Online Community

Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Oesophagus, prostate cancer treatment and side effects

Delpops

Hello, my name is Derek

I had oesophageal cancer and chemotherapy in 2008, after which there was no trace of cancer - not even in remission! I was a bit of a mystery to the medical profession!! There has been a cloud over me since then, wondering if I'd had it or not.

In February 21 I was hospitalised with reactive arthritis after an infection caused all my joints to become inflamed and swollen. My blood pressure and pulse were extremely irrattic  - my pulse was over 200!! I was put on numerous meds including morphine (ZOMORPH - 10mg per day, and then MST CONTINUS - 5mg per day) and steroids (PREDNISOLONE from 10mg to 4mg.per day). All of these I am still taking , and trying to reduce the dosage! with the help of the clinical pharmacist.

In March 23 I had radiotherapy and hormone treatment for prostate cancer, after which my PSA level went from 12.5 to 0.05 - excellent news. However, since then I have had constant hot and cold sweats, and fatigue which are totally debilitating.

I would really appreciate some advise on how to deal with them as I have no quality of life now.

Thank you so much for your help.

Keep up the wonderful work you do!!

Best wishes

Derek 

  • Hello Derek,

    Thanks for getting in touch and for your kind words. Welcome to our online community. My name is Carole and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I see from your profile that you’ve joined a few of our online groups and have been chatting to other members. I hope you’re finding it a good source of support.

    It’s great to read that there was no trace of oesophageal cancer after your treatment, and that your PSA has reduced from 12.5 to 0.05.

    It’s not so good to read about the hot and cold sweats you’re having and the fatigue, and how this is affecting your quality of life.

    I can appreciate you would like advice about how to manage them.

    It sounds as if your sweats and fatigue started after you had radiotherapy and hormone therapy. You’ll probably know that hot flushes, sweats, and fatigue can be side effects of hormone therapy, but it’s important to have this confirmed by your hospital team or GP. If you haven’t spoken to them, we’d recommend that you do.

    If they think the sweats and fatigue are side effects of treatment, we have these tips on managing hot flushes and tiredness which might help. I appreciate you have now stopped hormone therapy, and although the side effects are likely to improve, it can take several months.

    If it would help to talk to someone who understands how you’re feeling, Prostate Cancer UK have one to one support. It’s provided by trained volunteers. They also provide fatigue support.

    I hope this is helpful, but please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you have further questions. You can contact us by email, webchat or phone.

    The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

    Sending best wishes,

    Carole

    Our ref:EM

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2023 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ. VAT no: 668265007