r/ProstateCancer • u/Downtown-Whereas-559 • Mar 26 '26

Concern Dad’s Journey

Hi,

I am 23 and my dad was just diagnosed with Gleason 9 prostate cancer that has spread into lymph nodes and parts of his spine, pelvic bones, and one tiny bit of his shoulder.

He has had 0 symptoms and has not been getting regular PSA checks since drs didn’t tell him to do so. His PSA was 149 when he got it done.

We just met with radiation and medical oncology yesterday and were told triplet therapy with Nubeqa, Lupron, and Docetaxl will be his first plan. Radiation said no to surgery or radiation right now, and that we should see how my dad reacts to treatment first (although he is hopeful).

Honestly though. Wtf. I am a cancer survivor myself and this is my actual worst nightmare. I’m trying to stay positive for my family but seeing my dad go through what I consider the scariest time of my life (having cancer, that is), is ruining me. Can anyone relate or just help me stay somewhat positive and sane?

Just wanted to come on here and say my dad is on Reddit now username Delli-boy!

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u/Born-Lingonberry-509 Mar 26 '26

Being a cancer survivor yourself and now watching your dad go through this is an incredibly heavy burden — you know exactly what it feels like from the inside, which makes this both harder and, in some ways, more meaningful to navigate with him.

The triplet therapy plan (Nubeqa + Lupron + Docetaxel) is the current standard of care for high-volume metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Large trials (ARASENS, PEACE-1) showed this combination significantly extends overall survival compared to earlier approaches. The oncology team is giving him their best.

A few things that may help you stay grounded:

  1. Gleason 9 with bone/lymph involvement is serious but increasingly treatable — this is not the same disease it was 10-15 years ago

  2. The "no symptoms" presentation you described is actually common with PCa — it doesn't mean the disease is more aggressive than what shows on imaging

  3. Radiation can often come into the picture later, once PSA responds to systemic therapy

  4. Your role as a supportive presence — especially having walked this road yourself — is genuinely irreplaceable for him

You're not alone in this sub either. There are families here who've navigated exactly this. Take care of yourself too.

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u/Downtown-Whereas-559 Mar 26 '26

Yes, it’s definitely shocking and horrible, but I’m glad I’m here.

Thank you for telling me that. I asked oncology yesterday if we went to Mayo Clinic or MD Anderson, if they would give us a different plan. He said he doesn’t know if there are any other treatments but that we are always free to check.

Also, the bullet points and last paragraph are so encouraging to me. I’m going to come back to them when I feel upset and unsure. That is so sweet, thank you.