Prostate Cancer Question (treatment, time, doctor)

[nd4me]

I don't know much about this disease so I am hoping someone may be able to answer some questions.
My dad has had a slow progressing version of prostate cancer for many many years. I can remember him saying that the Dr. said that it is not what he will die of. I think he did have the prostate removed at some point. Well, this weekend, I spent some time with my folks and took them on a weekend trip. I noticed that we had to stop quite frequently for bathroom breaks. I'm not sure if this is part of the disease or a result of medication he takes for gout--some kind of water pill. I asked him about it and he did say that a couple months ago his Dr. recommended that he see a specialist regarding his prostate. (He would have to travel to another community and would depend ons omeone to take him) I assume that his cancer may be progressing. He said that for years what ever "count" they monitor was very low, but with the suggestion that he see another Dr., I assume the count must be higher, tho he didn't know what it was.
However, since my dad will be 95 this July, he declined any more/other treatment. If this is the case and if his disease is beginning to proceed, will it continue at this slow rate, or will it now start to affect him more? Spread to other areas?
He has had lots of health issues, but has been able to recover and is in really pretty good shape for his age.
Any ideas of websites I could look for or any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Beth56]

My husband went through prostate cancer over two years ago. Perhaps I can help with something.

It sounds like your father may have had prostate cancer. Not sure of his treatment. But he may be watching his PSA numbers. If they rise, cancer may be reoccurring. I would really need additional information to suggest anything more.

Frequent bathroom trips at his age could be BPH, diabetes, medication, etc. I don't think this must mean the cancer is progressing. His elderly age brings many other problem to the forefront, especially with elimination, eating, circulatory, etc.

I'd say whatever your dad is doing, I would do the same. He actually sounds pretty healthy for 95.

[Okiegirlfriend]

At 95 frequent trips to the bathroom is not unusual. It goes with the territory. My husband is 68 and he is always in the bathroom. Growing old ain't for sissies.

My 76 year old cousin is retired Navy. The VA told him four years ago that they would no longer check him for prostate cancer as he would probably get it, but it was so slow growing that he wouldn't die from it. Some of our relatives lived to 105.

My neighbor lost her husband to it a few years ago. He was 75 and died a miserable death.

[sunnydog1]

I had prostate cancer 11 years ago and had it removed at that time, it did not get into my limph nods. I go twice a year for check ups, my psa level is less then .001.
As I was told when I was first diagnosed with it, the doctor said "if you have to get cancer, this is the slowest growing type" (but I still had it and I was scared)
So as of now I'm cancer free.
Any man who has a history of prostate cancer in there family should be checked at age 40, it could save your life. The test does not hurt, its more embarrassing then anything. But GET IT DONE.