Hormone Therapy new starter

Hi my husband was given a 4 + 4 diagnosis, after originally being told it was 3 + 3 and just to be kept an eye on. The chap we saw did say you could have another biopsy if you like. Husband said yes, and after that and a PSMA pet scan they said it was contained but one small speck in one node.  Anyway he's a fit, very active just turned 74. We also have an active sex life and both feel that is a vital part of our lives and needs to be in the equation.

He has been on Decapeptyl injections for 6 weeks. Before that he had an overlapping 4 weeks of Bicalutamide.  In his notes it says a curative path is the aim with radiotherapy after 6 months 

I have made every effort to research what will be the best for him. I did see Decapeptyl has a slightly better testosterone recovery rate, and can give slightly less side effects.

So far he hasn't had any but I do realise it's very early days. He's very active, walks a lot and did 6k paces this afternoon.  

He has got a Somaerect pump to help preserve his erections, as that can deteriorate. The cancer team just totally ignored anything we said about preserving our sex life, by phone, or the one meeting we had in person. We asked for it to be added to his notes, and it wasnt. We bought the pump ourselves, although you should get it on prescription. There is lots of advice on this forum about that.  His GP has also given him Viagra to use if he wants it. He is also on Vitamin D to help with his calcium, and his cholesterol is low.I've bought hand fans, all sorts, just in case he needs it later. 

I would say take reasonable steps to alleviate any side effects, but it seems a great many people have manageable ones, and can just take sensible steps to avoid being too uncomfortable.  If you do get side effects contact your nurse for advice ASAP. 

As far as sex life goes, apparently research suggests only 49% of men 70 + are having sex, and approximately 20% of those carry on in one form or another on ADT. Amazingly this can also depend on having a cooperative partner who's also interested.  

I think there is a younger guy on here too, called John, who chose HT and radiotherapy instead of surgery. He is a similar age and really helpful. He may answer too. 

I would try to feel positive. 70 is a long way away for you, and they're developing new treatments all the time. Stay fit and as healthy as you can. I'm trying to persuade hubby to give up all processed meat. We've cut down but the occasional bit of bacon creeps in. 

Information helps. The cancer nurse who spoke to us afterwards was appalling. I would actually like to make a complaint, but husband doesn't want to since we may see her again. I hope not. She certainly isn't following any guidelines.  If she pushes anymore printouts from Prostatecancer.uk I shall refuse them, and say, shall we swop? Here's the guidelines for health professionals, I don't think you've read it! 

I actually thing she hates men and enjoys telling them the worst case scenarios.  Seriously. She kept telling him his body hair would disappear! 

Ok thanks 

I’ll do some research and see what I find.