Anyone considered bilateral orchiectomy: Why or why not?

Ozzie, like BG, I had mine done at Mayo Jacksonville about two years ago. I was very happy with the results of the procedure. It went well, and I would highly recommend it, especially to those of you who are older and aren’t concerned about appearance, etc. I did not elect to have the implants. It has been a real blessing not have to go in every three months for a shot, especially in view of the fact that Mayo switched from Lupron to Eligard (which in my opinion was very painful.) best of luck with the procedure and I’ll be praying for you!

Thank you! 🙂
Day 18 post surgery and recovering nicely. Only took 4 days to begin seeing change with my urinary difficulties. What a blessing and relief!
Next phase is dealing with non operable prostate and bone + lung metastasis...

I was on monthly injections of Lupron and casodex for 3+ years. I started treatment in 2011 and stopped in 2014. I was 59 when I started and 62 when I stopped. I had had all of the kids I was going to have. I had a number of discussions with my wife regarding "to have or not have a bilateral orchiectomy". Truth be told our sex life stopped after the first Lupron shot in 2011. The seriousness of my cancer in 2011 with a PSA of over 25,000 (yep you read that right), 20 or so cancerous lymph nodes ranging in size from a football to a golf ball, jaundiced (on the verge of kidney and liver failure) and chronic itching from head to toe due to extremely toxic blood and a REMARKABLE response to ADT (My PSA dropped from over 25,000 to 103 in 8 weeks as a result of ADT therapy) meant I either needed the orchiectomy or I would need to be on ADT for the rest of my life. I had no way of knowing the long term effects of but I preferred not to be a guinea pig and was tired of butt shots so after the talk to my wife I opted for the orchiectomy in 2013. BTW I have been cancer free since and my PSA has remained undetectable for over 9 years. I feel (actually WE (my wife and I)) that we made the right decision. Once you learn how to overcome motivation for things like everything like exercise by just getting up and doing it!!! the tough work is done. I think I'd opt for the orchiectomy 10 out of 10 times rather than deal with the unknown side effects of long-term ADT therapy!!! BTW RXHARLEYDUDE where are you from and who is your Mayo urologist? All my best and prayers. Feel free to reach out to me at any time. Bucky

There is a second choice other than hormone treatment. That is the patch. There was a study done in the UK about using the estradiol patch (or gel). It is just as effective as ADT hormones, but has many fewer side effects. You should look into this, It’s a better choice than Orchiectomy. It does not have a problem with hot flashes like ADT does. If you go to ancan.org You can watch videos by Richard Wassersug Who has been on estradiol for many years and discusses its benefits.

With all of the tumors they found they would normally give you chemotherapy or Pluvicto. Have they discussed this with you? Hormone therapy is not sufficient when you have so many metastasis. They also usually put you on an ARSI like Zytiga or one of the lutamides.

Hi Jeff, thanks for responding. I have heard of the estradiol patch. I think it's an estrogen patch. No one mentioned it to me. All I know is that I have been losing weight and am already too skinny, and need to do something. I have looked at a bunch of forums on orchiectomy, and everyone says it's the best way to drop your testosterone fast. And it seems like everyone is glad they did it. I have all sorts of bad side affects from drugs. My doctor informed me that I might have to do some drug once we see how psa and another petscan show in a couple of months. I am 73 and very active. I bike everyday and usually hike about 3 times a week. I am having such inner turmoil with this. But I am a believer in Jesus and trusting in Jesus to bring me through. How are your side affects from orchiectomy?

Hi Jeff, I just looked at Rochard Wasserburgs utube session on estradiol. It sounds interesting , but I am scheduled for orchiectomy this Wednesday September 24th. Estradiol patch really sounds like it has complicated dosing. To much can cause blood clots and other issues. It may be something to look into if hot flashes and other side affects ate bad.I am really just wondering about your experiences with orchiectomy.

@frankn, how are you doing? How is recovery going?

Hi Coleen, I had my Orchiectomy 11 days ago. I have recovered ok except for 2 hematomas on spermatic cords that were cut. My surgeon had me taking Ibuprofen for 7 days to see if swelling goes down. Been 5 days and hasn't helped much. That's why I didn't go for the Lupron shot, because I get bad side affects from drugs. But I guess I also have trouble with surgery. My only side affects so far ( from low T) are fatigue that started 2 days ago. It seems to last all day. I have been walking about 3 miles each day and that helps the healing and the fatigue. I have a doctor appointment with Oncologist to discuss further meds to take. I don't like that idea but I know it's necessary. I will message more as time goes on. Thanks, Frank Nedbal