Anyone considered bilateral orchiectomy: Why or why not?

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?

DW,
In the old Readers Digest there was a small section called "Laughter is the best medicine." and i couldn't agree more.
On that note: If the surgeries last Wednesday was a ball game, i pitched the first 2 balls, then i got sent to the dugout to sit out the rest of the game. 🙂 🙂 🙂

On a serious note, that's a good question. We could come to some conclusions but i think ultimately it would be counter productive and off topic.

NOTE: i was never "offered" orchiectomy as an option.
Having done my homework, and knowing there are only 2 avenues to achieve "castration", i requested the surgical avenue.

Drastic? Maybe to some, but to me it was less so.

What led me to make the decision?
Many things, but ultimately i am convinced it was the right decision FOR ME. It was based on a ton of research i did, and in consultation with family and friends who are in the medical field, including a recently retired urology oncologist.
My urologist understood and supported my decision. i can't say enough good things about him.
i hadn't even considered the implants until he mentioned it and asked if i wanted them. i said, "sure, why not".

Perhaps you should talk with your urologist and have an in depth discussion on this topic before starting hormones. There is no "one size fits all" solution.

Final thoughts:
- Orchiectomy IS technically and clinically considered hormone therapy.
- The hematology oncologist was not happy with me. Not one bit...
- i will still need to do antiandrogen therapy to deal with the remaining 5% testosterone production that comes from the adrenal glands. While that falls under the hormone therapy umbrella, the synthesized compound is not a hormone.

Anyway, i am up and walking around and i will be attending service tomorrow. That's important medicine too!

Blessings and best wishes for you.

I have been on Lupron for over nine years. I am a patient at Mayo Clinic. In recent months, they were having supply issues with Lupron. Consequently, Mayo Clinic has converted over to Eligard. Eligard injection is administered SubQ & is extremely painful and the pain lingers for up to two hours post injection. I will dread getting this injection every three months for the rest of my life. A subcapsular orchiectomy is a simple procedure that can be done in the office then I wouldn’t have to get any more injections going forward. Just considering it at this point.

@rxharleydude
Yes eligard is like a mild bee bite and there is orgovix. I was told that removal is not the end all.

Never fear my comrade in the fight against PC. There is still hope with pluvicto which I believe my doctor has on my list. It is a radioactive substance that can attach itself to the cancer cells and destroy them. Doesn't that sound like fun?

@ozzie51
Hey, how soon after the orchiectomy did you start with antiandrogen therapy to deal with the 5% testosterone produced by adrenal glands? And is that a long term therapy?

@ozzie51
Hey, how soon after the orchiectomy did you start with antiandrogen therapy to deal with the 5% testosterone produced by adrenal glands? And is that a long term therapy?