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I feel like I want answers

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User
Posted 13 Dec 2023 at 17:41

So I am 51 and was diagnosed in January this year 2023, I had the odd symptom but then learnt that I had a Gleason score of 9, aggressive and fast growing and not able to operate, I’ve had RT and HT by firm of tablets and injections, more injections next year. 
I’d love a straight answers, when will I feel normal again? When will I stop picking up any bug that goes around? When will I be able to loose weight? When will I feel less emotional and more like a man? Will it return? What am I meant to feel or expect? 

my mood is so low that some days it’s a struggle however my family and close friends spare me on 

 

someone give me some answers ? 

User
Posted 13 Dec 2023 at 22:00

Hi Carlo,

I don’t know enough about your diagnosis really but I can understand why you weren’t offered surgery. Although I was only Gleason 7 I wasn’t offered it either because of a slight spread to the Seminal Vesicles..the problem is that with the diagnosis there’s a high likelihood that at some point you will need SRT, so why not just go down the HT/RT route in the first place.

I really feel for you Carlo, I’ve been through it all and know exactly how you feel. I don’t know how long you will be on HT but maybe 3 years like myself. I’ve been on it 18 months and another 18 months to go, I’m sorry to say that I doubt you will feel any better until after you finish HT😟, however if you are proactive in doing something about your side effects you CAN make your life bearable….and in fact enjoyable and fun. Please DO NOT give in, there are ways making you feel better but you need to try hard.
Dont suffer alone, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE get some help.

I am in no way medically trained but I DO know what has helped me, and the following is all based on that.

1. Go and speak to someone, talk to your CNS, phone one of the specialist nurses on PCUK(they are wonderful)
2. If your are really struggling emotionally, go and see your GP. I’m not advocating to anyone to go on anti depressants but my GP prescribed me sertraline and it has made a huge difference to my mental health…and after all I’ve got 3 years of this to endure, if I felt like you’re feeling right now I could not get through it.
3. Find a local Cancer Suuport Group such as Maggies, you might find there’s a PCa Support Group near to you which would be even better, but joining any Cancer Support Group will help just as much. You might not think it’s for you but try it…go along with your wife/partner if you have one and talk to them
4. keep yourself as fit and strong as your body will allow it to be. Gym, swimming,, cycling or even a brisk walk will help your physical and mental strength….and hopefully help keep the weight down.
5. be kind to yourself, give yourself treats! 
6. Find something that makes you happy and do it
7. You will probably have lost your libido and have NO interest in sex and have some level of ED, but if you are in relationship don’t give up! You can still have fun and good sex, yes it’s different but you can still have a fulfilling sex life. make yourself an appointment with the ED nurse and get help.

I hope some of this helps and good luck on your journey.

Derek

User
Posted 13 Dec 2023 at 18:07

In June 2026.

I was diagnosed in early 2018 at the age of 53, G9 I had RT and HT. I finished HT in early 2020 and I would say I was more or less back to normal by about mid 2021.

Of course we are all different, but I would say you have every chance of recovering to the way you were before. Though I didn't suffer too badly on HT, I would say it takes about a year to recover from HT.

Dave

User
Posted 13 Dec 2023 at 19:27

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

someone give me some answers ? 

I was only on HT for a month prior to surgery, so I can't really give you answers, but I can certainly still empathise with many of your emotions. 

It seems to me that no matter what treatment you have, there will almost certainly be side effects. The duration and impact of these side effects will often vary enormously from individual to individual. That's why, frustratingly, it's virtually impossible to give definitive answers.

Adrian

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User
Posted 13 Dec 2023 at 18:07

In June 2026.

I was diagnosed in early 2018 at the age of 53, G9 I had RT and HT. I finished HT in early 2020 and I would say I was more or less back to normal by about mid 2021.

Of course we are all different, but I would say you have every chance of recovering to the way you were before. Though I didn't suffer too badly on HT, I would say it takes about a year to recover from HT.

Dave

User
Posted 13 Dec 2023 at 19:27

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

someone give me some answers ? 

I was only on HT for a month prior to surgery, so I can't really give you answers, but I can certainly still empathise with many of your emotions. 

It seems to me that no matter what treatment you have, there will almost certainly be side effects. The duration and impact of these side effects will often vary enormously from individual to individual. That's why, frustratingly, it's virtually impossible to give definitive answers.

Adrian

User
Posted 13 Dec 2023 at 22:00

Hi Carlo,

I don’t know enough about your diagnosis really but I can understand why you weren’t offered surgery. Although I was only Gleason 7 I wasn’t offered it either because of a slight spread to the Seminal Vesicles..the problem is that with the diagnosis there’s a high likelihood that at some point you will need SRT, so why not just go down the HT/RT route in the first place.

I really feel for you Carlo, I’ve been through it all and know exactly how you feel. I don’t know how long you will be on HT but maybe 3 years like myself. I’ve been on it 18 months and another 18 months to go, I’m sorry to say that I doubt you will feel any better until after you finish HT😟, however if you are proactive in doing something about your side effects you CAN make your life bearable….and in fact enjoyable and fun. Please DO NOT give in, there are ways making you feel better but you need to try hard.
Dont suffer alone, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE get some help.

I am in no way medically trained but I DO know what has helped me, and the following is all based on that.

1. Go and speak to someone, talk to your CNS, phone one of the specialist nurses on PCUK(they are wonderful)
2. If your are really struggling emotionally, go and see your GP. I’m not advocating to anyone to go on anti depressants but my GP prescribed me sertraline and it has made a huge difference to my mental health…and after all I’ve got 3 years of this to endure, if I felt like you’re feeling right now I could not get through it.
3. Find a local Cancer Suuport Group such as Maggies, you might find there’s a PCa Support Group near to you which would be even better, but joining any Cancer Support Group will help just as much. You might not think it’s for you but try it…go along with your wife/partner if you have one and talk to them
4. keep yourself as fit and strong as your body will allow it to be. Gym, swimming,, cycling or even a brisk walk will help your physical and mental strength….and hopefully help keep the weight down.
5. be kind to yourself, give yourself treats! 
6. Find something that makes you happy and do it
7. You will probably have lost your libido and have NO interest in sex and have some level of ED, but if you are in relationship don’t give up! You can still have fun and good sex, yes it’s different but you can still have a fulfilling sex life. make yourself an appointment with the ED nurse and get help.

I hope some of this helps and good luck on your journey.

Derek

 
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