I'm in a state of shock. My best friend was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I had difficulty concentrating at work today. I can only imagine what he must be going through. It feels surreal. So many emotions. Sadness and helplessness, mainly. :( I feel utterly destabilized. F_cking cancer.

There is hope. There are ways to fight cancer. Vitamin D and C boost the immune system and intermittent fasting which initiates autophagy fights cancer. There are numerous helpful videos; I prefer Dr. Berg, but your friend can find help.
The Most Important Benefit of Autophagy: Will Surprise You I wish him the best.

What you're feeling is natural, it's shocking news to hear, especially when he's been your best friend for so long. Don't give in to the worry, there is hope. I know it's hard, especially right now when things first come at him and you don't know what all is going to happen. You help more than you know just by being there for him. Remember to take care of yourself as well during this and know you have someone you can talk to as well.
A spectral rumball comes at you and turns into a *HUG*.

Dang, that sucks matterbandit. Sorry to hear about your friend's diagnose. I know these things can be tough emotionally to go through. So if you need anyone just to talk to, we're here to listen. Take care man.

Best wishes both for your friend and yourself, matterbandit. Like Hooyash and bjgamer wrote, there is hope and ways to treat it. Especially if it has not spread, the prognosis can be good. Regardless of what the status is, there are multiple treatment options.

Like BenKii wrote, we are here for you.

Best wishes to you and your friend. Hopefully, his condition will improve and he will get through this. Have courage !

:|
There's ever more hope of fighting it, these days, but it won't be a swift nor easy process. Hang in there and take care of not losing sight of all the things, no matter how small, which make life worth living!

A black cat with bright green eyes taps your leg with a paw to alert you, then jumps into your lap. He stares into your eyes a long moment and starts a deep rumbling purr, then settles onto your lap, purring and making cookies.

From Shadow and myself, our support and best wishes for you and your friend, matterbandit. There is hope. It is slow to metastasize and very survivable when caught before then. Hang in there. There will be some adapting, but a good chance your friend should still be with you ten years from now.

"What made me sad today?" you ask?

Hard to say. I'm sad every day. So it's hard to pinpoint precisely whether the bulk of the sadness is strictly speaking from today, or from every other day that has passed. One way I guess rage may be easier to deal with. I'm usually crystal clear on that causation. Even though I'm also enraged every day too. It's all just so exhausting.

Thanks for the encouraging and thoughtful words! Also, thx to those who sent me private messages. :) All of this kindness has shifted my perspective towards a more positive and hopeful approach. I've purchased a bus ticket and will be visiting my out-of-town best friend this weekend to offer my support. I feel less helpless now and more capable. Thank you, everyone!