Requesting prayers and any info, please - cancer mentioned

my2monkeyboys wrote: We just learned today that my FIL has prostate cancer. He goes next week to an oncologist to find out the specifics (how bad it is, treatment options). He is 79 yrs old, so I'm not sure how willing they will be treat him, or even how much they could treat him. He is on about 6 different medications (for blood pressure, etc.). Until now though he has been relatively healthy... no heart problems or anything like that.
I would truly appreciate some prayers on his behalf, as well as for the rest of the family. The hardest part is going to be telling my DH tonight when he gets home from work.
Do any of you have any experience (either directly or indirectly) with this kind of cancer?
Thank you so much for any/all advice, prayers and thoughts.
I so hate the idea of Will possibly losing his Papa and having to truly realize what death is at such an early age.

lgood22573 replied: 2 members of my family are fully recovered from prostrate cancer. If caught - it is highly treatable.

my2monkeyboys replied: Really??? I think they've caught it fairly early, as he's only been having symptoms for a couple of months. (I would guess that would be considered early?)
I've been reading up on as much as I can, but I guess everyone's story will be different. I know he's older and has had a long, full life, but the thought of it possibly being over soon is an awful thought.
I know, I'm rambling... I'm sorry.
Thanks for the help!

MommyToAshley replied: I completely understand how you feel. My Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. Prostate cancer is a slow growing cancer and has one of the highest success rates for 100% recovery. There are several different options for treating the cancer. I am sure the doctors will go over that with your FIL. I know the "C" word is scary to hear, but try to stay positive as there is a good chance it will be curable.

C&K*s Mommie replied: My father was recently treated with 'seeds' for his prostate cancer.
Dee Dee (M2A) and Jeanne (jcc64) were HUGE encouragements at the time that I found out that my father had been diagnosed. I am happy to have had the knowledge that it is treatable, and that others have btdt.

I will offer up p&pts for your fil.

my2monkeyboys replied: It is THE scariest word in the world to me. That's the one thing I would get rid of above all else, if given the choice. There is just no rhyme or reason to it.
Thanks for the encouraging words, DeeDee and C&K*s mommie. (I'm sorry, I can't remember your name right this moment. Please feel free to send me a smack via PM!)
Knowing that others have beaten it is making me feel a little better. I mean, I've read articles that say people beat it, but knowing someone personally (though I don't actually know them, but I sort of know y'all) that has whooped it really makes a difference.
Thank you for sharing.

cameragirl21 replied: prostate cancer can be treated but not cured.
it has one of the highest success rates of treatment as far as cancers go.
i know it's hard, but try to stay positive.

Calimama replied: I'm sorry to hear that. I'll keep him in my prayers and thoughts!

CantWait replied: I'm so sorry.
It sounds like everyone has some very encouraging and inspirational stories.
All the best and many prayers that your FIL will be another success story.

zdk753 replied: My father is going through this right now so I know how you must feel. I will keep you all in my prayers.

amynicole21 replied: I'm sorry. Prostate cancer is a slow moving cancer usually. That's really all I know about it.

3xsthefun replied: I'm so sorry. He will be in my thoughts.

Boo&BugsMom replied: Prayers going up for you Steph! Miracles can happen!

jcc64 replied: First of all, big to you and your family. I know how scary it is to hear the word cancer associated with you or anyone you care about. Eveyone has the same knee jerk, freak out reaction at first. But as you've already been told, prostate cancer is very, very treatable, and it is a slow growing cancer. In fact, it is widely known that a very high percentage of men die with abnormal cells in their prostates, never knowing or having been affected by it. What that means is- we are now more aware of the presence of prostate cancer because so many more men get tested/are educated. But it isn't necessarily even a life threatening illness in many cases-alot of men remain asymptomatic and die from something unrelated. The fact that your FIL is 79 will play a factor in how or if they decide to treat him- they may decide just to keep an eye on it. As Dee Dee said, there are several different types of treatment options- from surgery (which isn't pleasant to recover from, but many times is curative) to seed implants, to again, just watching and waiting. My dad had prostate cancer, had the surgery, and recovered. He had some residual side effects as a result of the surgery, but he did beat that cancer.
I hope things go well for your FIL. You're in my thoughts.

Kirstenmumof3 replied: Sending lots of prayers out to your family right now! I hope that they can treat it!

my2monkeyboys replied: I am surprised and somewhat glad to hear that it is slow-moving and that sometimes they don't even feel the need to treat it.
Thank you all so much for the encouraging words and support. I will certainly keep you all updated.