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Prostate Cancer And Gay Men

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Zhockazulu profile image
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Hi guys! Heard about this forum from Allen Edel on another forum. He’s been super helpful. Completed my second week of radiation of an eight and a half week treatment schedule. Was going to get Proton therapy and went thru all the prep/procedures only to find out later that my insurance wouldn’t cover it, even after numerous appeals. Also go a 6 month Lupron shot that has screwed with you know what. Big bummer as I don’t even feel like the same person anymore, though I understand it may be a temporary setback.

Anyway, glad to be part of the group!

Jacques

DFW area, USA

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Zhockazulu
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TimCo profile image
TimCo

Jacques, Glad you have landed here. Terrific support group of we guys in this precarious and challenging health situation. I have a close friend who has also gone thru radiation and it got better for him. Don't hesitate to ask or share anything you may need or want. Tim in Denver.

lavis profile image
lavis

Hi Jaques!

Welcome, to the group.

I went through what your going through.

I had to take those Lupron shots every 3 months, for 2 years, so I know what your going through.

The worst thing for me was the Hot Flashes.

The only thing that helped was to carry a small fan around with me and used it whenever I sat down for a while and when I went to bed.

I developed Radiation Cystitis, 4 years after Radiation Treatment.

They don't tell you that is a possible side effect of Radiation Treatment.

Hopefully, you will have better luck than I did.

My best, to you.

Zhockazulu profile image
Zhockazulu in reply to lavis

Hi Lavis,

Yes, the hot flashes are bothersome and they didn't tell me that I would be prone to them after the Lupron so I was always thinking that I was running a fever! I also didn't know about Radiation Cystitis. That does not sound pleasant at all and I'm sorry you went thru that.

winwon00 profile image
winwon00

Hi Jacques, I also considered Proton therapy but decided to do RP. I was really uncomfortable with several weeks of radiation and the RP seemed easier for me. It sounds like you have a positive mindset which is important for quick recovery. Take care!

Zhockazulu profile image
Zhockazulu in reply to winwon00

Hi win,

Do you mean you were uncomfortable for the first few weeks of RP? If so, how so? I’m experiencing fatigue and now diarrhea. Ugh!

Best!

winwon00 profile image
winwon00 in reply to Zhockazulu

I mean I was uncomfortable with going through several weeks of radiation therapy so i chose surgery. its been 4 weeks since surgery and I'm feeling great. can't wait to get back to my daily workouts and cardio routine. I thought I would be very depressed about losing my prostate but so far, I'm handling it well.

Tall_Allen profile image
Tall_Allen in reply to Zhockazulu

Here are some tips that might help with the fatigue. Basically, exercise!

pcnrv.blogspot.com/2017/11/...

Here's a list of potential side effects of EBRT in rough order of the percent who experience each:

pcnrv.blogspot.com/2016/08/...

Zhockazulu profile image
Zhockazulu in reply to Tall_Allen

Thanks Allen! Great stuff.

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options. My doc is at NYU and suggests either radiation or focal therapy. Thoughts? Thanks!

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