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Inoperable prostate cancer for 5 yrs: Low energy and worried

Posted by trazzy @trazzy, Dec 19, 2023

My husband diagnosed with inoperable prostate cancer he is 74 and was diagnosed 5 years ago Gleeson 8, some lesions in bowl wall and lymph nodes. Had 40 rounds. of radiation and then 6 zolodex injections over a period of 18 months. His PSA reading is now very low in the last 6 months he has been overwhelmingly tired and is often unbalanced when walking. Last July he was prescribed a testosterone gel low dose to apply daily after shower. Hoping to increase energy. At this point in time his PSA has remained low but his energy has decreased more so. His oncologist has said it is not the cancer that is causing this and he is referring him to a geriatrician. He also suggests MRI brain scan. I have also noticed that he seems be foggy and forgetful sometimes and does not always hear.

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areallyrawdeal | @areallyrawdeal | Dec 22, 2023

I too have inoperable prostate cancer and have been severely fatigued a year before I was diagnosed. They are telling me that the cancer is not the cause but I continuously tell them they are wrong and are missing something but they don’t listen. At 64 I was in as good shape as when I was 34. I began having extreme lower back pain that was a 10 and my power was gone within two months. No doctor would address the pain and none ever thought about checking my prostate. Over two years I suffered with this until my wife read an article about lower back pain in older men is a sign of prostate cancer. I had to tell them to check it and Gleason nine was found. I explained to them that I suffered major fatigue long before diagnosis but they said that the cancer was not the problem. They also said the pain was not caused by the cancer either and still refuse to address any of it. I have walked away from the health care system and take care of myself in any manner I have to. When they will not listen they leave you no choice but to walk away. Don’t let them tell you that your fatigue is not cancer related. It is! You are correct. It is them who are missing something. In my case they would not listen. Hopefully in your case they will. Best wishes

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gently | @gently | Dec 22, 2023

areallyrawdeal, you've been dealt a really raw deal.
But I don't want you to walk away. Besides treatments that are available without surgery, new treatments are on the horizon. Don't ignore your medical condition the way your previous medical providers have. There are really good doctors out there. If you you walk away, you'll suffer even more. Neither you nor your good wife deserve more suffering. UCLA, MD Anderson, Mayo, Sloan Kettering. They can help and they will treat you with kindness you haven't experienced.
Best wishes and some luck

PBI combined with EBRT has excellent 15-year survival in men with GS 9-10 and clinical stage ≤ T2a. While 68% of men with T3 GS9-10 are alive at 10 years, at 15-year survival was 0. These men should be considered for alternate treatment strategies, possibly with early systemic therapy.

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trazzy | @trazzy | Dec 22, 2023
In reply to @areallyrawdeal "I too have inoperable prostate cancer and have been severely fatigued a year before I was..." + (show)
@areallyrawdeal

I too have inoperable prostate cancer and have been severely fatigued a year before I was diagnosed. They are telling me that the cancer is not the cause but I continuously tell them they are wrong and are missing something but they don’t listen. At 64 I was in as good shape as when I was 34. I began having extreme lower back pain that was a 10 and my power was gone within two months. No doctor would address the pain and none ever thought about checking my prostate. Over two years I suffered with this until my wife read an article about lower back pain in older men is a sign of prostate cancer. I had to tell them to check it and Gleason nine was found. I explained to them that I suffered major fatigue long before diagnosis but they said that the cancer was not the problem. They also said the pain was not caused by the cancer either and still refuse to address any of it. I have walked away from the health care system and take care of myself in any manner I have to. When they will not listen they leave you no choice but to walk away. Don’t let them tell you that your fatigue is not cancer related. It is! You are correct. It is them who are missing something. In my case they would not listen. Hopefully in your case they will. Best wishes

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Thank you for sharing and I am sorry that you have not received much help from the medical system. I have researched a lot we are fortunate to have a very good GP who has encouraged looking into all aspects including diet. Next step for my husband is the geriatrician at the end of January. I wish you all the best and thanks again

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