Hey Guys, I have two questions:
1) over the past 8-12 months I've had lots of pain in the prostate area. It can be stabbing pain or a dull ache, which keeps me awake at night. It gets much worse when I walk, mow the lawn or stand up for extended periods of time. My Uro said it could be prostatitis, but several commonly used anti-biotics have done nothing for the pain. My MO, RO and Uro all said it's unusual to actually have pain in the prostate from prostate cancer and since we've pretty much ruled out prostatitis/bacterial infection, I still have no idea what's causing it. I had a TURP 3 weeks ago, as I was getting chronic retention. The retention problem has improved (a bit) but I still have the pain and it's worse than ever. I can't stand up or walk for more than a few minutes before the pain is too much too bear. Has anyone else experience anything similar, or does anyone else have any idea what may be the cause, or even better, what a solution might be. The TURP has been a trauma to the area, so I guess it's no surprise I have pain, I just hope it starts to improve. I'm ag 51, usually quite active and fit, healthy, other than MCRPCa (diagnosed 2.5 years ago, now on Enzalutamide).
2) My Medical Oncologist, who I switched to recently, said that I don't need to continue with Zoladex implants, now that I am on Enzalutamide as the Zoladex has lost its effectiveness. My previous MO said I had to stay on Zoladex as well as Enzalutamide. I'm not sure which one is right. Does anyone have any thoughts? I am inclined to switch to Degaralix, as it's been shown to have lower cardiovascular risk and I'm convinced Zoladex has caused me to have High blood pressure, which I've never had before in my life.
Thanks in advance.
Paul
Hi Paul, sorry to hear about painful TURP. I cant comment on this or any aspect of Q1 but in regards to Q2 I started Enzalutamide 6 weeks ago and my MO is definitely keeping me on Zolodex. I am pretty sure that this is standard approach at Peter Mac. I was previously being treated at Epworth Hospital and when I became castrate resistant in 2017 I asked MO there if I would stay on Zolodex He said that although most of my PCa was castrate resistant maybe 5% was still responsive to ADT so they wanted me to continue. This is first time I have heard of anyone discontinuing Zolodex (or equivalent medication). I suggest that you get another opinion on this.
Regatds, Hazard
Thanks Hazard. The MO kind of left it in my court, saying that it (the Zoladex) is not really effective anymore. I am looking at getting Lutetium177 in a few months, so I might discuss staying off the Zoladex for now, but going back onto Degaralix if the Lu177 doesn't deliver the hoped for results. Cheers Paul.