Hormone therapy side effects

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My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer Gleason score 3+4=7 in October 24. he started hormone therapy in February 25  which was followed by 20 sessions of radiotherapy that ended in July 25. He has his hormone jab every three months and is now nearly a year in. He seems to have aged so quickly and is suffering from severe fatigue often falls asleep whilst doing a crossword or on his phone. He’s struggling to sleep from back pain. Had dexa scan and all normal bone density. He can no longer walk far has problems with his balance and feels very weak and is also suffering with swollen ankles and feet. Do these symptoms sound really common and do they get better as I believe he’s got another year to go and the thought of another year like this is getting him very down. Any advice or just reassurance is appreciated 

  • Hi, welcome but sorry that you have to be here.

    Have you questioned Oncology team about these symptoms? If not, you need to do so.

    I know that reactions differ from patient to patient and between specific meds, but sound quite severe side effects to me. I did much the same route in 2021 - 2023, starting at age 72-73. Other than almost inevitable ED and very mild, occasional, hot flushes, no noticeable side effects. 

    He may just need a change of meds.

    Good luck, Dave.

  • My parents have tried the oncology team but they send him to GP then GP refers him to a nurse who says put up with. It’s so hard to get an appointment or decent support from anywhere. 

    I agree a change of meds if needed. Yeah ED is also an issue for him. I may need to contact oncology myself as I feel there are ignoring my parents.

    thank you for replying! 

  • No problem. Referred to a Practice Nurse or one of his specialist Oncology Nurses at wherever he had his RT? 

    Dave.

  • Hi yes contact your clinical nurse specialist they are your primary point of contact between appoints mine were fantastic.

    Be polite but assertive 

    Adrian

  • Hello   I am with  on this. I’m also in a similar timeframe and on Zoladex injections every 3 months. No real tiredness, no other side-effects worth mentioning. I agree on a meeting to look at changing his ADT meds - and suggest the oedema needs reviewing too. I would think the big tiredness / low exercise circle can be difficult to break out of and changing his meds may help him with that.