How to deal with the side effects of hormone therapy with prostate cancer

Hello. I've the honour of being your 500th subscriber.. I received my PC diagnosis 3 days ago. So I'm a new boy here. The hardest bit wasn't receiving the diagnosis, it was having to break it to my wife. I'm a Gleeson 4&3. Waiting for a couple of scans then the decision on the course of action. A rocky road awaits I've absolutely no doubt, but I'm like you at present: I'm going to try as hard as I can to be grateful for what I have in my life. I'll just take each day as it comes. Best wishes to you and your family.

I share those same side effects Woody. You are right, gratitude for what we have is a huge offset to those times we are down. Keep up the positivity and smiles

Thank you Woody. It takes great courage to open up on your prostate cancer. I’ve been through the same side effects as you. I was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in 2013 with a Gleason score of 5&4 with a life expectancy of 2-3 years. I am still here 9 years on albeit the hormone treatment with Abiraterone acetate (Zytiga®) has finally run its course. I am now on a course of Docetaxel chemotherapy which unfortunately has its own punishing side effects, but I’m still alive. I have the possibility of going onto a clinical trial and then I pray that our poor old NHS will be allowed to administer Lutetium-177 PSMA a innovative new treatment that involves a special radioactive medication being injected into your bloodstream. Sadly it is currently only available privately and at huge expense. My family passionately supports Prostate Cancer UK in the hope that they will find a cure for this cancer. Take care and God bless you. Jon

Hi Woody, Thank for this - It sounds like exactly the same side effects as me . Im 4 months into treatment on the 3 monthly injection and the 4 tablets daily - Had my 2nd injection last monday. .I am just grateful to be alive as well and just put up with the side effects to be honest.. Keep going mate and thanks for the videos .. To anyone else watching this and on the same journey i wish you all the best

My husband is 20 months into his stage 4 prostate cancer journey- radiation, lupron injections and abiraterone. His hot flashes have actually quieted down lately. His main complaints are fatigue, losing muscle mass, weight gain and increased appetite from the prednisone. (Many of his side effects are what we women go through with menopause!). We are trying to just take one day at a time and like you, are appreciating the little things more than we ever did. The hardest part is living with the uncertainty of cancer and the waiting for results, but with every PSA test that comes back negligible, we rejoice! Thank you for sharing your journey!

Thanks very much for your articulation of the challenges you face. I've had prostate issues since I was in my 40s, prostatectomy at 58, and now 10 years later after a return of prostate cancer I'm currently undergoing radiation therapy combined with hormone therapy (Lupron) which I started a few months ago. I've encountered similar side effects to yours from the hormone therapy. I completely agree there are mental health issues around dealing with serious changes we encounter while taking these drugs designed to extend our lives. I too find it helpful to recognize the positives, such as the incredible healthcare system that takes care of me (I'm in Canada) with such caring people and advanced technology keeping me healthy. I have a new granddaughter, and I often think how I might never have known the joy of being around to watch her grow. I like to remind myself that as humans we can only go forward. There's no point in thinking about "why me?" or "what if?". Every new day is a good day to be alive. I'm sending best wishes for your continued progress and good health!

Woody so inspirational. Just makes me think how lucky I am and all the positive things I have around me, despite having very aggressive Prostate Cancer. Thanks mate

I’m glad you’ve found a way to see the bright side of it. I’m very disappointed in whatever medical system allowed you to start that treatment without full understanding of what to expect. I’m also disappointed that you felt alone during the process. You should have been referred to support groups where you can talk with other men who share your experience. The medical system let you down badly there. As for treatment, it is perfectly reasonable to expect that you will be given breaks in the hormone therapy. This will give you time for your testosterone to recover and shouldn’t jeopardize the cancer control in the long run. Finally, keep your eye on PSMA based treatments, which are rapidly progressing and offer significant chance for quality of life improvement in patients in your situation.

Thank you for your videos. I’ve been on my journey since 2015. First Surgery, then radiation and now on the hormonal treatments- first and second generation for two years. Approaching the disease with a sense of gratitude really helps. In many ways it was a wake up call and I’m glad I have the opportunity to make the changes in my life that needed to be made. My coping mechanisms are exercise and family time. The exercise helps mitigate the hormone effects and helps me stay positive. My mood swings include, intense, irrational anger. My oncologist warned me about it so I’m very careful to take a breath and try to get it under control before I say something I might regret. For the hot flashes Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC has an acupuncture protocol that worked wonders - 6 sessions and no more hot flashes. They came back after 9 months, one tune up and they are under control. Best of luck to all.

thanks for your perspective and words of encouragement brother --- keep on the sunny side, every day is truly a gift

Thank you for your heartfelt video. I, too, am on hormone therapy and can relate. It's encouraging to hear someone else talk about their journey.

Knowing the affects of hormone treatment is causing all my anxiety at the moment as I’m a week away from starting it. It over rides any thoughts of the cancer & any other treatment How much of me will be left,my personality,my humour,my power The dynamics of attraction and bond with my wife without intimacy & passion I’m not yet grateful this shite will save my life Your video’s I’ve slowly been going through I thank you for doing

I also have prostate cancer and my doctor never explained the side effects. I also cry . That’s the easy one. The hot and cold flashes that’s the tough one, waking up and I’m soaked. Thank you for speaking on this. Your helping so many people. I’ve noticed lately losing my energy, I’m like an old man.

Thank you for your honesty. I started hormone therapy a month ago and was having a bad day until I came across your video.

Sending you much love from north of the wall Woody, and the strength to carry on being grateful. I'm grateful for the fact that I know you. Stewart.

Thanks for sharing Woody. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer about 6 months ago. I just had the PET/PSMA scan to see if there has been any mestasesis. I’m on the Decaptyl 3 monthly injections and daily 1000mg Zytiga with Prednisolone. I’ve been luck I think so far with side effects. So far the hot the hot flushes 5-6 times a day are by far the worst. I just about cope with random mode swings and rollercoaster of unpredictable emotions. Most of the time I’m ok, but occasionally I find my self having fits of rage for no known reason, or I just want to cry over the most stupid things. As you say, we have to take the rough with the smooth and be thankful for every day we are alive. Stay strong. You’re not alone on this journey.

Being alive. Biggest take away. Mine came back after 10 years. It's now situated in one lymph node in my pelvic region. Just finished five radiation sessions and started the injections again. Started Xtandi pills (were not available ten years ago). I'm kind of used to it all, but it's still hard. Appreciate the honest talk about this. Cheers, Carl

Thank you. Also battling PC recurrence and headed for a second round of HT. Your words are profound and inspiring. Please keep them coming.

I'm on lupron treatment...thank you for sharing....I young in my journey ...your a good example to the importance to having resiliency. Your sharing is helpful.

Very moving and wishing you all the very best..