My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer almost two years ago. Thankfully it hadn't spread to his bones and he has been on hormone therapy called Zoladec ever since to control it. He went for his six monthly check up this week to learn that his PSA level has gone up significantly - the consultant hasn't done anything about it, just took a blood sample to check his testosterone levels and told him to come back in three months time when if his PSA level is still high, they will up his medication.
He doesn't look too well at all and I am really worried. I have noticed that he won't drink much because he needs to wee more than usual so I suggested that he make an appointment with the GP to check his urine for infection, he has been tonight and although his urine was ok, his blood pressure was very high - all I know is that it was over 200. He has got some tablets to take over the weekend and has to go back on Monday morning but has been told to rest and that if he feels dizzy or gets  a headache, he must go straight to A&E. I am so worried about him and as he insists on going to all of his appointments alone, I worry that he is not telling us the whole truth about his cancer. I am so upset and I feel sick with worry.

Hi Hayley

I'm sorry to learn about your dad.  Please God he's getting the best care for his current condition. 

If you don't mind me asking, how old is he?  My mum had breast cancer in her 70's and was too high risk for a GA so treated with meds alone.  We were advised that due to her age and this being a hormone related cancer she was at a low risk as everything in the body slows down so much in older people that thankfully surgery is often not required and medical treatment alone is sufficient.  My mum is no longer with us but she didn't die of her cancer - the tumour reduced significantly in size in a short period.

My mum also suffered from high blood pressure and had to be monitored regularly for both conditions.

Sending healing thoughts and prayers for you both,
Teri x

my mum got breast cancer had op 3 weeks ago grade 2 in the lyn nodos starts treatment next week she 79 this year.my mum got high blood pressure to long with a heart problem.plus her mum had breast cancer to back in the 1936 but live to 1972.
my dad 80 he to has protate cancer to he has had for the last 12 years he to on all the treatment your dad having luvhandlers,
he had two knee replacements last year to,

mum told i can rang her surgoen andnurse up any time to have a chat about her,

may be you can do the same about your dad with his dr.

it very hard,you just let go of your childern mine are 29/30 then it pearnets to be good after,

My husband was in hospital last year with prostate problems amongst other stuff, but thankfully it wasnt cancer.But i know what you mean about your dad not drinking, if my husband drinks over a certain amount like they are supposed to hes up all night every few mins so drinks less too.

Hi Teri, thank you for your kind words. My Dad is now 74. As I understand it, prostate cancer thrives on testosterone and so the Zoladec works by preventing the body from producing  testosterone. I am the youngest of six children and the one who my parents turn to whenever in need and I would do anything for them but at the moment, I just don't feel strong enough to deal with this without getting terribly upset if that makes sense.

> at the moment, I just don't feel strong enough to deal with this without getting terribly upset if that makes sense.

It makes ABSOLUTE sense Hayley - you're only human and this is a very frightening and emotional situation to get your head around.  FWIW I think it's a good thing that your dad is the age he is going by what was explained to me about my mum :)  When taking mum back and forth for appointments and check-ups we met lots of people in her age group who were being treated medically rather than surgically for cancer and they were all around each time we went which was over a lengthy period with eventually 3 months or so between appointments.

Please God you're dad will respond equally well - it sounds as though his treament is the same pattern as mum's only for male hormones obviously. 

Make sure he keeps up to speed with any meds to regulate his blood pressure as that can be a more serious problem than many illnesses we lay folks rate as being more risky.

Don't try to be super-human Hayley.  Take some time out for yourself whether to have a natter with mates, a good old sob over the phone or just a long walk with the hound(s) to blow the stresses away.

{{{hugs}}} - it's not easy being a 'grown-up child'.  (and that's from one who doesn't want to grow up yet  ;) )
Teri x

Briedog, it is reassuring to read that your Dad has lived with prostate cancer for 12 years. Can I ask what medication your Dad takes and does his PSA level rise at times?

i find out for you,
i did know 12 years ago i know he had the problem before him.i had call from spain where they lived at the time but where moving back to the uk,
from the dr out there.

i think he start of with injection in the tummy,he did get hot sweat with them.now it control bye pills,yes to his psa level rise at time.

with both with cancer both are on set with  age,  the hornmone levals are low so not racing around the body like a young person in their 30's
my advise would ring up the surgeon he under,i have i the pass they dont mind,