Decision to make

Hello again David. It's been a while since we spoke. How are things going with you? 

Hello David. I was just wondering how things are going with your treatment?

I had a recent scare whereby I had to have an ultrasound scan and fine needle aspiration (mini biopsy) for a small axial node that was found on a CT scan of my thorax. Thankfully, the result came back as clear.... phew!!! So now I can focus on the HT and forthcoming RT.

I have my planning scan booked in for May 29th and RT should start pretty soon afterwards, fingers crossed.

In the meantime, I've been experiencing one or two mild side effects from the HT, one being "night sweats". Are you, or anyone else here, able to advise me on the use of herbal supplements like sage leaf tablets etc, that are safe to use and might help with the side effects?

Best regards 

John

Hellotrom57a  - Good luck with the planning scan - you will receive your free tattoos from the NHS!!  I hope the Radiotherapy goes well for you, any questions, give us a shout.

I had some shocking hot sweats with my Hormone Therapy  - bought Sage Tablets from Holland & Barrett (other shops sell them!!) called Menoforce - a tad expensive but they stopped the hot sweats within two weeks. Be aware they don't work for everybody.

Best wishes - Brian.

Mine only lasted a week or two 

Hi Brian. Thanks for getting back. I've bought some Menoforce. I'll see how the 'sweats" go before I start taking them....I had a quiet-ish night last night.

Another couple of questions if that's ok.

Firstly, should HT (Prostap) actually reduce PSA levels? I know it's main objective is to cut off testosterone to the prostate but does this also affect PSA?

Secondly, is it wise to get a PSA done before RT starts or wait until RT has finished?

Looking forward to hearing what experiences people have had and any advice that may be offered.

Regards 

John

Hello trom57a  John

I hope the sweats stop - mine were horrible!!

HT starts to work from the first tablet and will drop down like a brick. As you started on 17 February 2024 your PSA should be very low now.

My team always told me when to have a PSA test (if you've read my journey you will know I have a few other issues!!). I was told I was to have both a PSA and Testosterone bloods done at the planning scan, and received the results during Radiotherapy.

My team are Christies Manchester and I am now under their Prostate Self management programme. I have my PSA test every 6 months - they sort that out (at a local hospice) and I have a detailed question and answer session  (online) to check if I am OK.

I hope this helps - anything else, give me a shout.

Best wishes - Brian.