Found a first couple of posts from a new member on another thread. I am starting a new thread for him so folks can say hello and offer suggestions. Since Kenny has limited vision I have cleaned up his text slightly to make it easier to read.

kenny123 said...
8/12/14 today age 66, diagnosed at 62. please don't let spelling bother you as I an a diabetic, and have macular degeneration in one eye and cataracts in both eyes.

psa at biopsy: 12 -- 2yrs before it was normal at 6 -- [Gleason 4+4 = 8 total.] Bone scan before radial prostate surgery. Was told none that had spread outside prostate after operation. Now always have to be around a mens room. 40 minutes is the longest time away from bathroom. PSA after surgery was 0.01, then after 6 mos it was 0.02, then at 9 mos was at .3. Had 2 months of IMBT radiation, total salvage rad was 68 grays. The last wk had terrible colon pains,which I still have some today, given suppositories, and 5mg Oxycontin, that worked. Then after10 mos, PSA started to rise , doubled in 6 mos. Started Lupron, then switched to Zoladex 10.3 implants every 3 mos, PSA decreased to .1 psa, now have a oncology appt next week. Will have blood work before. I have had bad side effects ,took for 2 yrs straight, could not sleep, cold then hot, when cold would sweat,and feel like you had a 101 fever. The cold was the easiest, just but on more blankets. then started forgetting things. I read about the people whose p.c. seems easy, well mine has been hell. Also my muscles, they would hurt like the flu, which would come and go, praying that I can get some time, to reheal, this is part of my story to date ,thank you.

PeterDisAbelard. said...
Kenny,

Welcome to the forum. Sorry you've got troubles but glad you found us. Maybe we can help, or at least keep you company.

It sounds like you are having a reaction to the Zoladex in terms of controlling your cancer, but those side effects sound tough. Hopefully we can tell you some things to ask your oncologist about that might help.

So, Kenny, where do you live? What is the nearest big city? Sometimes we can suggest other doctors you might want to speak to.

Here is a link to a thread for last year where people talked about what they had done for their hot flashes.

www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=2902200

Things that people had tried that worked were:

Megace 20mg twice a day. Helps with the hot flashes but makes some people hungry and they gain weight.

Depo Provera. Some men find it really works for hot flashes.

Estradiol(E2) patches. Low dose of female hormones seems to help some men with the hot flashes.

Acupuncture -- mostly ear lobes. There have been studies that found that it helps.

Fluoxetine (generic Prozac) Used at lower doses for hot flashes than for depression although if you are depressed you might get a toofer.

You might print out this list and take it to your oncologists appointment. Something to talk about. There are things you can do about your side effects.

Never had Zoladex but I expect my Firmagon was similar. Injection site reaction was something like being stung by a hornet.

Hi Kenny,

Welcome to Healing Well. This is a great place to share war stories, obtain information and get support all things prostate cancer. I was the one that emailed you a few days ago.

Sorry your journey with PC hasn't been an easier road to travel. Hope you find some relief real soon.

Keep us in the loop and we'll try to help in any way....

Jerry

Kenny,

Like BillyBob@388, because my DX was found too late, I'm only on HT until!! So, others here has and will continue to give you great advice. Just take it one day at a time and learn all you can.

You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Dave in Bartlett, TN