Prostate me

Hormone treatment, on its own, is a holding treatment, not curative. But it also has the benefit of shrinking the prostate, which helps the radiotherapy to be focussed in one small area. It's normally given before radiotherapy, and may be used at other times further down the line.

Heinous (love the monicker), thanks you for the useful response.  This is so comforting to have people like you to pass on experience and advice.  Your first statement is more useful than anything I have had so far.  Perhaps I don't ask the right questions!  Let's go for the draw.

Thank you.

Hi

As mentioned hormone treatment is not a cure, it lowers PSA and helps with treating the cancer, the main treatments come from chemotherapy or any of the new medications that are now available, plus there is also radiotherapy, so Prostate cancer is very slow to grow, how the team dealing with yours is where you are at the moment.

Nothing to be frightened of, we’ve all gone through this, I’m incurable and still here five and a half years later, so I’m sure you’ll do well.

Stay safe

Joe

Cheers, Joe.  Glad you are till standing!  The company is appreciated.

Well, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer four months ago and can only be treated with hormone therapy, surgery and radiotherapy not being an option. I am now four months into the hormone therapy and my experience has been pretty much as most reported here, hot flushes and weight re-distribution in the main. Life is no different, that apart, and I'm still striving to enjoy every moment. I go back for second three monthly injection next Monday and will have PSA and general update. (As an aside, I've also had testicular cancer (mid 30s), bowel cancer (mid 40s), a blocked bowel 3 years ago - a bcc for good measure last year - and I'm looking forward to 73rd birthday later this year) Just trying to stay 100% positive is the best approach to any treatment for me. All the very best.

Wow!  Soundflyer you are ahead of me by 10 years and so positive!  Not sure what bcc is, but am guessing blocked something you don't want blocked.  I am wanting to travel again, get on my bicycle, paddle my canoe and walk the highest peaks.  So yes, positivity is key.  I have so far beaten all expectations for the recovery time from my RTC, so very +ive indeed!  Thank you so.

Lol, the bowel was blocked because of previous radical surgery and chemo, scar tissue as you say. BCC is basal cell carcinoma, not considered dangerous in itself but my NHS experience, having it cut out, was!

That's exactly what I did, set myself all sorts of targets very similar to yours, and great family and friend support, allied to good luck, allows me to look back now on a very challenging but ultimately rewarding experience. I'm firmly convinced the body and positive mind is the best recovery support act.

Right on...