Any hope for 82 yr old brother whose prostate ca is back?

[Peregrine Took]

He had his prostate removed 12 years ago and just found out, via a blood test, that it is back.

He is very pessimistic (as usual) so 'doesn't seem interested in treatments offered: radiation, hormones and immunotherapy.

He said he wants to die in his bed.

I always believe in doing tons of research to try to find one ray of hope to cling to and fight but this will be rough as I've looked up projections for survival at his age and they are pretty gloomy.

He's spry and walks 2 miles a day.

[Raster]

1. From what I understand, doctors are now evaluating medical treatments for prostate cancer....

... based on age and quality of life...

https://health.usnews.com/conditions/prostate-cancer/treating-prostate-cancer

https://www.healio.com/family-medicine/mens-health/news/online/%7B5de6ea4b-ca38-4e9e-ae9e-fd8ade585e8c%7D/prostate-cancer-patients-underestimate-life-expectancy-without-treatment

http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/older-prostate-cancer-patients-246132

[Peregrine Took]

8. Thanks for taking the time

to link to these 3 articles. Very informative!

[Raster]

9. You are most welcome. There are options...

[silentEcho]

2. A lot of times for someone that old with that type of cancer is not treated.

Prostate cancer at that age is generally slow moving and they see a person ends up dying from something else. I know nothing about his situation and I am not a doctor so I am speaking from a clueless position. I just know a lot of men that age do not get treatment, are even advised not to get treatment.

[redstateblues]

5. It was my understanding was that at that age you will die with it not from it

because it grows so slowly

[silentEcho]

6. Right. This is what I hear too.

[elleng]

3. My friend, a similar age as your brother, was treated with radiation @ National Institute for Health

He did not have surgery. He's watched carefully, and is doing well. (ALSO hormones part of his treatment.)

[asiliveandbreathe]

4. You are a good sister..

I wish your brother only the best..the decision not to get treatment has to have you on edge..my best for your family.. your brother has had a blood test, and cancer has reappeared, after prostate removed..his doctor, I hope, will give him straight up advise. He has already been through a lot...your support can only help him going forward....please keep us posted..DU..is the best for support..

[Peregrine Took]

7. Thanks very for the comments.

Its kind of strange as he is confiding in our niece who is an RN and I'm hearing things via her.
For some reason he's cut me off communication but he's like that.
They both seem to be of the opinion that things are quite bleek so its good to hear words of encouragement.
Right now I"m not supposed to know anything but when and if he tells me I'm going to present the case for fighting it. I'm scanning the internet for success stories.

[still_one]

10. There are things that can be done, but a lot will depend on your brother. If your brother is not

already doing so he should consider getting evaluated at a comprehensive cancer center to try and understand what his options are, and do what you are doing, educate oneself as much as possible.

All the best to you and your brother

[SmartVoter22]

11. He needs a CAT or PET scan to see if cancer is back.

You said your brother's prostate was removed. A PSA blood test will be positive if it's removed. Your brother should ask for a scan.
CAT or PET scans will show if there is abnormally active cellular activity.

[HermitageHermit]

12. there is always hope

Just because the PSA test indicate biochemical resurgence of the cancer, doesn't mean that treatment is even necessary in your brother's case. It could easily be a situation of just "watchful waiting" especially if no metastases are detected on CT scans or other imaging.

After all, it took a full 12 years just for the resurgence to be detected from a blood test. It could take 12 or more years, before he might have adverse symptoms from this and even longer before he is seriously ill from it.

The length of time between the operation and PSA resurgence as well as the age of the patient are factors.

If your brother was 52 and had the operation 12 months ago, it would be a lot more of a concern.

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

13. Sorry to hear it. Well, my brother-in-law was just dxed

with an aggressive form of Leukemia, and they said the fact that his general health is very good for his age (66 and also walks a lot) does improve the odds of good outcomes with treatment.

Not exactly the same situation, and probably not news to you that overall better health helps, but just thought I'd mention it.