Hormone treatment

Hi Misslily.

My husband has been on hormone therapy for over 3 years now. I have noticed that he is not as acute as he used to be but put that down to his age as well. He keeps his mind active by doing puzzles, reading, gardening and generally doing as much as possible. To be honest he had more of a problem when he was on chemotherapy. I also encourage him to write things down and we have a large monthly calendar which logs when we have to organise blood test, doctors appointments and general day to day activities. This is the guidelines given by one organisation.

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/practical-emotional-support/hormone-symptoms/sex-hormones-thinking-memory

If dad is starting on hormone therapy then get him to ask for a prescription for Calcium and Vitamin D (the hormone therapy can cause osteoporosis and the vitamin D helps the body absorb the calcium but also aids memory). B12, magnesium, omega 3, turmeric and sage have also been suggested to keep the mind healthy. My husband has also found that sage has helped reduce the hot flushes caused by the hormone therapy. It is advisable to check with your doctor before taking any supplements as some can affect how effective certain cancer therapies work.

Please come back with any questions.

Whilst our gp surgery has been very good through all my husband's various illnesses, I was concerned that he was not given any calcium or Vit D supplements, given that he has been on hormone therapy for over two years. As a result, he has now had two lumber fractures. NOW he is on the supplements, but it is all a bit horse and stable door really.

You do mention turmeric supplements, but that is not suitable for anyone on blood thinners, so not good if Misslily's dad is taking them, which I am sure any doctor would know. 

Gina

Gina, my husband is also on something called XGEVA (denosumab) for his bones.

Good warning about the turmeric which just shows how important it is to research everything before we put things into our bodies and also to check with the medical team. Even products which we use regularly can inadvertently cause problems.

Morning AH and Miss Lilly,

Yesterday we met the oncology team which was a nurse who hand over the Enzalutamide and explain the side effects etc. My husband is already 6 weeks into HT with first Zoladex and 28 days Bicalutamide. Miss Lilly, his side effects so far are minimal and no big deal. Maybe your father will be lucky and nothing affect his day to day drastically. 

So yesterday it was my opportunity to ask the nurse about calcium vitamin d and other herbal helps. Also to ask about dietary yes and no etc.The nurse was very strongly insisting that there is no dietary advice and just to eat healthy and sensibly. He said my husband has enough calcium according to the blood test. 

The only thing he was concerned about was blood pressure! As we do PSA before next consultation we need to take blood pressure. He recommend having a BP machine at home which we do. He also recommend to be active physically and mentally which this community always strongly advise.

Misslilly, i wish your dad that the journey will be easy and AH thank you as always for inspiring posts.

Lots of love

Dafna from Brigthon