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My stepdad has prostate cancer.
It's not as localized as we'd hoped (it's on both sides of the prostate), but it doesn't appear to have spread outside of the prostate. So he's stage II (out of IV) on that, and the scale that grades how aggressive the tumor is came out to a 6 (on a scale of 2-10), so it's right in the middle - not slow growing (a 2), but not super aggressive either (a 10).
Now he has to decide between surgery or radiation. He's only seen a urologist so far, who recommended surgery, but the doctor also said that my stepdad should get a second opinion with a radiation oncologist. My stepdad has had a lot of problems with his heart and lungs, so radiation might be the better choice for him. The surgery would be major abdominal surgery (four days in the hospital, 4-6 weeks off work), which might be too risky considering his heart.
To sum things up: blah.
Posted by Highwaygirl on December 22, 2003 12:20 PM to the category FamilyAw, heewig. What terrible news. I'm thinking good thoughts for him.
Posted by: rappy at December 22, 2003 05:07 PMSorry to hear this, hwg. I'm sure your own battle will help him to be strong. Prayers.
Posted by: lifeonhold at December 22, 2003 07:17 PMI'm so sorry to hear this, HWG. My father also battled prostate cancer. He opted for surgery and struggled with incontinence for almost a year post-op. I suggest you recommend that he get at least 2 oncologist's opinions prior to making a decision on the course of treatment. I'll keep your family in my prayers.
Posted by: Cops at December 22, 2003 07:58 PMAwww, heck Heewig .. this is terribly sad news. I will keep my fingers crossed that whatever the course of treatment, your stepdad will be feeling better soon. The upside is that the numbers are moderate, and he has your strength and experience to help him through.
Posted by: TVJunkie at December 22, 2003 10:49 PM