Husband just diagnosed with advance prostate cancer.

Liv88 15 hours ago

4 replies
170 subscribers
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Hello everyone, my husband got his biopsy results last week, Gleason Score 10 Grade 5 - cancer has spread to his lymph nodes and seminal vesicles and possibly pelvic wall, but bone scan was ok. He is 72. As urologist who did biopsy was concerned about the tumour being aggressive he put him on Bicalutamide straightaway. Two weeks later we saw urologist consultant for results and Zoladex 3.6mg implant. It is a week on from implant (he takes the bicalutamide for one more week) unfortunately he has been really poorly this last week since having implant, very tired, weak, and lethargic with no appetite; he stays in bed most of the day and sleeps. He also gets shivery, shaking episodes which I can't find is one of the side effects. I have rang specialist urology nurse who has said to see GP but my husband wants to see how he is next week. I understand everyone is different with how they cope but has anyone had the same side effects to this extent? Before he was started on hormone treatment he was a fit, strong man. I welcome any comments to put my mind at rest. He sees Oncologist at end of November.

Alwayshope 13 hours ago

Hello Liv88 and welcome to the family. The drop in Testosterone can cause side effects soon after administration but I think your husband's side effects are more likely to have another cause. Have you taken his temperature and blood pressure (it is a good idea to monitor these just to know what his base line is) As we are not medically trained then we would normally advise you to get any sudden change in health seen to by a doctor. You could also phone up the Macmillan helpline on

0808 808 00 00.

When did he have the biopsy and was it transperineal or transrectal?

Please let us know how you get on and then we will respond more fully on the advanced prostate cancer diagnosis.

Majestic 13 hours ago

Good evening Liv88, My husband has had a similar diagnosis to yours. We started this journey in March and got the full diagnosis in May. He was put on Zoladex which started working straight away, in July he started alaputamide 4 tablets a day which brought his PSA down even further and has just completed 20 sessions of RT. He is doing well on both the Zoladex and the tablets. Normal sweats then shivering which is copable. It’s an emotional journey and we have good and bad days but always trying to stay positive which is key. This forum is a godsend, there are so many amazing, knowledgeable people on here who will keep you right and are always there. Any questions or worries fire away. Best Wishes.

Majestic

Millibob 10 hours ago

Hello Liv88

I have just read your post and confirm I agree with Alwayshope as his "side effects" are not the usual ones from Hormone Therapy.

If you have not already spoken to a GP or his Urology team I would advise you to ring 111 or go to your nearest A & E as soon as possible - please don't leave it.

Please let us know how you get on.

Best wishes - Brian.

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BarryW 10 hours ago

Hi Liv,

and welcome. It does sound like maybe he has got run down and maybe caught something as well: Saying that the shock of diagnosis and starting HT does have a massive impact on a person, physical and mentally. My OH became very withdrawn and stopped eating properly in those first few months.it took a while to adjust. Things settled down once his treatment plan and daily routine fell into place. The fatigue and learning to mange the side effects can be a big adjustment. It’s a lot to take in. It’s good that you found this forum as that will help you with questions and support.
L

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