HT & Alcohol

Hello Sads 

I am sat in my local with a pint of real ale typing this. 

My team said alcohol was fine taken in moderation (Government guidelines 16 units a week for a man). I was told to abstain during my 20 fractions of Radiotherapy which I did. I have been on HT for over 3 years and feel great.

This is of course me and you should check with your team for advice as you could be on other medications.

Best wishes - Brian.

Chuckling at your first sentence :). I think your right re consulting my med team first, I’ll exercise some caution and patience and leave it alone for now. Appreciate the response though. 

My husband has been taking bicalutamide for the past three weeks, and prostap injections started two weeks ago. He did ask his urology consultant if there were any issues with drinking alcohol, and was told it was fine in moderation, he’s continued to have a few glasses of wine and has not had any issues. He’s fortunate that he also has had zero side effects from either drug so far, although he understands that this is unlikely to remain the case going forward with Prostap. 

Sometimes a glass or two helps him feel a bit more ‘normal’ if you know what I mean, especially if meeting family or friends, but yes, perhaps double check with someone from your team. 

Thank you

Hello Sads 

Just to say I go out every Wednesday night and Sunday afternoon for a couple of pints(ish). Not only do I enjoy the beer (J W Lees's finest bitter) it's a social event and I meet up with some of my mates, some of whom I have known for over 45 years - it's not only good for my body it's good for my mental health too!

Best wishes - Brian.

Cheers Brian. Despite being ex Navy, I’ve never been a big drinker but I like the social aspects. So, once I have my treatment plan I’ll probably continue to have a couple every now and then just like yourself and others have reassuringly said. 

Thanks again 

Hi Sads , alcohol cannot be good for you, it’s a poison, so the official answer is don’t drink. 
Personally, I want to enjoy myself and if that means a drink, then I have a drink.  I try not to have more than 5 units a day (2 pints or 2 glasses of red) and try and have 2 consecutive days without anything.  During chemo and RT I stopped completely.

All making me a little envious! I'm an alcoholic who's not had a drop for 23 years and 11 days. I still want a drink, but not the 24 hours a day I did for many years. 

Came a bit close the day told that my PCa recurrence beyond any curative attempt, palliative only. 

Have one for me all!

Good luck, Dave 

Respect to you Dave for your incredible will power 

Thank you. I wouldn't pretend it's easy but it can be done as long as one admits to oneself how far down one reached. How near the gutter. How near death.