Prostate cancer treated with hormone therapy

Hi HeyHoe,

Was he offered chemo or radiotherapy? My husband was diagnosed four years ago now, and his had spread to the bones too. He could only have hormone therapy as has other health problems. However, we were told that once the HT treatment started, it would also shrink the lesions which had spread to the bones. Does he have regular psa tests, so you can see if the treatment is working?

Gina

Thank you, Sidsmum

No he wasn’t offered radio or chemo therapy owing to various things, including another health issue called Myasthenia Gravis.  And yes, he does have regular PSA tests and these are now down to 0.2, which I assume means the treatment is working!  I don’t remember being told that the lesions in the bones would also shrink with the hormone treatment, but that is good news.    I’m fairly sure they said this treatment would give him another three to five years, so that was good!  He does get incredibly tired but he is getting better at pacing himself, taking short breaks often during the day.  He keeps active doing all sorts of jobs, fixing things, building things, designing stuff and so on, so that’s also good.   I also get tired quite early on in the day and don’t get half as much done as I used to.  I find that quite annoying and am awaiting the results of some blood tests in case I’m deficient in iron or B12 or something…we shall see!  

Hi HeyHoe4d787 the HT restricts the production of testosterone and PCa is fed by testosterone, so reducing the supply stops PCa in its tracks.  Although PCa can spread to other areas it is still PCa wherever it is, and therefore is hit by the testosterone reduction.

A PSA of 0.2 at this stage is really good and as PCa is slow growing, if and when the cancer becomes hormone resistant it usually takes months or years to start growing again.  Even then, the medics have more options available.  Interesting about fatigue, we all judge ourselves before cancer and sometimes need to remember that we are getting older as well!  None of us know what is around the corner and my philosophy is to enjoy life and make memories while we can.

Thank you David.  That is really helpful.  We are doing just that, enjoying life!

When diagnosed I was given 3 options which were Chemo and 2 types of HT

At first I considered chemo but then opted for Apalutamide after discussion with specialist.I have now been on HT since Jan 2024

The general discussion was that when the HT became ineffective I would have other options.

I have had a couple of episodes of depression in my lifetime and at the moment seem to be on a bit of a downer despite having much to be thankful for.

I fully agree that we are all on a roller coaster of appointments and treatments but perhaps life has always been like that.

At the moment my main target is to get my mojo back but as David says some of us are at an age where we just cannot do what we used to do in terms of hobbies,sports ,jobs etc.

Peace of mind is to be treasured but seems elusive at the moment.I will get there and hope for the same for everyone whatever affliction they have.