Immune system and side affects of HT injection?

Hi Penny,
After over 8 years on Zoladex, I'm qualified to tell you that the usual side effects are lethargy, weight gain (especially around the hips) and a loss of sexual drive. For my part, I was able to counter the first two by exercise and careful attention to diet. Indeed I managed to lose a stone and a half despite the androgen deprivation therapy. The important thing is to be in charge of one's condition and to ensure continuing good health despite the disease and the treatment side effects. I'm afraid the loss of sex drive just has to be accepted - it goes with the loss of testosterone! To the best of my knowledge the immune system is unaffected by hormone treatment. It will look after itself given good health.

The 12 weekly jab is with a pretty fat needle and some bruising (which fades in a week or so) is to be expected on occasions.
Encourage your Dad to be positive about things. That's half the battle won.

AC in Northants

I too am on Zoladex .

My symptoms are very similar to those already reported by the others.

I have gained weight around the middle which is very noticeable as I am very slender in build. But I have managed to control this by keeping very active.

It's important to exercise as much as possible. As there is no testosterone to help the body, it's good to do weight bearing exercises, running , walking , gardening etc.

Changes to diet can help too. There are various suggestions which you can find online or trawl through the various comments already posted .Avoiding alcohol is sensible too as there is a greater risk of osteoporosis . Keep drinking lots of water.

I don't know if your parents are the sort to tell their friends or family or not re this cancer , but it might an idea to advise them as to what they might expect from him.

All our friends know , so no one is particularly surprised now when I start flushing.

The hot flushes do not affect every HT patient but many do suffer. Wearing layers of clothing can help, so they can be easily removed as needed. I find that by lifting my shirt above the waist then it allows the heat to escape. Sometimes I also become very cold too, even when everyone else is fine temperature wise.

I've had several acupuncture sessions which have greatly assisted me with the flushes. I go to my local cancer support centre at the hospital and make a donation . See whether your hospital has this service .

Another point is that HT can produce heightened emotions. I can become very teary sometimes. And for no reason at all. It's a well known side effect and reported often on this site.

My wife gets exasperated with me sometimes and my daughters just laugh at me when I'm flushing. But they're all very supportive too.

I'd rather not be going through this but cope because it's helping me stay alive.

Best wishes to you all.

John