After spending most of my working life in roles in healthcare I retired at the end of January this year. I’m a 69 year old who had asked my GP if I could get a PSA test last November, not for any specific reason, simply because of my age. It came back with a raised score, 8, and was followed with a DRE at the GP, then another with a CNS, a scan, and then, on my last working day, a biopsy. That resulted in a diagnosis of stage T3b, locally advanced, and a Gleason score of 8.
I am now receiving hormone therapy and been told that radiotherapy will begin in November. As I’ve read others saying, it’s so peculiar that I feel fine with the cancer, but the treatment leaves me feeling weird. So far I am getting regular hot flushes, feel weak and fatigued quite quickly, very light headed and dizzy at random times and my sleep patterns have become disrupted. On top of those, I’m also experiencing mood swings.
Having said all that I feel lucky. If I hadn’t asked my GP for the test the disease would have gone undetected and been silently progressing and growing, I’m lucky too in that I have an incredibly supportive family and that my wife is a star who cuts me loads of slack despite my sometimes unreasonable grumpiness.
So, that’s my story so far. Hello to all my fellow travellers.
Hello Ginger
A warm welcome to our exclusive club, although I am so sorry to find you joining us.
Like you I am 69 a T3a Gleason 9 with an initial PSA of 182. I completed my 3 years Hormone / Radiotherapy last December (you can read my journey by clicking on my name or avatar).
I think I have had all the side effects you mentioned, plus some you haven't!! 
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The answers to me were fatigue - take the dog for another walk and Hot Flushes, Sage Tablets cured mine, but they don't work for everyone. i was lucky with the mood swings and when I knew one was coming on I could warn everyone!!
It does take time to get used to the "new normal" but I am sure you will.
As Hormone Therapy can weaken your bone structure make sure you have a prescription for Calcium/vitamin D Tablets.
Feel free to join in any conversations.
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.
Hello Ginger
I use Menoforce Sage tablets - they are available from Amazon or Holland and Barrett. They are a tad on the expensive side but they work for me.
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.
