Prostate Cancer

terrible news mate, its a bloody horrible disease, my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer just before his 40th birthday, unfortunately he died from it 4.5 years later, this was in the mid to late 90's and treatments have advanced a lot since then. They say it is more aggressive in younger guys due to higher levels of testosterone. I get PSA tests every couple of years as a precaution (I'm 29 years old). I cannot stress highly enough for any blokes out there with even a hint of symptoms or anything that isn't quite right, go to your GP and get it checked out. You may be embarrassed but it is worth the effort!

Stay positive mate!

The difference between him and I is that he sounds a nice bloke.

Ron,Ron,Ron.
I have taken offence to your statement above.

Not only do I disagree, but can state that I have know you for many years, (around 40 at last count) and consider myself a friend in the true sense of the word.

i consider you to be one of this worlds gentleman of the finest order, therfore, without question, another nice bloke that has been my pleasure to call, a NICE bloke.
.
My apologies for hijacking this thread, it wasnt meant to demeanor anything said above. I also am aware of all the above and have regular checkups myself, as I hope all men do.
regards
Brian.

As a Bowel Cancer survivor,I can say there is always hope, NEVER GIVE IN as a positive attitude is critical to survival chances.:D Hang in there mate and give your father all the support he will need in these trying times!!:D:D

I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer 16 years ago, my cancer was grade 3 (non-agressive) and was advised to have radiation therapy, 7 weeks duration. I can tell you now that if your doctor recommends Radiation, find another doctor, within a year or so my PSA was back up to 4 (4.5 needs attention) and over the last 14 years has climbed to 14.5. My clinical Oncologist says that I will die with Prostate cancer, but not because of it. He reckons that 95% of men will have some level of PC in them and in the future men with non-agressive cancer will be on the watch and wait system, as many men (like me) will not require any intervention.
But if you don't get tested you will not know if your PC is agressive or not, the best thing is to be tested and know where you stand, waiting for symptoms can be fatal.
My father died with PC, my younger Brother had it and had it removed, so if a family member has it, get checked out, it's better than checking out, regards Frank.

Get your bum to a doctor for a checkup now and on a regular basis Ralph. Most thoughts are that it could be genetic so start getting checkups now. Most prostate cancers are supposed to be very slow and bowel cancers can be cured if caught in time. Stay positive,iut's not a death sentence, my old man lived for another 8 full years after being diagnosed with Duke's stage 3 bowel cancer and treatments have advanced a lot in the last decade. My old man's mistake was that he put treatment off for too long and was misdiagnosed by the local quack; otherwise he'd still be kicking along. My cousins kid got bowel cancer at 22, told he had 5 years cos its more aggressive in the young and 6 years later he's been told he's totally clear of it; so it can be beaten- chin up stay positive!

Well, I got the finger up the bum earlier this week after a boarder line PSA test for my age. Doc reckoned things were good and its now just a matter of regular PSA tests to keep an eye on whether they keep rising.

Ralph,

Good luck with your father! As has been stated earlier, keep an eye on yourself. I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer a little over a month ago, but with a non aggressive type. After flying from Cairns to Melbourne for biopsies, and other tests. I am in the wait and see camp, as removal of the prostate has side effects that outweigh leaving it in for the moment. My father has prostate cancer, and is 81, and I just turned 49. Dad has been treated for it for the last 12 years, and is doing well. I think the key is keep and eye on any type of cancer, and if in doubt of the treatment, seek a second opinion.

Again good luck,

Ken

My father worked as a medical specialist and at the end of a career in nuclear medicine he's totally convinced that genetics and heritability are key factors in diseases such as this. Many, many men die with PC but not because of it - and that's a very common outcome as others have mentioned.

All the best with it. The only good that comes from stuff like this is it gives everyone a kick up the bum to start living.

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Originally Posted by Ralph1Malph

Hi all,
Anyway, my dad is only 65! Lived a very clean life, stopped drinking and smoking at age 20 when he married mum. His only vice since has been a bit of weight due to fast food (I am also guilty). I get angry because not only has he lived clean, he is one of the nicest, fairest, most honest men alive. He does not deserve this!

Ralph

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Mate all the best to your dad. It's not something one would wish on anyone irrespective of lifestyle, but I completeley understand your sentiments. My grandfather was the man I respected more than anyone I've met as he was similarly genuine, honest, generous and full of good humour.

Life, unfortunately, if far from fair.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by p38arover

I'm nearly his age ...

The difference between him and I is that he sounds a nice bloke.

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Ron we can say that about you, but you're not allowed to! Clear?!

The bloke who invented the PSA test no longer regards it as valid or useful as a screening tool, so I would'nt put any more faith in it for this... -better off to let the Doc's finger go where "No Man Has Been Before". Or Since Last Year...:eek: