Gandfather with prostate Cancer.... wont get help....?

Question

My grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer more than a year ago. His doctor told him that he wanted to see him in exactly ONE year..... It's been 1 yr and 4 months since his last doctor's visit and he does not want to go to the doctor to get a check up. He has been very sick lately.... goes to the bathroom every 30 minutes, has painful urination, and pretty much just stays in his bed because he is too tired and has pain. I know the cancer is back and may be even advanced but he does not want to go to the doctor, and we cant make him go since he does not live in this country. What is the life expectancy of patients with prostate cancer? If he keeps denying help for the cancer, how long could he live? Any extra information would be very useful! Thanks!

Answer 1

First off I am sorry to hear about your Grandfather.  I am 64 and was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2004.  I also didn't want to go to the Doctor until the pain became so bad I had to go.  Prostate Cancer is usually slow growing and there are drugs that will stem the growth of the cancer extending the patients life.  As a lay person I am not qualified to say how long he could live.  Two of my Doctors gave me two years to live and I have gone past that time frame.  You don't mention where the pain is and if the cancer has metastasized by the tumors going to the bones, which happens in advanced Prostate Cancer then the only recourse is to go to the Doctor.  In your case it sounds like a vicious circle. Though my cancer is advanced and the tumors have spread I plan on being around for quite a while.  I will stay on my medication and keep the cancer in check.  Does he have family close to him?  Can they convince him to see the Doctor?  That is where he needs to go.  There really is no other alternative.  Sorry.