Only a few days since I learned of my diagnosis

By CommunityMember729

2 min read

First of all, I want to clarify that you will encounter syntax and spelling errors since English is my second language.

Prostate cancer diagnosis

I'm a man 67 years old. At the end of 2019, I had a routine test and the prostate antigen gave 6.5 so I went to see the urologist. He gave a couple of medications and after a little more than one month my PA dropped to 4.5; so I ended the treatment, as I didn't feel any symptoms.

Pandemic and prostate cancer

Then came the pandemic, so I used that as an excuse and didn't get tested until the end of 2021. There my AP indicated 8. The doctor gave me the same medications as before, but this time not only did it not go down, but it increased to 9. A couple of months later it had risen to 9.5 so I was given a biopsy, even though the touch inspection remained without any suspicious evidence.

Prostate cancer prognosis

The biopsy gave: Gleason: 4+4 Score de Gleason: 8 Prognostic group grade: 4 Just on the right side of my prostate. The left side reminded without evidence. No evidence of having come out of the prostate. The doctor told me it's high risk. He told me I have 2 options: 1-surgery. 2- Treatment with hormones and rays. I chose hormones and rays, as I have heard that with surgery there is a good chance of being left with urinary incontinence and permanent impotence.
At this moment I am waiting for the social worker to approve the medication to start the treatment with hormones.
I feel very insecure, as I don't have too much information from my doctor. In this underdeveloped country, doctors take care of many patients and lend little time and attention.

Concern for the future

Needless to say, I am very worried and depressed. I can't find internet support in Spanish; that's why I turn to this site, as someone recommended it to me. It is difficult since I do not present almost any symptoms (maybe a little decrease in the urine stream). But I feel physically as good as before. Except for the worry, I now think.

