My Prostate Journey so far...

Prostate cancer diagnosis

I was officially diagnosed with higher risk PC December 2024. This was after the MRI, which found the tumor on the outside perimeter on my right side. I underwent a transrectal fusion biopsy which confirmed the cancer. I'm 64 years old and other than osteoarthritis; I am otherwise healthy. I became extremely ill two days after the biopsy and was admitted to hospital with fever of 103, shakes and chills, and no energy. Turns out, sepsis, and I was on IV antibiotics for five days. The bacterial infectious specialist explained to me that, try as hard as the doctors tried by giving me antibiotics prior, during, and after the procedure, an infection still broke through.

Prostate cancer treatment

My Urologist recommend a three-course treatment plan for PC. Hormone therapy, surgery, and target radiation. I opted to skip the surgery portion. I felt (and still do feel) that the outcome of radiation treatment and hormone therapy was a better choice for me. Surgery option came with a very high probability I would have a colostomy bag.

I started Lupron injections Feb 2024. Every four months for 2 -3 years. I completed 9 weeks - 45 target radiation treatments from April - June 2024. I found out I am in remission July 2024. My PSA is undetectable 0.01, especially with the Lupron.

Side effects of treatment

After one year, I currently struggle with the side effects of Lupron. Fatigue is real. Hot flashes are real. At first, I stayed more active. Jogging / speed walking daily 2 - 2.5 miles. Then came the winter months and the longer I am on Lupron, the less active I became. I have to make a effort to stay active now. Weight gain is real.

I have no libido at all due to the Lupron. I consider myself asexual. I am able to get erections, but do not want them. I have no sexual desire at all. I got divorced when I came out, father of two daughters, grandfather of two grandsons, and retired at 62.

I take daily medications of flomax. I am up 1-2 times nightly to urinate. I take venlafaxine which helps with anxiety and has made the hot flashes less intense. I also take arthritis meds.

THC for side effects
I am learning how to deal with side effects I have. Somedays are harder. Some days I just do not want to do anything. I am making an effort to watch what I eat and drink. I guess PC patients should not drink alot of alcohol. I have had two doctors tell me that THC may help with side effects. They both were right.

I am open to communicating as I continue on this journey. I am interested to meet others, hear stories and how you deal with side effects.