Hi, first time on any forum, on any subject. Here goes.
I'm 69 and was diagnosed last year with stage 3, Gleason score 9 and cancer spread to local lymph nodes. I'm on a trial (PEARLS), the main aspect being radiotherapy to a wider area.
I was discharged from urology to oncology around early Oct. I had no further opportunity to ask questions and, probably like, most people receiving such bad news, I was in no state to think clearly at this appointment. I was told to immediately start taking pills to stop the androgen spike and to arrange my first hormone injection with the GP asap. I was not given any options for treatment, or even time to think about it and had no medical path to turn to for advice during the intervening period. I felt that I was railroaded with the haste.
One thing that I was told was that the hormone therapy would be from 6 month to 3 years. Being an optimist (or maybe dreamer) I latched on to the 6 months figure.
I had my radiotherapy earlier this year and am continuing with the injections. The hormone treatment is a big cause for concern: I'm worried about the side effects, in particular the risk of cardio-vascular disease and osteoporosis, and the total loss of libido. I am getting some side effects but the fhe former is especially worrying as there is a family history.
Because of these concerns I thought to question the oncologist about the length of the hormone treatment (which I’ve been told has to be 3 years). That didn't go down well, espacially as I voiced a desire for a 2nd opinion in the hope that another oncologist might suggest something better.
So what's my point? I was wondering if anyone out there with a similar condition has been offered a different treatment plan, either within the NHS or outside, and how has it gone?
Thanks, in anticipation.