I have had a locally metastasized cancer which led to radiotherapy, and hormone treatment. I have now clocked up 7 months of hormones with firmagon, which I think is also referred to as degarelix.
I wanted to stop after 6 months but my doctor was against it due to my cancer being high grade, but luckily not into the bones or lymphs. He suģgested that I switch to Decapeptyl (LP 22.5mg) which would last for 6 months thereby avoiding the monthly injection. I decided to remain on Firmagon not wanting to try something with maybe different side effects. The problem with any hormone treatment for me, is the fatigue. At 85 my legs give way under my weight and if I manage to cover a couple of hundred yards suddenly my chest tightens up and I have to stop.
I have just done a blood test for testosterone and the result is so low that I am seriously considering again stopping the hormone treatment which is making my life miserable.
My testosterone ( measured as less than 0.12 ng/ml or under 0.42 nmol/l with normal values being
1.93-7.4 ng/ml and 96.7-25.68nmol/l ) is way too low and maybe dangerously so.
As for my PSA, it was 3.07 before the start of radio therapy and it fell to 0.249 after the completion of the 6 weeks, then further fall to 0.038 a month ago.I would like to hear from other people who might have had similar experience.
Hi Castor - Sorry to hear about your issues. A little bit about me.
Age 67 - Diagnosed 12/21 - HT from 01/22 - Decapetyl injections every 6 months - completed RT 20 fractions early 02/23. PSA before RT1.37 - Testosterone 0.6. (You can see my full journey by clicking the icon of the beach).
I have had the fatigue but - even though I am overweight - caused I am sure by the Manopause - I have fought this by walking as much as possible and I think this has been the answer for me. I appreciate I an 18 years younger than you and I honestly think the age thing is the issue.
Personal opinion - keep on the HT - it's working in supressing the cancer - change to Decapetyl - it's only an injection once every 6 months and for me the side effects are controllable. It's only a personal opinion - I am not medically trained!!
Best wishes whatever course of action you take.
Kind regards - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
Hi Castor - it's a matter of keeping a low PSA figure now. Your last on was 0.038 so there should only be cause for concern now if::
* Yor PSA rises above 2.038 or
* You have 3 PSA tests in a 6 month period which are all on the rise.
Let's hope the Decapetyl sorts you put and all goes to plan.
Kind Regards - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
