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Prostate Cancer - Decapeptyl .

Tel333
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Hi, 

I live in Northern Ireland and was recently diagnosed with Stage 3B Prostate Cancer and had my first injection of 11.25 Decapeptyl on 25th October. Apart from taking Bicalutamide for 4 weeks prior to this I am on no other cancer medication. 
I have been told I am now on the Routine Oncology treatment programme and was wondering how long it will be before I am called for my first check up and further treatment possibly Radiotherapy. I am concerned about this as my cancer is at an advanced stage and I am worried that maybe the hormone treatment isn’t working fast enough to stop me going to Stage 4. 

  • Hello Tel333 and thanks for your post,

    Hormone treatment is often given in the first place before any other treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy is given but as I am not involved in your care it is difficult to know what the doctors have decided is right for your prostate cancer.

    If you haven't had your first oncology appointment and you are being managed by your GP I would speak to them about your treatment plan so you have more idea of what is happening in your situation.

    Your GP should hopefully be able to tell you how long you are on the hormone therapy for and how often you should be monitored.

    We have some information on our website about Decapeptyl (Triptorelin). It is either given once a month , every 3 months or every 6 months but I am not sure what is happening in your situation.

    Bicalutamide is another type of hormone treatment which you say you are having. 

    Prostate Cancer UK have some information about how hormones are used in treating your cancer. Have a read through so you can get a better understanding.

    We have more information on our website about how how hormones are used.

    I do hope some of these links may be helpful.

    You are very welcome to ring and chat any of this through with one of the helpline nurses. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    All the best,

    Catherine

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Catherine

    Thanks Catherine,

    I was just wondering how long it normally took before a further check / scan was done to establish if hormone treatment was actually working, ie 3 months or so from time of injection. I’m not sure how quickly the Decapeptyl takes effect and just concerned if it hasn’t had any effect. 
    I believe it’s Oncology who are managing my treatment. 
    Thanks for getting back to me so promptly. I will make a few more enquiries. 
     Tel333
  • in reply to Tel333

    Hello Tel333 and thanks for getting back to us again,

    There is no hard and fast rule how someone should be monitored so do talk to your doctors about your treatment plan. 

    The hospital will have written to your GP informing them of your treatment and how often you should have tests PSA for example so you may want to contact them in the first instance. 

    I am afraid it is is difficult to be too specific.

    All the best,

    Catherine

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Catherine

    Much appreciated, thank you sincerely. 

    T

  • Offline in reply to Tel333

    Hello. Just thought I’d write and thank you for your post. I am in exactly the same situation, same stages, even the same dates and was wondering everything you mentioned. At the moment feel very much adrift by myself and not knowing what’s next. Thank you

  • Offline in reply to GeofUk

    Hi Geofuk, thank you for that. Hopefully it has put your mind somewhat at rest. Guessing it’s only natural we’re all thinking like this. Just have to put our trust in our teams. 
    Keep strong. 

    T

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