All tests done, treatment started

Hi Jay, welcome to the forum.

That's very speedy! Took over 3 months with mine, you did great with 1 month.

I'm with very similar stats to you (PSA 42.8, G9, T3a), started treatment Oct 2023.

Good luck with your treatment.

G

Hello Jay (Eikcorb) 

Welcome to the group and indeed the Gleason 9 club too .  Yes I am also a Gleason 9 T3a so you are in good company.

I must say you have had a decent run - only 1 month diagnosis to start of treatment - that's a great result and we have many Community members taking 6 times that to get sorted.

You appear to have everything under control - you are no doubt aware of the side effects of Hormone Therapy and Radiotherapy. Please do feel free to ask any questions, however trivial you think they may be. two points I would make:

1 - As you will be on HT for possibly 3 years if you want to avoid the chance of growing a pair of "moobs" better know as gynecomastia - you need to speak to your GP ASAP to get some medication to stop this.

2 - HT can weaken your bone structure so it's advisory to ask for a prescription for Vitamin D and Calcium Tablets.

Some members of the Community, myself and L1m keep a diary of our journey, this serves as a reminder of where we have been and helps others - you can read these by clicking on our names or avatars.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks,  you too

Thanks. And some very helpful info, much appreciated.

Hi Eikcorb - I agree with all comments so far. In addition to Millibob suggestions for medication alongside, I would definitely ask about being prescribed Tadalafil tablets (5mg per day) - they assist blood flow to the penis (to help prevent atrophy) and also help prevent erectile disfunction (ED) - a bit like low dose viagra .  This means you should still have bedroom action (without libido, so you will require encouragement and determination!) but - again - this prevents atrophy and should leave all your apparatus in good condition for when you come off hormone therapy and libido returns. “Use it or lose it” is a phrase that is sometimes used.   AW

Hello JayEikcorb .

Can I add a 3. to Brian's suggestions with regards to your penile health whilst on HT. The drop in Testosterone can result in all your mens bits shrinking. If this is going to concern you then have a word with your GP who might suggest tablets to keep the blood flowing as well as a vacuum pump.

Hi Alwayshope - we wrote the same recommendation at the same time!  AW

I would add, however, that vacuum pumps are usually associated with post prostatectomy patients and the Tadalafil plus determination should preclude their use.   Personally, my wife & I have always been against the idea of a pump and had already decided that if one was required, we wouldn’t use it.   AW

I found them to be a complete waste of time 

Hi Mace  - they’re not a miracle tablet, that’s for sure. There is no dramatic effect: hence my additional advice about encouragement such as (visual) stimulation (low lights, nice underwear, mood music etc) back massage leading up to any action, determination (without putting undue pressure on yourself - not an easy task), etc.   AW