Thank you very much,
Regards
Luis

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Sue Franke Moderator & Contributor
I'm sorry I can't help you with internet support in Spanish. Can your social worker give you some recommendations of where you can either find information in your native language or a site which can be easily interpreted? Do you have access to a nurse advocate who can answer some of your questions? I've heard that on Facebook there's an option to translate information into a different language. I'm not technically savvy enough to help you with that but perhaps you have someone in your family or a friend who can set up translation. I hope you find the answers you're looking for. Best wishes as you move forward through your treatment. 
1. Richard Faust Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="Luis" user-id="4828121"/>. Glad to hear that your treatments have started and are going well. There can be some challenging side effects from the hormone therapy. I don't so this to scare you, just so you can be prepared. Know that many men here have been through it and that this community is here for you. Best, Richard (ProstateCancer.net Team)
2. Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
 So glad to hear you are in good spirits -- that goes a long way in helping you cope with this challenge . Look forward to hearing more about your journey Dennis(ProstateCancer.net TEAM)
Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
While I cannot help you with Spanish I did post what happened to me during my 40 treatments with radiation and hormone therapy. Simply go to <a href='http://www.TheProstateCancerCoach.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>www.TheProstateCancerCoach.com</a>. On the bottom of the opening page look for the headline My Journey --- where you will find videos for each of the 8 weeks of my treatment - It is all in simple English and easy to follow. Hope this can help you. Dennis (ProstateCancer.net TEAM)
Bngreen Member
<inline-mention username="Luis" user-id="4828121"/> Hi Luis. I am 74 and was diagnosed in 2019 after a PSA 12, an MRI showing a tumor, and a biopsy Gleason score of 7 (3+4) intermediate stage T2. I chose radiation after a lot of thought, research of options, and a recommendation from my personal physician. The cancer Dr. suggested I have six months of hormone therapy to stop testosterone production and improve the results of the radiation. The hormone injection was done two months before the radiation started but after the radiation I noticed two side effects of the hormone therapy I experienced which was some enlargement of my breast tissues and a lack of desire for sex. My radiation was scheduled for 44 sessions of image guided and intensity modulated non-radioactive beam (IGRT/IMRT) exposure. Each session was painless and included a CAT scan merged with the MRI image to precisely aim the radiation at the tumor and not elsewhere. I just had to make sure I had a full bladder before my radiation sessions. After 6 months my PSA was 0.1, then after one year was again 0.1, and at 18 months was less than 0.1. The most difficult part of the entire process was the insertion of three tiny gold seeds into my prostate to help the radiologists position me properly on the table prior to radiation. It was uncomfortable but not horrible. Just ask a lot of questions and admit to your nervousness. The people you see will hopefully be very understanding and helpful as mine were. Many men have gone through this, you'll get through this process too. Good luck. Brian
1. Luis Member
 Thank you Brian. Today I received the first injection. This was Leuprolide acetane. I was previously taking pills called Bicalutamide, for about 20 days. Now I have to wait 3 months for another injection and to start radiation therapy. I will keep you informed when I have news. Thank you very much for the support. 
2. Guy Meredith Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Bngreen" user-id="4219004"/> Hormone treatment is medically induced (hopefully) temporary castration. This causes andropause (male menopause) with all the symptoms menopausal women experience. I urge all men to attempt to remain sexually active while on hormone treatment to lessen possibility of penile atrophy. I was sexually active and set a goal of at least one high quality erection per day. About as interesting as brushing our teeth, but both contribute to good health. I found that I became aroused once I'd begun an erection. The attention of a loved one is a great way to get the job done. Guy B. Meredith, moderator.
Bngreen Member
Glad to help. I had nobody to talk to ahead of time other than the urologist, staff, & oncologist. They answered concerns & questions but didn't volunteer all the info I might have welcomed. Keep exercising as normal if you can, but having lower production of testosterone will cause a lack of perceived strength & loss of energy. I live in the snow belt and often have 10" of snow to clear in my 350' long driveway. I used a walk-behind snow blower and during the 3rd week of radiation I couldn't run it anymore. I had been walking back & forth about an hour of snow blowing with no problem. The last time I had to stop and rest 3 times on the first of two trips out & back, then had to rest 5 times on the way back. Left it in the driveway and called my son-in-law to finish the driveway and parking area. Now I own a riding tractor with mounted snowblower. As you start running out of energy, rest when you need to, ask for help in jobs you can no longer do, get lots of sleep. Let me know how it goes! Brian <inline-mention username="Luis" user-id="4828121"/>
Roger Member
I have been on a LHRH agonist for 3 weeks. Its a 3 monthly hormone injection and have had Radiotherapy recommended. As I feel very tired after exerting myself, the question is this a reasonable reaction and should one start taking thing a lot slower. I'm 72, with 7 samples positive on the biopsy, one being Gleason score 8, and the outside of the prostrate. Still need a kidney biopsy and PET scan, as there is lesions on the lung as well.
Bngreen Member
The hormone therapy is designed to stop testosterone production which prostate cancer feeds on, the same hormone that makes men strong, able to leap over tall buildings and stop trains. So yes, it’s normal to not feel so energetic. Tiredness will come sooner, you may start feeling just plain exhausted when you try to do “normal “ work and exercise. Being 72 doesn’t help. Rest when you start getting tired, take a nap if necessary (it’s ok), ask for help from the strong youngsters. Wait until you start growing boobs and have hot flashes if you’re looking for interesting side effects! Wishing you good results!
Roger Member
Unfortunately the hot flushes have started. Appreciate the comments
1. Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Roger" user-id="6123104"/> Here are a few insights on my journey and dealing with radiation and hormone therapy. First I picked a personal battery powered fan with a small water tank for misting my face - it was a blessing when hot flashes hit. And while it was not macho it worked. Then I had a ceiling fan installed in my bedroom and that helped a lot at night ---especially since it had a remote control. I discovered that the hormones made me very edgy and more aggressive so watch that one as it can sneak up on you. Finally I discovered it was VERY easy to put on weight very quickly as in 30 lbs in a few months. I could not lose it until the hormone therapy was out of my system - then it just melted off. Watch how much you are eating and also what you are eating as well. I had a increased desire for unhealthy foods of course. Hang in there l- you will get through this. I just hope my experiences can help you on your journey ... Dennis (ProstateCancer.net TEAM) 
2. SamuelTaylor Community Admin
 Wishing you the best with the hot flashes, Roger. What has been helping you with that? -Samuel, Team Member
Roger Member
Unfortunately I had a CT Scan, leading to a Kidney biopsy, which was positive for renal cancer. I also have a lesion on my lung and will be speaking to the oncologist tomorrow. So the hot flushes are now a minor problem, as I wait to find out my future.

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