Stopping treatment

Hi.My husband, almost 81 has T4 M0 N0 prostate cancer diagnosed after rising PSA. He has zero symptoms and is very active and well.  His consultant wanted to start radiotherapy but husband has declined. He has had a lot of unrelated medical intervention over he past 4 years including treatment for tonsil cancer.  He feels as he has no symptoms he just wants to enjoy life without treatment that ( confirmed by Consultant) would make minimal difference to his life expectancy.  He has agreed with his Consultant to have 6 monthly PSA tests and only if it suddenly jumps up a lot(currently 17) to about 40, he would then start hormone therapy (it's rising about 5 a year right now).  He feels quality outstrips quantity and I fully support this decision.  Right now we are travelling and enjoying life to the full.  All best wishes.

I'm guessing he's on hormone therapy injections. A halfway house might be to switch to Bicalutamide tablets which are not as effective, but also have fewer side effects. Also, they might not work for as long as the injections. This would be a discussion to have with the oncologist.

If, like 'madaboutmutts' husband and he doesn't have symptoms and he is sure...

I was only 57 when I started on the Hormones.  I know exactly where he is coming from with the fatigue and brain fog.

If he was able to be monitored every 6 months for his PSA levels and if it hits a trigger point.

You could always ask his Oncologist about this option.

Best of luck.

Hi, thank you for your reply. It sounds like your husband has made a very sensible decision, given his circumstances and it's lovely that you support his choices. I hope you both have amazing adventures on your travels! Best wishes

Hi, thank you for your reply. Yes, I should probably have said in my original post that he's on hormone therapy injections. Thank you for the suggestion of possibly switching to Bicalutamide tablets - we haven't heard of these before so will do some research and will chat with the oncologist about options. Thanks again and best wishes.

Hi thanks for your reply. Good suggestion too however, he does have symptoms. He can't decide if the symptoms are worse than the side effects! Best wishes