Hi everyone, just found this forum so I thought I’d share my journey so far. Back in January this year I saw my GP with blood in my urine this led to rapid access to Urology and being investigated for possible bladder cancer. Cystoscopy was clear and escaping kidney stones ruled out but the blood was still in evidence. My request for an MRI was at first met with some resistance but eventually agreed to. I waited some 6 weeks for this as the Urologist viewed this as pandering to my concerns however, this was when the radiographer saw something which warranted further investigation. Within a week I was invited back into clinic to confirm that they had indeed seen a mass in my prostate which may or may not be cancer. A biopsy was arranged for that week and a week later I was told that it was indeed a malignant tumour with a Gleason score of 9 (5,4). A bone scan and Pet scan quickly followed the outcome of which showed that the tumour was contained within the prostate. In the blurry discussion that followed I remember them saying my only option was surgery and chemotherapy and a provisional date was arranged. At this point I hadn’t yet spoken to an Oncologist so therefore felt I hadn’t been given an opportunity to discuss treatment options. At this juncture it’s only right that I tell you I had BUPA in my locker so I spoke to them for advice as to how to proceed. Long story short, I decided to activate my insurance and chose my Oncologist and regional centre to begin my journey proper. I saw my Oncologist within a week and after a 90 minute consultation which included a comprehensive lifestyle assessment I started hormone therapy with radical radiotherapy the same day. I’m on Abiraterone daily for 2 years and Zoladex injections every 3 months for the same period. At the time of writing I have just completed my radiotherapy.
6 months in I am suffering with fatigue which seem to be most common amongst others on this forum. I’m coping well with the Abiraterone but the Zoladex wipes me out for a good 36 hours and I’m just wondering if i will ever get back to my active lifestyle where I’m walking the dogs upto 6 miles a day and playing golf when the weather improves or do I need to start adapting. Any advice will be appreciated.
Hello SP2356
Another warm welcome from me - I have moved your post and you are well and truly now a member of our fantastic Prostate Community. You have had some journey from this January!!
I can't comment on Abiraterone and Zoladex as for the moment I have managed to avoid those two (click on my name or avatar for my journey). I am sure there will be other Community members along who are in the same or similar boat to you.
For my own journey on HT I made myself take the dogs for a walk when fatigue was setting in and in the 3 years of HT I never had a daytime nap!
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
There you go Steve (SP2356)
As I said - a decent bunch!!
I am technically "Cancer Free" - so happy days - my next PSA test in in February - but I think I will stick around with this crowd - my Prostate family.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
Hi SP2356 and another welcome to the forum. My treatment started in 2018 with three years of Prostap injections and 20 sessions of RT in early 2019. Following the RT I was pretty floored by fatigue but my rowing club friends got together and made me go out for a walk every day. At first we only managed a few hundred yards but were soon walking several miles. It may seem strange but the best thing to combat fatigue is exercise.
I'm now 77 and walk at least 30 miles a week and go rowing as often as possible. I was swimming a mile twice a week but haven't done that much recently. I got a message from Strava this morning to say that I have just reached 3,002km for 2024 (my target was 3,000) so I'm happy with that as there's still a couple of weeks left until Hogmanay.
