Rodney (Rod)'s Story

Ethnicity
White British
Age
80 or older
Work
Retired
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Geography
South East
Relationship status
Widowed

Hormone Therapy (injections)

Tips and advice for any mental and emotional side effects of treatment

At my age, I have learned to live with most of the side effects of the cancer and treatment thereof, but a recent session of radiotherapy to my lower spine resulted in the most awful pain. I was aware of the potential for side effects, but not the degree of pain I suffered. It started on a Saturday and by Sunday was excruciating to the extent that I had to call en emergency ambulance. On Monday the radiologist called to support me and to explain that I had a flare up. It has now eased off a lot and back to normal, but with constipation, for which I am taking medication. Having been extremely fit and active prior to getting advanced prostate cancer takes a lot of getting used to.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

Monthly Prostap injection is a problem since I have this at my GP surgery and buses (I no longer drive) only run every two hours. My prescriptions are delivered and hospital appointments are dealt with by G4S Patient Transport and I shop online for groceries etc. so I am coping, but missing the freedom I previously enjoyed. However, I am making the most of every day as best as I can.

If I had to do it all over again, would I choose the same treatment?

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

My late wife had bowel cancer and was on chemotherapy. Having seen how that affected her I would not have that option. Therefore hormone therapy is the only viable option. I wonder if a prostatectomy would have helped, but with mestates in many areas of my skeletal system I think it unlikely.

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