Surgical Castration ?

[Bigmaristuff]

I have been on Eligard for two months. Prior to starting ADT my Triglycerides were 100 (May 2023). After only two months of Eligard they are thru the roof (495). Since I have metastatic PC they tell me that I will be on ADT for life. I am considering surgical orchiectomy since there are fewer metabolic side effects. Any thoughts or observations would be greatly appreciated Thanks.

[Vangogh1961]

I did after 18 months of injections. Consensus with my MO was ADT for life. I decided a snip to remove the shriveled remnants of my youth made more sense than injecting a chemical to block production. A year later I still feel it was a good choice.

[Bigmaristuff in reply to Vangogh1961]

I understand your sentiments about chemicals entirely. What about the metabolic side effects ?What does your blood work look like compared to when you were on ADT? Glucose, triglycerides, HDL, LDL calcium etc..

[Vangogh1961 in reply to Bigmaristuff]

With ADT my cholesterol raised slightly, so I'm on a statin. Everything else is normal. I'm still on Abiraterone and Prednisone daily.

[Benkaymel in reply to Vangogh1961]

Are there any differences to side effects such as hot flashes, fatigue, muscle loss, etc? I'm assuming not.

[addicted2cycling in reply to Benkaymel]

April 2015 and almost 65yo, my Urologist said biopsy came back 5+4 and must start ADT immediately. BTW, 3 week later a saturation transperineal biopsy showed right half tumor as 5+5.

I said NO ADT and instead I want an Orchiectomy. 24 hours later the boys left town and as I type this response my T < 2.5ng/dL as of blood work last Friday (lowest lab numbers given) and when Hurricane Idalia effects leave this area I will be going out for a FULL MOON celebratory bicycle ride of 100 miles. Ride will take much longer than a few years ago BUTT with the boys gone it's a lot more comfortable.

oops, year and age correction

[Bigmaristuff in reply to addicted2cycling]

I love your reply. Makes me want to get my surgery tomorrow so that I can go out and buy myself a new bike.😂

[addicted2cycling in reply to Bigmaristuff]

BTW, having the Orchiectomy resulted in the fastest 10 pound weight loss in my life --- LOL

Sadly, for my FULL MOON RIDE the winds were still kicking up, had high temperature and humidity plus I didn't pump up the tires on my RANDS Velocity Squared so the combination of body aches and no *T* did me in way too early.

[Vangogh1961 in reply to Benkaymel]

I feel my hot flashes are less. Now when I have a hot flash, sweat etc., it's noticeable because it's not common. I exercise daily 15-20 minutes, limited as I still work full time. So I've regained some muscle mass and fatigue is less. But that's a problem regardless of treatment.

[Boywonder56]

Im sure others will snip in.....

[j-o-h-n]

I would venture a guess that after reading many posts, that 2/3 of the guys are pro vs 1/3 are anti vote on whether they thought it was a right/smart thing to do.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Tuesday 08/29/2023 6:08 PM DST

[Dynamo]

I did the snip job two years ago and have no regrets.. In fact 2 months ago I went to Froedert hospital in Milw for a second opinion and the Onco there remarked about me having had an

Orchy.. He said that was a good idea and he was sure I would live longer than the many guys that are on long term Lupron.. He said those guys are showing up with various problems after long term use.. ie. heart issues, broken bones, & even early dementia issues... They don't see that in guys that have had Orchies.. Good Luck..

[SilverSeppi]

There are many other alternatives to medieval 'cures'.

[Shamrock46]

My husband and I have a different opinion. We found out he was having his 2nd recurrence this last April while on Lupron/Xtandi and PSA continued its rise, more than doubling each test. He weighed all the options the MO provided and decided that they all only offered a very slight chance of helping....and that on a very temporary basis. He's one who has suffered side effects from everything. When reviewing the orchy he decided he didn't want surgery or a painful recovery since his cancer was most likely going to continue to get worse. He opted for no more treatment, is having his implanted defibrillator deactivated and has started receiving palliative care. If and when he wants hospice he'll switch to that. Good luck with your deliberations.

[Blue-Mockingbird in reply to Shamrock46]

Sending you a virtual hug, caring vibes and a wish for courageousness 🦋

[FourString]

I got snipped from day one of my diagnosis. I read a study indicating less (25%) bone loss with orchiectomy.

[Bigmaristuff]

So, it seems that those who have opted for an orch have no regrets. Is there anyone out there that regrets having the surgery?

[spencoid2]

I did it and have no regrets. No more Schvetty balls and biking is a lot more comfortable

[Nusch]

I will do it, mainly to stop of Lupron

[Bigmaristuff]

This is from the conclusion of a research paper I just read(Quality of life in low-income men after surgical castration for metastatic prostate cancer), " The finding of improved urination after orchiectomy merits further inquiry." Can anyone confirm this finding?

[binati]

No problems at all. Orchiectomy is much better than Lupron or Firmagon. My side effects like hot flashes etc stopped after about 6 months. I think it was mainly owing to heavy exercise and activity like walking, running etc.