If you are suffering from Erectile Dysfunction ask for help early. My help was delayed due to the Covid Pandemic
Fatigue can be helped by exercise, and also short naps in the afternoon. Hot sweats can be difficult to manage - wear layers that are easy to remove/put on
Try to look forward. In 'x' weeks I will go to.....
The hormone therapy has affected my ability to get an erection - fortunately my wife would prefer to have me as I am now than run a greater risk of not having me. The hot sweats/ flushes, night time sweats have been very difficult at times. The HDR Brachytherapy has affected my bladder control and it has taken a long time to feel 'safe' without pads or pants. However I was having some issues before the brachytherapy
Yes
I was assured by my Oncologist that this was the best course of action for my Gleason 10, locally advanced prostate cancer. Surgery was ruled out by the specialists, and as I couldn't have a radical prostatectomy, a radical radiotherapy course seemed sensible. I also liked the idea of getting the radiation as close to the tumour as possible. A combination of radiation from the outside in and inside out' seemed like a good idea. There is a 70% chance of a cure with the external beam radiotherapy/ HDR Brachytherapy boost, so again it seemed like a 'no--brainer'!
The above answers are most likely due to the concomitant ADT(Hormone Therapy) I was on. If these are issues then ask to be referred to the Andrology Specialist.
Exercise can help with muscle weakness and increased weight. Drinking water can help with sweats and hot flushes. These would probably be due to the concomitant ADT I was taking
I had the radiotherapy without any real issues at the time. However I did develop a urethral stricture which was resolved with a TURP. Tiredness started to affect me about a year and a half after the radiotherapy ended.
Yes
Basically with a Gleason 10, locally advanced Prostate Cancer there was not really any choice as to what treatment I could have!
Ask for help. The Andrology department can help in this regard, but it is better to see them early in your treatment. Due to the Covid pandmeic I could not access this service early in my treatment
The hot sweats and hot flushes were tricky to deal with. Drinking water regularly helps with this. Increased weight can be helped by exercise and it also helps relieve exhaustion and fatigue.
Loss of sex drive. Impossible to get an erection, but I was on the hormone therapy for 3 years. Sleep issues also aggravated the tiredness and fatigue.
Yes
I had a gleason 10 locally advanced tumour. Radical Prostatectomy, Watchful Waiting, Active Surveillance were all out of the question. 3 years of Hormone Therapy - ADT therapy - and radical radiotherapy - External Beam with a HDR Brachytherapy Boost - were advised. So far so good as my PSA is undetectable
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