Here I am again

Hi Enya52 so sorry to hear that your OH’s PSA is rising.  I am not medically trained but the HT would normally last longer but we are all different in the way we react.  I haven’t seen anyone with a PSA that high after such a short time but hopefully others will be along to give their views.  Best wishes, David

Hello Enya52 . This rollercoaster can be difficult to deal with so I do empathise. The question about how long the hormone therapy works for is a bit like how long is a piece of string. For some it is a few months, for others it is years. My husband was on Enzalutamide for 18 months and then had to stop due to recurrence. For hubby radiotherapy to the prostate and whole pelvic area was very successful and remains so 4.5 years later - he also had a stent from the kidney to bladder due to the cancer restricting the tube but was able to dispense with it after radiotherapy. Also treating the 'mothership' had a good effect on the PSA and maybe this will be the same for your husband. It seems to be trial and error to sort out the best treatment for the individual and we have to rely on the team looking after us.

Just a question - has the stent been changed - my husband had to have his changed every 3 months because it can get gummed up. Also has your husband had a testosterone test to check that he is at the castrate state.

Let's just hope that this is a blip but keep us informed.

Hi there, Thank you for your response

He has had the stent in since 30th August!

His testosterone is castrate level yes and since he has been on the hormone injections last April has stayed that way. It's just this PSA that has risen this month.

He has radiotherapy planning CT scan tomorrow. I just find it difficult with the ups and downs 

Good Morning Enya52 

i am sorry to read of your husband's problems and do hope you get some answers. You said in your last post-

Enya52 said:

. I just find it difficult with the ups and downs 

There is plenty of support for both of you and if you don't mind here are two suggestions:

* Do you have a "Maggie's" near you - this is a cancer support charity with centres up and down the UK where you can just drop in, have a drink and they can offer you plenty of support - details here -  Maggie's

* Please do give our Support line a call on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm 7 days a week). They will be able to provide both you and your husband with some extra support.

If I can do anything else for you please do get in touch.

Best wishes - Brian.

Make sure your husband keeps an eye on his flow and watch out for urine infections which he can be more prone to with the stent. The general guideline is that it should be replaced every 3 to 6 months because crystals can build up in it. My husband's urologist had great delight in showing me the state of his when it was removed and it was definitely cruddy.

The ups and downs are difficult and at times I just wish I could get off the rollercoaster but then I don't want the alternative.