My name is Adam and I'm in my 60s. I have prostate cancer. My father had it, so it's not exactly a surprise. He died of old age, though, at 83, not of the cancer. The doctors say prostate cancer rarely kills so I'm not worried. I just wanted to share that in case people didn't know. Sure, you may have to go through treatment, but it probably won't kill you. It may be cancer, but it's a weak one. God bless.

hi adam my name is john and  i'm 59. it is true the cancer most of the time is slow growing as your case, but not in mine. i have a aggressive cancer that does not produce much psa. my psa at the highest was 1.8 before my surgery. by the time my cancer was discovered it was too late to really treat it but i am treating it anyway. my brother who is 68 has the slow growing cancer and they told him he will die of other cause before cancer. so i just want people to know that prostate cancer as in my case can be fast growing. if my family doctor realized this and monitored my low psa increases correctly i would now be enjoying a life without cancer. when i went to a urologist he found a lump and after my biopsy i had a gleason of 8. had to go back to my family doctor for pre-op tests and she couldn't believe my results. she realized she dropped the ball and would be liable for a law suit, but that still does not help me. i am going on with the standard treatments in hope to see a cure in the near future. 

Hello John and Adam,

My name is Melody and I wanted to respond to both of you.  I am on a mission to bring awareness/education to prostate cancer and lack of available treatment options.  Please read on:

Hi Adam my name is Bob (67) and I have prostate cancer and was told on 7/2007 and I am scared and very nervous. I have it in 3 arears of the 12 sections from the biopsy and a Gleason score of 7. I am in a gray area he saids about given me hormones and starting Radiation, so he is giving me hormones for a few months which he said wont hurt and starting with Radiation in Dec for 45 days , 5 days a week. He said its 85% curable but I am so scared, Can you help me to calm down and maybe help me in some way.

Hi  Bob,

I know you were asking for Adam's help but I had to reply as well.  Find your local Man to Man or UsToo prostate cancer support groups.  There are a ton of prostate cancer support groups out there.  American Cancer Society is a good start.  Please join one.  It is always better to talk to someone who has gone or is going through the same thing you are.  I see you have access to the internet.  Do your research.  Ask your doctors a lot of questions.  Keep a journal.  Write down your questions and feelings.  Share your fears with your doctor, nurses, and family.  Be active in your care.  Ask about clinical trials and all available options.  Above all, stay positive and informed.  My prayers are with you and may God bless you.

Melody

Hi and thank you so much for the reply it means a lot to me to know people care. I will be calling the American Cancer Society. Its so hard to even say the word cancer. I was at a Met game today and couldnt even think of anything else and even jumped on my wife for no reason. I do have to be lucky in some respects that it is only in 3 sections of the prostate. I am the type the glass is always have empty but I thank people like you who shared the time to help me. I will try and do as you indicated with the questions and a journal.  Thank you again and God bless from the bottom of my heart.

Bob

Bob,

My heart goes out to you.  There is a wonderful prostate cancer advocate at PCRI (Prostate Cancer Research Institute).  She is in Florida.  I don't know what part of the US you live in.  Her name is Jan Manarite.  Her email address is  jmanarite@pcri.org and phone number is 239-395-0995.  Tell her that Melody recommended that you contact her.  Keep me posted and keep sharing your feelings.  The PCRI website is http://www.prostate-cancer.org/  I wish I could do more for you.  Take care of yourself and it is easy to lash out at the ones closest to us.  Don't let the cancer control you.  Take charge of the cancer and take back your life.

Melody

Hi Bob,

I hope you are having a better day today and as the days, weeks, months, and years go by, your days only get better and better.  I came across a study that helps newly diagnosed PC patients decide on a course of treatment. It uses a selection software program with resource info.  A friend of mine shared it with his local M to M group and it was well received. The phone number for the study is 206-616-8713. This may also help you figure out the best course of action. Keep the faith and stay positive.

Melody

Hi Bob:  My name is Deb.  My husband, Tom (age 60) was recently diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer.  It  has spread to his left hip, right shoulder and "multiple" lymph nodes.  He is currently going through 10 radiation treatments & is on Casodex.  He also had a hormone shot.  His kidney function was diminishing because the lymph nodes were pressing on his kidneys, so he had bilateral stents put in his ureters.  Kidney function is much better now.  My husband's PSA was 91 (yes, I said 91), but has gone down to 17 with the pills.  I am afraid to ask any of the doctors what the prognosis is (the urologist said his cancer is very "aggressive").  My husband was never sick a day in his life, and I feel as if our whole world has crashed.  I try to make everything seem "normal", as he is still working and appears fine, other than some weight loss and tiredness.  So, you see, you are NOT alone!  I'm hoping someone out there will see this and possibly give you and me some encouragement.  My prayers are with you.