Can anyone help with prostate cancer?

[Nornironmum]

My dad is 55, I am his only family my mum and him divorced a long time ago, I have an older brother but they don't talk.
I have always been very close to him, he really is the first love of my life. He has been sick for a while but went for tests before Xmas
He had a PSA test his score was very high not sure what though
He then had an ultrasound, he has a painful lump on the prostrate anyhow and this was seen in the ultrasound.
He then had another PSA score was even higher and he had a biopsy the same day. He was told this was either prostrate cancer or prostatits, and which is non cancerous. If it was the latter they would post the results to him or his GP, but the likely hood was prostrate cancer with such high PSA.
He got a letter to say an appointment has been made for him with the specialist urologist for next week and to bring a friend or relative with him.
Is there any chance this is just a standard letter? I know I'm clinging to hope, because if it was the other thing surely he wouldn't need a follow up appointment with urologist and would just go to his GP?
I'm really scared I've never been more scared in my life really. He is not a great talker and is in a lot of pain abc is getting pissed off at me ringing him all the time.
Is there any chance this is not cancer? He is so young, but it does run in his family, not prostrate but many other types.
Thanks for any help I really am terrified.

[Elderflowergranita]

Just wanted to add that it is not true to say that surgery will only be offered if you have a further ten years of 'useful life'. Or at least that is not the protocol followed in all hospitals.

My Dh was diagnosed with prostate cancer three years ago, at the age of 55. Scary times, as we have three young children. He opted for for brachytherapy, and had it as a day procedure.

He had minimal side effects, and three years on is considered cured.

Best of luck to all on this thread.

[1805]

Ok. PC confirmed today. They think it is likely to have spread. MRI on Monday morning.
What happens if it has spread? Will he die? I don't know know how to help him.

[CMOTDibbler]

1805, there is still lots that they can do to control PC, even if it has spread. Take it one step at a time - the MRI, then there will probably be a bone scan, then once they have all that information the urologist and oncologist will be able to tell you more and advise a way forward.

Degsyn - thats in no way true about radiotherapy being only for those with less than 10 years. Treatment is decided on a patient by patient basis, taking into account not just their cancer but also their overall health, how their bladder control/function is, and the patients own concerns

[Elibean]

Just to add good wishes and thoughts for those dealing with PC, plus this - my father had brachytherapy aged 80, and dealt with it very well. He had some annoying diarrhoea and tiredness for a few months, but on and off and was able to do quite a lot in spite of it (just not too far from a loo!). He's now 87 and fit as a flea.

My darling uncle, OTOH, isn't well at all...but he was diagnosed very late, also aged 80. He still had a good five years before getting more than occasional aches, though.

[larry5]

Dh was diagnosed with PC in February at the age of 67. He has been on hormone injections since then with no side effects but has now started radiotherapy. He was told that they would not offer surgery because his gleeson score was 7 i.e. 4 +3 after the biopsy so an operation might miss some of the cancer cells and they tend to do one or the other. He has seven and a half weeks of radiotherapy and has now done 3 days off it and its already making him tired.

[1805]

our (dh) gleeson is 4+3 too which is not good I gather. PSA is 131 which again is not good. MRI and bone scan showed no spread, but consultant thinks it will have started to spread, but that the MRI couldn't pick it up.
Dh has been offered surgery followed by radiotherapy. He did say most consultants wouldn't operate given those results, but he was prepared to try as dh is only 43.
Got to tell the dc at the weekend……..

[FreeSpirit89]

My grandfather had this around 12 years ago, they put him on some hormonal drugs which last for about 10years.

Macmillan are great for both you and your dad. The high psa were a symptom throughout my grandfathers cancer treatment.

Try and remain positive (easier said than done) and here for handholding x