My 89 y/o FIL has just been told he has PC. It has spread to his bones, brain and organs. He is in a great deal of pain (back). His PSA is only 15 but he has had trouble with his prostate for over 20 years. It is a shame that it took this long to diagnose him, but that is another post. At first the doctors suggestion castration. It made sense as it seemed like a simple fix and would relieve his pain. Now the doctors have changed their minds and want to try hormone injections. We can't get a straight answer as to what procedure would be the easiest for him to tolerate AND relieve the back pain. Our problem with the hormone injections is the side affects. We have heard that they sometimes cause dementia in the elderly. My FIL's mind is still perfect and it would be a double dose of insult to loose his sharp mind. We just want to make him comfortable for whatever time he has left. Thanks in advance for any info or advice.

Thank you familyrn. I appciate your comments very much. I'm still not sure what would be best. Thank G*d it is not up to me! His children will decide soon what they want to do. I am just helping to gather info for my husband. I have worried for almost 1 year that my FIL had PC and that was the cause of his back pain. No one would listen to me... Best of health to your FIL.

Metphisto,
I wish I had something here that would help more. I only wanted to let you know I'm thinking good thoughts for your fil and the rest of the family. It's not an easy place to be when a loved one is faced with such challenges. My best to you in your gathering of information.

Hi Metphisto,

Just wanted to tell you what my FIL has for his prostate cancer. I do not know what level or if it has spread. A little over a year ago, he had a hormone rod (about 3" long) inserted in his upper inside arm. Did not bother him and brought him down to .01 PSA. He just got a new one about a month ago. They last 1 yr. for the first one, and then each consecutive rod, lasts less time. Eventually, they will not work at all. But, he is 90, with bad heart problems. The old side effects he has a hot flashes, but not bad ones or too often. It works for him. You might want to write that on your list and/or check it out on the net.

Good Luck Hunting. Wannabe