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13 July 2006

So my dad has prostate cancer. Or, more accurately, 5% of the cells in the tissue removed in his recent prostate surgery were "abnormal". [More:]But, apparently, this is quite common and there is nothing to do about it now but closely monitor it. It is even possible that they removed all the cancerous cells. (He had surgery to help a urination issue.) Evidently, something like 80% of men in their 70s have prostate cancer, and most don't even know it and eventually die of something else entirely. My dad is in his 50s where the number is more like 30%, so there is some mild cause for concern, but for now it's just "watch and wait".

I've discovered in my research that I knew next to nothing about the disease. It was a big surprise to me that most elderly men have it. Also, this apparently doubles my risk for developing it so I imagine I have a lot of Dr. Jellyfinger visits in my future.

He's taking it in stride, as he does everything that comes along. He has a lot more information than I do and does not seem to be overly concerned so I'm taking his lead and not worrying too awful much about it. Still, the C-word is a scary one. Guess we'll wait and see.
It is very slow-growing, as cancer goes, and yeah. Depending on how old you are, this will dictate what doctors recommend doing about it.

On the other hand, Zappa died of it.

A urologist I know swears by saw palmetto for prostates, and there is all sorts of stuff on the net about "use it or lose it," meaning, frequent orgasms as a way of keeping it healthy. I have no idea whether this theory holds water (no pun) though.

(The last time I got checked, it was by my doctor, who is female, and her fingers were too short to reach it all. Aren't you glad I shared this?)
posted by danf 13 July | 13:49
My best wishes are sent your way.
posted by getoffmylawn 13 July | 13:55
Aw, Mike. I'm sorry to hear that. Cancer is scary. But honest to goodness, if you have to get cancer, prostate cancer is the one to get. Its survival rates, if memory serves, are in the high 90s. My father in law and my grandfather both had it and are fine.

But still....cancer is crappy.
posted by jrossi4r 13 July | 13:56
A couple of friends of mine in their 50s have had go-rounds with prostate cancer and have come through it. As jrossi says, survival rates are very high. Best of luck.
posted by essexjan 13 July | 14:06
I'm so sorry to hear this, Mike. But it does sound like your dad has an excellent chance of surviving this.
posted by Orange Swan 13 July | 14:11
That sucks, mike. But now of course it can be monitored closely, which is a good thing. FWIW, mr. gaspode is a pathologist, and he has said that if he had to have a cancer, it would be prostate...
posted by gaspode 13 July | 14:12
As everyone's saying Mike, probably no need to worry. My dad had it too, and while he did die of liver cancer eventually, at age 74, the prostate cancer he'd been angsting about for the previous 15 years was not even implicated or an issue in his final illness: it was still ticking away doing nothing. I think it's kind of the male equivalent of HPV - almost everyone has it, but the chances of it turning evil are around 5%.
posted by mygothlaundry 13 July | 14:19
Tough news, mike9322, but it's good that it's tempered by percentages and the likelihood it's been removed already. Props to pops for keeping his head, and I, well, I dunno what to say. I bet you're a helluva son. Best of luck to your dad.
posted by Hugh Janus 13 July | 14:20
Oh, man. My parents just told me last week that my dad is in a similar situation... Waiting to hear more on the next round of tests.
posted by taz 13 July | 14:22
Sorry to hear... "cancer" is a scary word, even 5%... it's good you're doing some research... it does sound very encouraging so far... all the best to you and your dad...
posted by Pips 13 July | 14:25
Really sorry.
posted by rainbaby 13 July | 14:32
i'll be thinking of you (and you, taz.)

and i'll be thinking of what danf said when i get mine checked soon *urgh*
posted by shane 13 July | 14:52
I'm sorry to hear that, Mike9322. But his prognosis looks good, he's handling it well, and it gives you a heads up on what to look for (or have checked regularly). My best wishes to your dad, and I admire him for taking it so well.
posted by redvixen 13 July | 17:13
Wow, Mike and taz. Hoping for the best positive outcome. Cancer is super scary, but the side to be thankful for is that now that it's been identified it can be monitored/treated. The deadliest cancers are those that progress quite some time without being found. But it's still startling and frightening when the disease comes to someone close to you. I'll be thinking about both your families as I have about mgl's, and sending the positive vibes.
posted by Miko 13 July | 17:31
I wise all the best for you and your dad, mike. Keep us updated, and let us know how we can bolster morale.
posted by Smart Dalek 13 July | 18:54
You guys are all so nice. Not that I'm surprised at all. Thank you all for your kind words. I'm really not concerned about it, for now at least - he explained that it's fairly common, most men who have it don't even know it and never exhibit symptoms, and that there really isn't anything to worry about beyond keeping an eye on the situation.

Still, it's wonderful to know that you guys are all here for support and encouragement! Yay bunnies.
posted by mike9322 13 July | 20:52
it's wonderful to know that you guys are all here for support and encouragement!


You bet. What goes around comes around, my friend.
posted by Miko 13 July | 21:34
Chicken confirms U.S. is The Great Satan || Rainy/Thundery Weekday Evening in DC

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