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44 and a decision to make in 3 months

User
Posted 06 Jul 2023 at 20:10

Hi Jamie

Thank you for your reply. 
Yes, if it wasn’t for the side effects, the decision we all have would be a very easy one. 
I’m sorry that you have mostly ED and I do not know how I would feel if this was me or if it was me with incontinence issues. 
I keep saying it, but it is a decision that is circulating in my mind at times and gives a feeling of being in a holding pen until October when I have a follow up. 
Don’t know if this appointment will shed any light but I’m holding onto that. 

User
Posted 06 Jul 2023 at 21:12

It’s worth bearing in mind that if you choose the HT/RT route, the chances are you will very quickly have zero libido, which you may have for up to 3 years, along with some, if not complete, ED during that period. When you finish the HT you ‘hopefully’ should get both back, but how long that takes seems to be very variable.
It’s an odd feeling when you’d rather have a nice cup of coffee than sex(like many women going through the menopause)..hopefully your partner understands and you can still have fun, but it’s NOT the same. I must admit though it must be VERY frustrating HAVING a libido but also having ED.
As I found out from a specialist consultant, Peyronie’s disease(which I now have) can occur with either treatment so it’s really important to do Rehab during the period of ED.

There are many other side effects you MAY get going down the HT/RT route. Hot flushes, brain fog, joint aches and stiffness, fatigue, and as I’ve found out you need to keep active to keep these at bay.

it’s not an easy decision to make either way, perhaps you need to consider which treatment is your best option for getting rid of the cancer, and deal with the side effects when and if you get them. At least you will hopefully be cancer free.

Derek

User
Posted 06 Jul 2023 at 21:35

Doesn’t sound a great option all round for HT. Especially as it comes with so many different effects and I guess variations.
The consultant didn’t mention HT thank goodness. 
You are correct about choosing to eradicate with the least side effects. A dream team of a choice 

User
Posted 19 Sep 2023 at 15:46

Update today:

last PSA in May was 5.07 today it is 1.27, I haven’t had any treatment or anything. 
I am guessing this is a great sign that nothing is growing. 
I must say that I did not think it would go down that much though. 
Is this normal? 
I also have my Genetic consultation tomorrow as the consultant believes I may have the Braca gene. This will be an interesting discussion. 

User
Posted 08 Oct 2023 at 07:07

Hello 👋🏻 

An update from my first 3 month consultant review since being diagnosed. 

The consultant was happy with my PSA going down and said it was raised due to infection and now we have a normal baseline level to go from plus it gives me time to look into treatment options further. 

These treatments may be a way off, but will be required at some stage, but due to my age 44, and family history it’s a good time to explore and evaluate them. 

He is sending referrals off to the oncologists in Addenbrookes for Brachytherapy and surgery and also to King Edward VII hospital in London for focal treatments, so I can have a consultation with them all and discuss my position, thoughts and their opinions. 

I will have a PSA test in 3 months and see him again and hopefully by then also have my Genetics results back to see if they make a difference on a decision. 

But all in all it’s a positive situation at the moment as I have time to wait and explore all options with the consultants. 😊

User
Posted 08 Oct 2023 at 07:57

Good new Carl, I’m very pleased for you.

Derek

 
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