Hi all
I wanted to ask others here that have been treated for aPC during the hormone sensitive phase how they feel in general, what issues are you finding long term?
For myself I've had the six Docataxel chemo sessions in the first half of this year, and although I started on Zoladex implants for the LHRH (ADT) I opted for subcapsular orchidectomy to reduce my testosterone permanently, and finally I had 6x6y radiotherapy. I also have been on blood pressure medication for 3+ years.
Now that I'm coming up to 6 weeks beyond my main treatment I'm finding my level of strength and muscle aching is rather high, and I'm guessing most of that is down to the lack of testosterone. Any time getting up from a chair or getting out of a car, I have to be slow as all the muscles involved are sore and if I try to be too fast I just collapse as the muscle won't take it.
Another thing that has occurred in the last 4 weeks or so is I wake up at night and my hands are very stiff and I get a lot of pain if I try to move my fingers into a clenched fist, I have to close them slowly while they feel all swollen. Both of my arms also struggle to extend out (like taking a t-shirt off) as at some point the muscle gets caught near the shoulder and can cause quite a bit of pain.
I will be seeing my oncologist in a few weeks time after my first post RT PSA blood test and will mention all of this, but wondered if others have anything similar. I'm fairly sure most of this is to do with the lack of testosterone rather than long lasting chemo/RT effects, as that's the only thing my body has to deal with everyday at this point.
Rob