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Total inability to have an orgasm post radiation
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Aug 28, 2024 | Replies (39)Comment receiving replies
I had high dose Proton radiation with hormone therapy before the radiation. I had a total of 3 shots, the initial 2 were Firmagon, and that totally sucked, followed by one of Eligard. That was it, waited a few months , during which I was marked and fitted. In May 2023, I received the radiation. And while no complications, I had to learn how to hit the head and control my stuff. Slowly, the effects started to where off and I learned more of the effects and how long they could last, once I absorbed that, I became more at ease and optimistic. Doing the radiation was my choice, I was terrified to be cut and my surgeon stating that I wasn’t a good candidate for surgery. And my research discovered it’s just as good, if not better than surgery, if it’s an option. Once tested and diagnosed, my team worked hard and fast to get me treated. They genetically a core from my biopsy and my cancer was just over the line to aggressive. I was Gleason 4+3/7 stage one. My psa was nearing 6 and slowly rising, it’s now holding at .21 and my testosterone is coming back up. Hope this helps.
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First of all, thank you for taking the time to post a response. As you’ve likely learned, treatment for cancer, is it not a one size fits all proposition And I’m glad that you’ve had good results with proton therapy.
When I was first diagnosed in 2020 I absolutely did not want surgery. I was afraid of incontinence issues and sexual dysfunction, and I was unwilling to compromise even in the short term. My two top choices for treatment were proton radiation therapy and low dose radiation brachytherapy. I had private insurance at the time and my carrier Aetna wouldn’t even discuss paying for proton therapy. They also wouldn’t pay for any biopsy other than a 12 core random transrectal biopsy.
I opted for LDR brachytherapy and everything was great for three years until cancer returned with a vengeance in summer of 2023. Gleason 9 Stage 3. My prostate was removed in the salvage operation in January 2024 and I underwent seven weeks of salvage radiation that finished July 18 2024. I will be on ORGOVYX and generic Zytiga until April 2026 and my care team is optimistic that we can knock this into remission for several years and hopefully the rest of my life.
We are both blessed to live in an age where the treatment is largely so successful that we have the luxury of being concerned about sexual function.
Good luck on your journey!