My husband was 74 when diagnosed with PC in October 2023.
HT started February 2024 and RT of 20 sessions during Jan-Feb 2025.
HT stopped after the RT, therefore, no treatment since Feb 2025.
As someone who has a deep phobia about illness, particularly cancer, and hospitals, he has gone through this procedure remarkably well. However, he has not attended follow-ups - he is so frightened in case the condition has worsened, spread, or some other form of cancer is found, he does not think he would be able to cope.
He experiences deep fear, anxiety, worry, stress, although this is getting less now. Lager/cider help to give him some feel of 'normality'. He is conscious of alcohol consumption and controls that. He has Valium to help with this sometimes but is aware that this is addictive, so he takes only on 'Dry' days which can be from 15 to lately 30+ days apart.
Side effects now, August 2026:
Of course, libido disappeared, but there have been intermittent signs that something is coming back. Occasional hot flushes, physical energy is extremely low, and has horrific mental goings-on. Around Aug/Sep 2025, his breasts started to hurt, become very tender to touch and his testicles or perineum ache from time to time. Breast tenderness has reduced significantly, but testicles or perineum aches are more frequent now.
Physical activity often just the thought creates mental pain - although occasionally he has come into the garden when I've been there, and has said that's better, but needs to go inside after a short period of time. I have tried to encourage him to do gently exercise; he'll do weights, and recently tried resistance band which he said actually helped. But he can only do for a very short time. He doesn't like walking, but when we are at our destination, I'll part a reasonable distance so that he gets to walking some.
Much of his time at home is watching various TV channels ... thank heaven there is a lot of choice these days! so we tend to go out most afternoons for 3-7 hours depending on distance; it gives some feel of normality and it is helping. We meet friends on an ad hoc basis at various pubs and he is back to himself socially and sharp sense of humour is there.
He won't visit the doc or speak with specialist nurses as they will all say to have tests, which will only cause further distress.
He does wonder if this will ever end.
Does anyone else experience these side effects so long after all treatment has finished?
Hello Poldee
A warm welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to find you joining us. I am Brian one of the Community Champions here on the Community - I am also 4.5 years into my personal prostate cancer journey. (You can read this by clicking on my name or avatar).
The Community is divided up into cancer specific groups and I would advise you to join us on the Prostate Group - here's the link you need:
Once you click on the link I have provided and the page opens up, click on "join" on the black banner at the bottom of the page. Once you have joined the group, why not introduce yourself in the "New Here - Say Hello" section. You can copy and paste or repost your post above. I can assure you of plenty of help and advice.
I will look out for your post on the group and will reply in full there.
If you do need any help in navigating the Community please do get back to me.
Best wishes - Brian.
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