Medical's Scott Department of Urology they are tops.

If he wants to talk to a survivor PM me for my phone number.

Prayers for your dad and family.

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. All my immediate family lives near San Fransisco. I talked to him briefly today and he seems pretty upbeat, all things considered.