Bones and Lymph Nodes Involved

We found out my dad was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer on January 14th, we found out as of last Thursday that it is in his bones and lymph nodes. From what he has told me, his urologists said something about it being in his T7 which is his spine I believe and in his abdomen. Bottom line, I am new to all of this. I am 32 years old and this is the first time I have ever faced anything like this. ANY advice on the best treatments, etc... that anybody else is going through would be extremely helpful. Thanks.

Please email me at [email protected] if you would like to send me anything directly. The more advice the better. Thank you.

Two major randomized clinical trials - CHAARTED and STAMPEDE - have now proven the benefit of starting on Taxotere at about the same time hormone therapy has begun for men diagnosed with mets.

I hope he is working with a medical oncologist who specializes in prostate cancer, and not just a urologist. Are you in Mississippi? It may be worth a trip to New Orleans to consult with Oliver Sartor at Tulane - he is among the best in the world.

After reading the sticky, let us know if you have questions.

- Allen

Dear Ind1215,

As you can see, this is a forum filled with concern and support. You're already getting a wealth of support surrounding you from your post.

There's a lot to learn when you first face a diagnosis. Get connected with a good medical team --- in your father's case, you definitely want a medical oncologist as a "quarterback on your team" --- leading the way, and guiding your father's treatments.

There's a lot of NEW breakthrough treatments that have emerged in the past few years. I'm digging into my third year of the battle since being diagnosed in my later 40s. I'm on ADT hormone shots, have pursued a series of chemo treatments, and now taking ZYTIGA --- one of the newer breakthrough medications that was approved in recent years. All these treatments have kept me living a full life --- full-time career, friends, family, volunteer projects, and social life.

Likely, in your father's case, from the details you shared --- his medical team will be discussing treatments such as ADT hormone therapy shots and the strong possibility of offering him chemotherapy treatments --- the combination of these treatments like these will be used to combat the cancer cells and start CONTROLLING the spread of cancer. When I started treatments, I started seeing immediate results within the first month, which was very encouraging. We are living in a period of time in which new treatments HAVE emerged and there are many "weapons" ready and waiting for your father, as he enters the battlefield.

When you first get diagnosed, you need some encouragement, support, and HOPE. Encourage your father to stay tightly connected to his family, friends, usual activities, hobbies, and faith, in whatever form that may take. Get connected with your father's medical team --- forming those bonds and rapport with your father's medical team is very important, looking ahead.

There are plenty of us here who have been diagnosed with advanced cancer. We've formed a network here --- a bond --- a family of "battle brothers and sisters" --- sharing our stories --- learning new things --- supporting each other through set-backs --- and celebrating treatment SUCCESSES. There are members logging in each day from all over the country --- 'round the clock --- and we have valued members here from foreign countries, as well. We're all here to help --- as you can see from the responses you are already receiving today.

Please stay in touch --- keep us updated on your father's case --- let us know what course of treatments your father begins to pursue --- and most of all, remember --- we're all right here to support you and your father as you begin your medical journey.

Sent with caring thoughts,

"Cyclone" From Iowa State