I feel like a selfish fool as I’ve been very focused on getting through my TNT 1/2 IM program since the winter. My Dad called today as he is planning on coming to watch me race my first long event, and he was planning on making a donation to my campaign. Well, being the stoic person he is, the conversation eventually got to the part about him going into the hospital Monday. “For what? I asked. Oh, I’ve got to get my prostate cut out, just minor thing with cancer on it. Oh that’s all, I thought as I wanted to sit down asap” So, I am shaken, but don’t know what to think. My dad is a healthy and fit person otherwise. He work out with a personal trainer, rides a bike, jogs and golfs regularly. My Dad actually told me that he could run in two weeks but he’ll have to wait four weeks to golf again. He has a positive attitude if that counts for anything.
I guess I am freaked because of all the disease surrounding me everywhere; working with TNT my fourth time; still feeling helpless and sad over losing my grandmother and then Jon Blais who I met last year, to ALS. Even the book I am reading called ‘Monkey Dancing’ which is incredible has a focus on the author’s brother who died of breast cancer.
Does anyone know about this procedure? I can’t call any Doctors this late so I am resorting to looking on the web(triathalon sites for chrissakes!) for real info! I am familiar with radioactive seeds used to kill the cancer, I had a friend have that procedure and it worked efficiently. I have not heard about the operation to cut out cancer. My dad told me the doc said the seeds are ok but if they are not 100% effective, it causes scarring that makes the operation harder later.
I don’t think I will be logging a very good night of sleep tonight.
I’m not well informed about the procedure and alternatives. But my dad had the procedure (orchidectomy, I think it was called; pretty droll) performed about 1987. The operation was pretty easy on him, even though he wasn’t in nearly the physical shape that your dad is in according to your description, and he had many other health issues that were just becoming apparent. The upshot is that he lived a goodly long time after that, recovered swiftly from the operation (altho less swiftly from the radiation treatments that accompanied it) and eventually died of unrelated causes.
DO get more information, especially about what happens to guys after they have this operation and what they can do to eliminate associated risks. But don’t fret too much right now, the operation will most likely be the right thing at the right time. Take a hint from your dad’s attitude…
Sorry to hear about your dad. My dad had the same thing a few years ago and he is fine now, so keep a good attitude, especially for your dad. And yeah, I hear you on that stoic thing. Mine is the same way.
I have heard from MD’s, that Prostate cancer will strike virtually every man that does not die earlier of other causes.
According to these doctors, one of the reasons the disease is on the rise is due to men living longer. When smoking killed the men of earlier generations, they simply had insufficient time to contract or develop the disease.
I have also heard (credibly) that there are times when the progress of the disease is so slow in development, treatment of any kind is forgone entirely.
It was diagnosed in my father 3 years ago. he was 75 years old. He turned 78 last week. The entire diagnosis, treatment, and remission, was never even a blip on his radar. Worked, golfed, traveled - and still does.
His MD informed him that he should relax, don’t worry, that he would die of a handful of other diseases 10-15 years from now. Prostate cancer would not be the culprit.
Hope this gives some relief, and sincerely hope the result is the same for your father.
Thanks Ed. Kind of you to share the positive experience your Dad had. I am 1000 miles away, and anything with cancer in it is scary sounding. I am just worried about more cancer being found (maybe unnecessarily).
I just found an excellent site which has good information…facts can win over emotions, right!
But try to stay positive. BIKE3 is right. Just about every man will get prostate cancer if he lives long enough. It really is that prevalent. That’s not to say that it can’t be deadly, but in most cases that are caught early, the prognosis is very good.
Be supportive and use this as an opportunity to spend more time with Dad. Maybe you can go with him on Monday? - no one can explain the procedure as well as the surgeon!
Take care, and I’ll send some good healthy vibes your way!
Sorry to hear about your Dad. For what it is worth, both my grandfather and father had this situation, diagnosed early sixties, grandfather lived til age 98, dad til 78 when lymphoma got him (hence my involvement with TNT). They may be opting for surgery for a variety of reasons - nature of the tumour (if it is diffuse it is easier to remove the gland, as opposed to a consolidated mass), the prostate may be enlarged already and they would be looking at further issues down the road, etc. The doctor could give their reasons. The main thing is if they catch this early, and before any chance of metastasizing to other systems, the success rate is very high and long term prognosis is pretty good.
