Coping with hormone treatment for advanced prostate cancer

Hi All

Was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer July 2020 and have been on 12 weekly injections of Decapeptyl 11.25 mg as well as daily apalutamide tablets.  Also had 74 Grays of radiotherapy in 37 fractions. Given that the cancer is metastatic the treatment is for life - i.e. no respite.  It is working well with negligible PSA at present and normal liver / kidney function.

The problem is I am really struggling mentally to accept the side effects ( I pretty much have them all). Have increased exercising and talking to a psychotherapist yet continue to have low mood/depression. Consultant has offered happy pills or intermittent therapy neither of which I want. 

Query is has anybody else in a similar situation found any other way of improving their mood / acceptance of the side effects?

Thanks

 

 

 

  • Hi I was diagnosed Feb 2016 , prostate cancer gone to lymph nodes spine ribs pelvis and a lung. Stage 4 palative care started on Decapeptyl injections 12 weekly for life ,had Docetaxel chemotherapy 6 sessions,was supposed to be 10 but bad side effects. Had 10 days in hospital going in and out of a coma .

    Original PSA 1581 went down for two years to 0.03 started rising slow for two years,then jumped for 6 months to 65 I was on low dose hormone tablets changed to Enzalutamide strong dose and PSA down to 0.09 last count .

    I was working at beginning for two years (metal fabrication and welding firm , till my wife was diagnosed with Altzimers and Parkinson's plus other brain problems . I'm her full time carer .

    It is possible your side effects are with tablets it should be possible to go onto something similar and see if side effects improve ,most men have hot flushes and put on weight with injections .

    Glad your PSA has gone down, hope it stays there.

    I also have Addison's desease,it means my adrenal glands don't work so I'm on permanent steroids to keep me alive had it since 2006 got usto it but being careful and never forget meds.

    I'm on forum fairly regularly trying to help others.

    Sorry didn't welcome you to the forum the club nobody wants to join.

    Take care keep positive.

    Billy