Questions on side effects of hormone therapy for prostate cancer

Hello Salma

Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community.

It’s understandable that you have questions around the side effects of your partner’s prostate cancer treatment.

I am not sure if the lower stomach area is where he had his injection. It’s possible that it is a site reaction or that he has an infection. Site Reactions include redness, irritation, hardening or ulcers appearing around the injection site.

I would encourage you to report this reaction to his nurse and/or consultant. It would be helpful for them to examine him and he can ask about scrotal supports or pants.

It’s good that Jay has made changes to his diet.

He may be overdoing things at the gym and it may affect the tenderness. It will depend on what type of exercise he has been doing and the position he is in when using the gym equipment. His body should let him know if he is doing too much.

It’s possible that having sex may cause some discomfort and irritation. It may be better to avoid sex in the meantime until it settles.

You may find it helpful to have a look at our prostate cancer forum and information on your Sex life and prostate cancer.

I hope this helps. It’s important to look after yourself during this tough time. Some people find it helpful to share experiences. If you think it may help you, have a look at our carers group & family and friends group

We often find we can help more by exploring these questions over the phone. If this is something you think would help, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch via our support line on 0808 808 0000. We are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm.

Best wishes, 

Linda J, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref: LJ/DW

Thankyou so much for your response Linda, my partner Jay went to the doctors and it happens to be an infection so he is on antibiotics aswell as the rest of the hormonal thearpy medication.

He starts chemotherapy on the 27th of March and a psa test at the beginning of March.

As his partner its the start of a journey and will support Jay 100%, as he also needs to have the injections for 2 years.

Linda, what am i accpecting with the chemotherapy after effects and how well can i support Jay.

Thank you for your response. 

Salma

Hello Salma,

Thanks for your reply. I’m Heidi one of the Cancer Information Nurses here on the Macmillan Support Line. I am glad that your partner’s symptoms were assessed, and I hope that he is feeling better.

You mentioned that you partner has stage 4 prostate cancer.  Chemotherapy is more commonly used to treat advanced prostate cancer but can also to be used for locally advanced prostate cancer that has a higher risk of coming back.  

Prostate Cancer UK has some good information about chemotherapy and side effects that I hope you will find useful.  

Side effects can vary from person to person and will depend on the type of chemotherapy he has planned. Your partner will have a meeting with the chemotherapy team before his treatment starts. The pre-chemotherapy team will go through your partners individual plan and be able to advise on any side effects in giving more detailed information about what to expect.

They will also give him a 24hr support line number to call if he has any symptoms or concerns.   

You already sound like an amazing support Salma. It may help to write down any questions you both have so that you can get the most out of the appointments with your partner’s specialist teams.

Supporting a loved one with cancer can be rewarding but you will also have your own feelings to manage. As my colleague said it is important that you look after you too.

As my colleague suggested we have a very warm and welcoming online community, friends and family forum and prostate cancer forum.

You can also search for support in your area here.  

Please don’t hesitate to contact us again if we can be of further support.

Take care and best wishes. 

Heidi

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

Ref/KE/HC