The Benefits and Side Effects of Hormone Therapy

An oncologist once told me that tes-
tosterone is like fertilizer to prostate cancer...very high risk PCa or metastatic PCa. So hormone therapy is not for those where primary therapy is considered curative.
So why do I take Hormone Therapy? I have PCa Gleason 9 with seminal ve-
sicle involvement.
I have had open surgery and radiation therapy. Still, I am at very high risk for
recurrence.
Hormone therapy is given by injections
that stop the production of testosterone
.It is a systemic therapy that " stuns"
cancer cells, but does not cause apoptosis or cell death. It's a temporary
fix that usually works for up to 2 to 3 years or longer. Shots are given every three months.
It comes with some very heavy side effects. Hot flashes which cause cognitive problems. Erictile disfunction. Long-term use can cause bone loss (osteoperosis), and loss of muscle mass.
Anemia and fatigue can also result.
So why do I take this and put up with
these significant side effects. Simple.
Iwant to live. I want to fight PCa with everything available to me. I want to put off disease progression, and still keep a positive attitude.
Almost all of these side effects can be handled with exercise (muscle mass and fatigue), and a healthy diet. Hormone Therapy by no means turns me
into a couch potato. I bike, swim, play golf, work. With intermittent therapy, my sex life ain't too bad either.
The bottom line is Hormone Therapy is another weapon that can help us beat prostate cancer
Comments or advice appreciated

Thanks,

Vet1




`

VET 1..... you have enlightened me about this terrible disease... I should only hope if I get a negative outcome. I could have your bravery. Like you said you have a lot of living to do. I was so ignorant before I found this site. It has helped me tremendously. I realize now that the diagnosis is different for everyone and knowing the right path to take. That's what worries me.... you are a great asset to this site for the newcomers........ Richard

I agree that it's very worthwhile reading the book by Dr Myers:

He contends that most men diagnosed as being hormone resisatnt actually aren't.

The book also discusses "Two common Myths", one being that responses only last 18 months. He indicates that almost all men after surgery continue to respond to hormones after 5 years.

The book also includes several case studies, and includes information on diet and supplements.

John

Vet,
You are a true hero to me and others! Not only for serving our country but also as a brave warrior fighting against this monster we call P.C. Your courage inspires me. When I found this forum, I was suffering from Hypogonadizm or low testasterone 3 years aftert having a succesful RRP w/ all 0 PSA test since. I cryed and moaned about how bad I felt, the hot flashes, fatigue, body aches, depression, confusion, well you know what I'm talking about. I wrote to these poor people over and over about how bad I felt, I think most of them stopped reading my posts! I had beaten the monster for 3 years but istead of being happy about that, I cried like a baby. Then I read about someone like you who just shuggs off those dehabillitating side effects while still fighting the battle and I'm humbled, You are my hero! You are an insiration to all of us. God bless you and God speed my friend. You are a better man than I!!!!
Your friend,
Pete