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Dad has had prostate cancer for several years, was diagnosed 12 years ago. They wouldn't do surgery because of his heart condition, instead he had radiation, medication. He didn't show with progression until six years after radiation, and then it was back on medication and PSA testing. Dad is use to the routine, me, I feel like I'm sitting on the edge all the time with this, feel like I need to be ready to deal with a serious cancer spread at any moment, does prostate cancer spread that way? I'd like to be prepared to help dad the best I can.

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How old is dad? Prostate cancer in elderly progresses very slowly. What is his PSA level? Stepdad had elevated levels, stayed fairly constant between 6 and 8 then a sudden spike to 80 something. Alarmed the doctor then wanted to start hormone treatments. Stepdad had one or two, then decided he did not want to do those any more. He died about two years later and not from prostate cancer, at the age of 88.
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gladimhere; Dad is 81 now, his PSA was just over 41 at his last check a few weeks ago, they put him back on the cancer medication . Sounds like it'll continue to go like this. I expect he'll need the hormone shot soon.
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The hormone shot could have been started sooner with stepdad. But he did not want it. Surgery was not an option because he also had heart issues. Does he want the cancer med? It just be very hard on him. Stepdad never took meds for his. Wonder if there are any stats into the effectiveness of cancer meds on prostate cancer. Just don't know since stepdad was never on them. His doctor did not recommend them.
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It grows slowly but wth PSA the key thing they will do is to try to knock the PSA back down. The cancer may have spread already or not. If he is willing to visit a urologic oncologist they will be able to provide recommendations to optimize his longevity and quality of life.

The PSA is high, but that does not tell you whether the cancer has spread or how long he may live. But it would be worth a trip to a specialist if he is otherwise in reasonably good health.
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