Orchietomy, what do you think

Has anybody tried orchietomy to control their prostate cancer.

It is considered to be extreme treatment and not as common today as it was before the advent of testosterone lowering drugs. I do know men that have taken this route when they determined they would always be on drugs like Lupron.

It does not cure the cancer, as the cancer will often evolve to a status where it no longer needs testosterone to survive and grow and spread. Also, orchiectomy does not stop the side effects of the drugs. One will still have the hot flashes, weight gain, fatigue, etc. These symptoms are from no T regardless of how it is achieved. In my opinion, one must think and consider such an action very carefully and seriously as it is not reversible.

Alephnull, how soon do you start Medicare? The new rules on prescription drugs ( which includes Orgovyx) for 2025 limit out of pocket expense to $2,000 per year, after the deductible. Plus there are several charitable foundations that assist with the out of pocket expenses. My wife is on a very expensive cancer drug ( $14,000 per month) and her pharmacy helped her with a foundation that has paid the deductible and co-insurance, and will do so in the future.

If, instead of Orgovyx, you use injectables like Lupron, this will be covered by Part B and your Supplement and would only cost you the approximate $240 yearly deductible.

In either case, if you are too young for Medicare and still on your employer sponsored plan, these foundations will also work with you to help with the costs.

Aleph, I just refreshed my memory of your situation. Looks like you are right at 65 and Medicare, Correct? Many have found Medicare to be much better at holding done costs. With traditional Medicare, a Supplement and Part D plan, you can keep maximum out of pocket costs to about $2,800 per year, and pursue your treatment with any doctor or institution that you desire with no network limitations. And many people get prescription drug relief through several different organizations for the expensive cancer drugs, like my wife has.