Starting on hormone tablets today following today’s hospital appointment

Hi Babychamshine613e2e , that is good to get a diagnosis and treatment underway.  The Bicalutamide is used so that when the first Prostap injection is given it doesn’t flare up.  Prostap will then be administered at regular intervals (depending on the dosage used) but usually 3 or 6 monthly.  After a few months the tumour should shrink and then be hit by the RT.  All fairly standard stuff, but please ask us any questions.

Hello Babychamshine613e2e 

That's good to know and all looks to be going to plan.

From your post it looks like the first Prostap injection may be a monthly (4 week) one before they start him off on the 3 monthly ones. This is to check for any adverse reactions. Just 3 points:

* One side effect of Hormone Therapy is you sometimes grow a pair of "moobs" (I have a nice pair!) If he doesn't want this side effect he needs to ask his GP for medication to stop any growth - you can't un-grow them!!

* As Hormone Therapy weakens your bone structure you need a prescription for calcium and vitamin D tablets. 

* You don't state your husband's age but anyone under 60 with a cancer diagnosis can claim free prescriptions.

Good luck moving forward - you will soon settle down to the "new normal".

Best wishes - Brian.

Thank you.  I’ve listened to the recording of the meeting today and initially I thought the Consultant was saying ‘it’s reached the capsule’.  I’m now thinking he might be saying that it’s breached the capsule so it could be worse than I thought, but it definitely hasn’t spread to anywhere else.  

If the cancer has breached the capsule, but not reached anywhere else, then your Cancer is definitely extremely treatable and quite probably in the curable range.

The stats for "all in the capsule" and "just outside" are very similar.

You are on H/T so you have gone to think, as the therapy will shrink the cancer and freeze it in place.

Hi again Babychamshine613e2e , really not much difference as my friend Steve has said. Once the HT has shrunk the cancer, they will blast the area with RT anyway and still on for a cure.  You can never be sure that cancer has gone away completely but regular monitoring will help.

Like you I think it’s good news. You have mentioned “recording”, was that you asking for a recording? I’ve recently asked but the answer was no.

I could do with you medical staff.

Good luck 

Hmmm, we knew about the possibility of moobs, which the Consultant described as possibility of some breast tenderness and swelling.  No mention of anything to stop it and frankly, if they can be stopped by medication then I think he’ll want to explore that option,  He’s slim and, well, you know………

When bones were mentioned I asked about a prescription for calcium and vitamin D to protect him and the Consultant said they’re not prescribed unless there’s existing osteoporosis.  I’m not very happy with that approach.  If we buy supplements we wouldn’t have a clue what strength etc.  I wonder if his GP would prescribe them.  Think my husband should ask.

I’ve been reading all the booklets that we were given (you’d think it was me either prostate cancer wouldn’t you!).  I asked my husband if he wanted to read them but he declined.  Says he prefers not to know.  

I am concerned about him coping with side effects.  I can’t see him wanting to go on holiday in the sunshine if he grows boobs.  I think he’d be horrified.  I’m worried for him if there are continence issues.

i felt positive earlier on and I’m positive about beating the cancer but I’m worried for him regarding the treatment causing him harm.

i think I need to read Alpine’s bio again!!

Thank you for your help.

Good afternoon.

There are a couple of things from your note that I might have some information on.

First, the Calcium and Vitamin D thing. My Oncologist, in her letter to the GP, ask that they be prescribed. The product prescribed is Calci-D, and the dosage is 1000mg Calcium and 1000 IU colecalciferol (Vitamin D already process for your body). I would outright ask for it.

Second, the whole "Moobs" thing. I think it is called "gynecomastia" by doctors. This is the NHS link:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gynaecomastia/

It doesn't tell you very much, but it does give you enough information to search websites. I looked at what I could do and came to the very personal decision not to do anything.

So, I have a pair of very small, barely noticeable, moobs. I don't mind going topless.

A funny note. I was talking with a friend of mine in Church who had just come out of her breast cancer treatment. We were swapping side effect stories and the side effect of "Moobs" came up. She told me she had a bunch of bra's she no longer needed.....

Your husband maybe needs to know that there are things which may require his attention, and if he gives them that attention, then they may not be what he fears.

Keep smiling, and gritting your teeth.

The NICE guidance for treating Prostate Cancer says:

"Osteoporosis

1.4.12

Thank you.  I feel like I’m banging my head against a brick wall.  My OH is frightened to upset the team that are looking after him.  The MacMillan nurse on here has just confirmed that Prosnap should be injected between 4 and 14 days after starting bicalutamide and he’s been offered an appointment 24 days after starting the tablets.  Yes, Xmas has git in the way but 10 days outside the window is not good at all.  

As for the boobs, I’m not sure how many men get significant ones.  Maybe better if I’d not been aware of a preventative approach.  I just think the whole process has been poor.  My husband had been let down.  

Thank you got the information and I hope your friend’s bras continue to be unsuitable fir you