Before any treatment commences - start doing Pelvic Floor exercises! I never expected the sudden urge to urinate before, and it was unbearable at times. Strengthening those muscles prevented very embarrassing situations from occurring - especially in public places! Learn to "scope out" where the nearest conveniences are when venturing outside the home.
With hormone therapy, I had zero libido. Luckily for me, I am not in a relationship - so it was not an issue being celibate.
I was very surprised by (a) the intesnsity of "Hot Flushes" which I never thought was possible to experience as a man! Simple walking meant I would sweat buckets! I has to buy a neck fan which was useful in cooling me down. Sleeping was a nighmare, as I would often wake up in a pool of sweat! (b) The weight gain was horrific! Having been an athletic tennis player for 30+ years, I was stunned by the weight gain in the midriff , hips and chest! I felt like a Sumo Wrestler! The increase of weight put pressure on my joints and I began to pick up more injuries and pain in the shoulders, knees and ankles. Try to stay mobile. I increased my walking (despite every pain in the knee being agonising) - I needed to shift the pounds. (c) Watch your diet. I jettisoned all processed foods and increased my vegetables, fruit, fish and white meats. I drank lots of water and ditched the fruit juice as that was pure sucrose and fructose - Sugar!
It was the "not knowing" if the Radiotherapy was "successful" and were things getting better. I had to have regular blood tests to monitor the PSA levels. I was a little taken aback that in March 2025 - the GP Medical Centre I have used for the past 15 years - actually LOST my blood sample for a PSA Test! I was quite shocked by this - and very annoyed, as I had to give more blood and lost a month in getting updated results! The "not knowing" what is going on can be a source or agitation, as I need facts to function and to know the "lay of the land" - then take appropriate action steps. It is the Hormone injections wevery 3 - 6 months that has been the greatest challenge, as it has changed my anatomy in a visible and detrimental way! I am currently still on Hormone therapy and have become the heaviest I have ever been in my entire life! I feel like a Sumo wrestler!
Not sure
I am aware that there are many Doctors, Professors, Scientists and Researchers around the world who are running research programs and testing new and wonderful experiments to tackle Prostate Cancer. Perhaps alternative treatments will be available and can provide more choice in the future, that would prevent me from making the same decisions I did before.
I have been divorced for 15 years, so being single means I was not impacted by the side effects from a relationship perspective. I would advise those in a relationship to be totally honest with their partners and keep them updated with how you are feeling, as they may interpret your side effects as not beint interested in them. Be open. Be honest.
I was in shock when I suddenly felt like Jonny Storm (The Human Torch) from the Fantastic Four!! I would suddenly feel like I was on fire - out of nowhere! I would sweat buckets for no reason - even when sitting still and under no exertion. It took me months to "get used" to the sensation of "hot flushes"! I was a little embarrassed too - especially when I was in public. At night time, I would sweat and waking up felt like I was getting out of a swimming pool! The sweating was amazing! I had to buy myself a neck fan that would blow cold air to cool me down. Fresh air in a cool breeze was a good remedy too. I have a greater appreciation for females who go through menopause and endure hot flushes - my heart goes out to you all.
The biggest shock for me was the weight gain. I never expected to expand around the shoulders, back, midrif and hips to the extent that I did. I felt like a Sumo Wrestler, compared to the super fit tennis player I was up till 5 years ago. MY joints began to ache - especially the knees. I had to get some form of exercise in to burn the calories, but sometimes whilst walking - every step would be agony in one of my knees. I don't have a home Gym - so walking was all I could do. I could not risk all-out tennis, asI felt sure I would aggrovate the joints or pull a muscle - so I couldn't take the risk. Being invited out to attend social activities was traumatic at times. It was terrible to discover that most of my shirts and trousers could no longer fit me! It was quite a shock!
Yes
I wanted the treatment that was THE LEAST invasive and damaging to my anatomy! Hormone Therapy & Radiotherapy were ostensibly the "best choice" I had with my level of cancer.
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