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Low volume metastatic prostate cancer

Antonmalmal
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Hi I am a 72 yr old male and have been on Apalutamide tablets,4 a day plus a 3 monthly injection of leuprorelin. My Psa reading is below where it can be measured. I also have Primary Progressive multiple sclerosis which mainly effects my bowel and lower limbs. I excersize a fair amount to try and compensate for the effects of the MS but I feel that the side effects from the hormone therapy are increasing my joint pain and muscle weakness, plus the hot flushes are some times debilitating. I  will speak to my oncologist about taking a break from the therapy but what are your thoughts on taking a break?

Anthony m

  • Hello Anthony and thank you for posting,

    I am sorry to learn of your situation.

    For men who are taking lifelong hormone therapy, it is possible to have a break from hormone therapy (intermittent therapy), whereby the hormone therapy may be stopped, and regular monitoring of the PSA is done. Should the PSA start to rise, then the hormone therapy may be started again. This can be helpful if men are experiencing side effects and it is the treatment that is causing symptoms rather than the cancer itself.

    As cancer information nurses not involved in your care, we cannot recommend treatment or provide a second opinion. So it is good that you will be discussing this with your specialist, who knows your situation. You can also ask for a second opinion if you feel this is needed.

    I hope this reply helps in some way. If you would like to talk things through with one of our nurses. We are available between Monday to Friday, and the freephone number to call is 0808 800 4040

    Jemma

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