Hi IzzyBe. 

I'm not a doctor, but I am a prostate cancer survivor. I am also a member of a local prostate group, where most of our members are cancer sufferers or survivors. 

The very first thing to know is there there is no need for panic. Prostate cancer for a man in his late 70s is a far different proposition to prostate cancer for a man in his 50s (as I was when diagnosed). 

When you describe it as moderate/aggressive borderline, I imagine that means a Gleason score of 3+4 or maybe 4+3, with a fairly low PSA. I would also hope that there is no indication that it has spread outside the prostate.  If you know your Dad's PSA, staging, and Gleason score it would be useful. 

When a man is in his 70s, the first decision that needs to made is whether any treatment is necessary. Prostate cancer is described as the typical male cancer - lazy and slow to do anything! It might just sit there for years, doing nothing of any significance, and only requiring regular monitoring. Unlike many other cancers, prostate cancer gives the luxury of time to consider the best option, and for many older men, treatment really isn't necessary because it never gets bad enough to shorten their lives. 

So, for now, assume that nothing much will change. If the hospital consider treatment necessary he will have it, but there is a good chance that they'll decide simply to wait and watch what happens. 

Thank you for your kind reply - that’s reassuring. He has been given tablets to take for a month and an injection to have at GP in about 10 days. 

Without knowing more details, it's impossible to say any more. But please try not to worry.

I don’t know the Gleason score, but I think it was a PSA test he had at GP which alerted them as it was in the 1000’s!

Not all of the prostate is affected, but they have found cancer cells in the nearby (pelvic?) lymph glands. The bladder and bowel are clear and the bone scan was clear.

Hi IzzyBe.

Again I remind you that I'm not a doctor.

From what you say, I would guess that your dad will be treated using hormone therapy and/or chemotherapy. This is usually very effective at controlling the cancer for a long period. 

Thank you so much for your support. Yes, I spoke to my mum last night. She said the tablets he was given are hormone treatment and mentioned that he will be seeing an oncologist in about a month, to talk about options and chemotherapy.

He has to go to GP next week to get the injection done, which they have said is a very big needle into his stomach. Do you think he will be ok to drive himself there and back (10-15 mins), as my mum doesn’t drive. Or should he get a taxi? Is there any side effects?

Hi IzzyBe

At this point, I think you should register for the online community on the specialist Prostate Cancer UK charity website. I think you'll get better answers there, and I'm sure there are members with experience that more closely relates to what your Dad is now going through than mine. 

Thank you. I hadn’t heard of that charity before, but I will do that. I really appreciate your help on this forum.