Like others have said, spend time with your dad if you can. I was lucky enough that while my life landed me back in my home town for six months unexpectedly, and not from pleasant circumstances, I did get that time with my father just before he was diagn osed with lymphoma. Take the momments when you can get them.
I wish you and your dad best of luck. Hang in there.
My dad also had prostate cancer. Not to make light of the situation, but it’s one of the least invasive and slow growing cancers to get. If you had to pick on off the shelf this is the cancer to pick.
My dad when through all the treatment is is doing fine.
When it’s you, it sucks but you deal with it. When it’s someone you love, it’s terrible and almost impossible to deal with. Luckily I only have experience with the former ;^)
Your dad’s thinking about running and golfing? This prostate cancer doesn’t have a chance! Your dad sounds like he’s gonna bitch slap this thing, and i’m sure his positivity comes from the confidence of his doctors, which is what really counts. Keep the focus on training, in fact you’ll be able to go a little harder if you can rechannel this, and everything’s gonna turn out for the best.
The radioactive seeds are not a panacea. My father had those implanted, and the radiation burned a hole through his colon and urethra. He now has a colostomy and a catheter. He’d have been better off getting the prostate removed entirely or just letting it alone. As others have noted, prostate cancer is a very slowly moving thing and the more conservative course, especially when your age is what your father’s is, is usually recommended.
I’m really sorry to hear about your father. I was just at Vitiman Cottage, and they were giving away free, a book on Prostate Cancer, written by DR Katz. It is titled Dr. Katz’s Guide to Prostate Health.
If they are out of it, I will send you my copy. I’m in Denver also, so it is no big deal. The only catch is that you please send it back to me.
I have it right here on my desk, and you could have it on Monday.
The quote on the back cover is: 'Prostate Cancer is nearly 100% survivable if detected early."
Just to add to the theme, my wife’s dad had it and he was able to use radiation instead of surgery. (don’t know details in why one treatment vs the other) He is not as fit as your father and he did fine and I had this discussion with a friend at dinner last night actually. His dad had surgery and did fine too. Good luck to you and your dad!
he sounds a little stubborn, which is perfect as he won’t let this thing get to him. research, and become equipped with information. if you can go to the appointments, do that (i know going to my Dad’s helped me so much, and i was able to be a facilitator in his care). for now; don’t flip out, just research. your Dad will need you to be strong, so do that for him, as it will help him feel even stronger. the others here are giving you encouraging news, so that is great, you can build on that. when you have bad moments; reach out if that helps you. please feel free to PM me anytime; i have experience with Dad and cancer.
Thanks to all you SBR folks! Information is really powerful. I am much more optimistic after reading about the procedure, and hearing about all the survivors. My Dad is very upbeat too, he sounds like this thing is just inconveniencing his golf plans. I’m just nervously hoping nothing more will be found during surgery.
Dbeitel…thanks very much for the offer. I’m going to drive down to VC in Parker and see if they have a copy of the book.
I just went thru external radiation treatment for prostate cancer and can relate to your dad. I was diagnosed last Dec after a routine physical. I was 55. Quite a shock to say. I’ve been doing tris for the past 20 years and considered myself in pretty good shape. Did 18 IM’s including Hawaii 3x. Like someone else said, if you are a male and get cancer, prostate is the least serious if they catch it early enough. I was lucky. It was all contained within my prostate.
I did lots of research on treatment, including talking to other prostate cancer survivors and my Dr, and I decided on IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy). Because of my age, this would be the least invasive. My treatment lasted 8 weeks. Mon thru Fri. Each session consisted of a C Scan to determine the position of my prostate. This required no radioactive seeds which can move. Followed by X-ray treatment. Whole session lasted about 15 minutes. Other then a couple of side effects, which Flomax took care off, I felt great. Even kept up with my tri training though the motivation was missing.
It’s been 3 1/2 weeks since I finished my treatments and I feel good. No side effects other then some fatique now and then. Dr told me that is from the radiation and should pass with time.
I did get some good news last week from my VA Dr. Because I was a Vietnam veteran, I can file a claim for medical disability(anywhere from 10%-100%). Exposure to Agent Orange can cause prostate cancer.
Tell your dad it isn’t so bad and good luck. After the initial shock, it gets better.
dude, good luck with your dad. i know a ton of men who’ve had the operation, one with the seed. all are back to health. as a matter of fact, one was a runner and is running his fool head off again!
