Hormone Therapy Injections

Hello Colin, I am on Prostap monthly injections for life after my cancer spread outside of Proastate and into my ileac bone. When I was diagnosed in August '21 I was prescribed Bicalutamide for a month and 2 weeks in was given my first injection at the hospital by the Urology specialist nurse and since then I attend my G. P. practice for the monthly injection. I order the prescription box (as the surgery say they have previously mislaid them, lol.). As for side effects of the one I get I have had awful hot flushes and sweats. Boiling one minute absolutely freezing when it subsides. I was referred for 10 sessions of accupuncture (5 needles in each ear x 40 minutes once a week). Didn't work unfortunately for me and now on Androcur. Been on it x 2 weeks and no chamge as yet. Sleep has been affected, worn out each morning and at times feels listless. Muscle has gone flabby and weight changes especially around waist. Have always ate healthily and am sticking with that adding more fruit to try to keep weight gain down. I also have Polio which makes exercise that is required very difficult. I do what I can. Emotionally, it can be difficult. I went to see Billy Bragg a few weeks ago and was in tears at a few of his songs a couple who highlighted those with illness. Can happen anytime. 

Sorry to highlight the effects of Hormone therapy but that is how I have found it although keen to point out there is no alternative.

Hope all goes well for you Colin. There is some great advice from many on here and wish you all the very best, Graham. 

Thanks for the rapid reply Graham - I appreciate you being honest about any Effects with HT I have Cirrhosis of the Liver and it warns about this Drug in particular - Guess everything they choose goes through the Liver and mine has been steady for many Years - The reason I agreed to the Injections was that an Abnormality was noticed on one of the Scans in my rectum and the Urologist consultant said that if it has spread from the prostate then that Cancer would also be slowed - Seems the more Scans they do the more problems appear :) - All the best to you 

Hi

I have just finished 2 years of 12 weekly Prostap injections. As has been said already hot flushes are constant. I just put up with them, wear layers and adjust as necessary.

Weight gain around my middle is also an issue along with no stamina, strength or libido.

I have got myself on a trial funded by Macmillan which I wish I knew about when I started this journey - it's really helped.

The injections are nothing to worry about. To mix things up about a bit I would alternate between arms and stomach. The only reaction was a lump at the site of one stomach injection. No big deal!

The side effects are a pain but the alternative isn't very good!

Regards

Stuart

I saw Billy Bragg about 3 years ago when he was touring a record made with Joe Henry (incidentally husband of Madonna’s sister ) . Joe Henry subsequently diagnosed with Stage 4 PC and given short prognosis . However , still going really well , and apparently stable on a new treatment . So Billy knows what he’s singing about as always .

He certainly doesBill. His new album 'A million things that never happened' is just out and while all tracks are very thought provoking, as usual, a particular track called 'I will be you shield' is well worth listening to especially to those in our position. It never fails to move me to tears.

All the best, Graham. 

Hi Stuart

Good to hear this positive outcome. I've also had a lump from one stomach injection. They usually subside after about a week.

I was wondering what was your trial funded by Macmillan?

Thanks 

Hi Sussex

It's a trial managed by Southampton uni which is looking to see if exercise has a positive impact on cancer patient's. I get 6 months - starting 3 times a week phasing down to 1 per month - of 1:1 instructor led exercise program over Zoom. It lasts about 45 mins per session and is personally designed.

I only found out Macmillan were sponsoring it after I had already joined - I think the instructor told me. I checked on here using the chat facility and it was confirmed.

One of the biggest problems for me was losing my strength and stamina - this program has helped greatly.

I can send you contact details at Southampton uni if you are interested- failing that the Macmillan team, on chat , I'm sure can help.

Let me know how you get on.

Regards

Stuart

Sussex20 I also had a very painful lump for a week after the only injection I had in the stomach. All the others were done in the buttocks, alternate sides every three months. The injection that caused the lump was "shaken and not stirred" so I suspect there was air in it. Needless to say I avoided having any further injections from that particular practice nurse. 

Hello - I asked about whether the Buttocks or Arms were Injected and The Consultant just said "We don't do either here we inject only the Stomach" - I would much rather have a Painful Arm than Stomach - Plus Today (Tues) I am having the first 2 Injections in either side also at Hospital (Think the Hospital bit is because they think I may not attend my DPs Surgery :) ) - I am supposed to be viewing a New home Tomorrow - No Stairs - Hopefully I will be fine for this ?

Hi Colin,

 I had my first hormone injection (Decapeptyl) in October this was in the buttock. I had pain from this for around 3 days. In November I had another one (Prostap 3). This one I felt no pain whatsoever, I had another one last week also with no pain. The latest 2 were both in the stomach. I was informed by my practice nurse that Prostap uses a thinner needle than Decapeptyl which is why it only needs to go into the stomach. I’m quite happy to receive my injections in the stomach. 

I hope that this helps

Tyler