Prostatectomy/Low Testosterone

[Reggieman]

Had R.P due to cancer in June 2016. Now inject Bimix but have decreased libido and sensation in penis so sex is not as enjoyable. My uro had my testosterone checked and I discovered it was down to 254. I have not met with the uro yet to find out what the next action for treatment is, if any. I've been googling testosterone therapy and find information that is all over the map.

Does anyone here on F.T. receive testosterone therapy after having had at prostate cancer? If yes, how did it affect you generally not just with sex? If no therapy then why?

[Bionic_by_AMS]

Reggieman,
I was using the "gel" prior to my robotic surgery and again after ... until my Insurance quit paying, then I switched to Clomifene / clomiphene (Testosterone Alternative)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clomifene
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22951175 (medical study)

I've been using it for years ... 50 mg ($.33) daily keeps me around a 700 t-score ...no script needed.
http://www.alldaychemist.com/ search for: Clomiphene Citrate

[radioradio]

I used androgen for 15 years, and when diagnosed with PCa in January, that ended. Robotic prostatectomy in March. Testosterone is now at 50. I'm an honorary woman.
This sucks.
One doc has said he'd never put me back on T, another said maybe 2 years after good PSA readings (my first, in May was 0.006) he'd put me back, and my surgeon said after 1 or 2 more good test results.
Don't know what to think. I had a positive margin. I don't want to feed any PCa that might remain in my body, but I sure would like to get back to normal.
Having implant 8/2/17 by Krammer.
Bob

[Reggieman]

radioradio- My research indicates the docs are all over the map as to the use of T therapy after R.P. Some think T feeds cancer and others think it does not. Sounds like waiting for 2 years is the middle road. There have been lots of studies so any doc can find several to support his position.

[Flannigan]

Reggieman, First off...I have not been diagnosed with PC and my PSA has always been low. However, my T level has been low for at least the last 5 years and the last time I had a physical is was down to 233 and I had an elevated estradiol level. My doctor put me on Arimidex to block the estrogen and then Androgel to improve my T level. I definitely notice a difference in my energy level, endurance, and libido but I am still having some ED issues.

From all the posts I have read in FT about this...the T shots seem to be the way to go. The Androgel cost me $500 and that was after my insurance. It's a very low dose and just way too expensive. The self administered T shots seem to be the most cost effective and you get a nice boost. Check out Royal Men's Medical Center. I am about to sign up with them. You will need to monitor your PSA level closely. I have read where some guys have had no problem with their PSA and other's have. Royal Mens Clinic does the monitoring as part of their program.

Good luck.

[Reggieman]

Flannigan-Thanks for the info and advice.

[alibaba]

Old school says testosterone feeds prostate cancer and anti androgen therapy seems to support that in some people. Newer studies say if you have had a negative PSA for 2 years it is safe for testosterone. I had to bring copies of the studies to my doctors to get approved for testosterone. I do not have any copies of the studies now but you should be able to find it on the net. I was down to 7 at the time. Prostatectomy in 2009, resumed testosterone in 2012. Been on it since and at MUCH higher than the normal dose of 1.5cc's of testosterone cypionate per week. My body eats that stuff like all meds. PSA with every blood draw regardless of reason. No increase in PSA. Too many doctors are stuck in 1941. I argued with the doctor to win the meds it is a quality of life issue. If I am too weak to climb the stairs then I have an issue with it! Going the route of zero risk to prolong life when that life is crap is a load of poop. Find a balance. Cheers.

[Flannigan]

Old school says testosterone feeds prostate cancer and anti androgen therapy seems to support that in some people. Newer studies say if you have had a negative PSA for 2 years it is safe for testosterone. I had to bring copies of the studies to my doctors to get approved for testosterone. I do not have any copies of the studies now but you should be able to find it on the net. I was down to 7 at the time. Prostatectomy in 2009, resumed testosterone in 2012. Been on it since and at MUCH higher than the normal dose of 1.5cc's of testosterone cypionate per week. My body eats that stuff like all meds. PSA with every blood draw regardless of reason. No increase in PSA. Too many doctors are stuck in 1941. I argued with the doctor to win the meds it is a quality of life issue. If I am too weak to climb the stairs then I have an issue with it! Going the route of zero risk to prolong life when that life is crap is a load of poop. Find a balance. Cheers.

Very well said Alibaba. Thankfully my PSA has always been low. At my last physical it was .82. My testosterone was at 225 and has been low for several years. What amazes me is even though it's been low for several years my doctor never said anything to me about it. They are more concerned about your cholesterol level which in my case is ok. I have decided that I will start self injecting testosterone in a few weeks and be monitoring my PSA closely. I need to get my quality of life back and I need to feel alive again.

[tarheelgwb]

Had R.P due to cancer in June 2016. Now inject Bimix but have decreased libido and sensation in penis so sex is not as enjoyable. My uro had my testosterone checked and I discovered it was down to 254. I have not met with the uro yet to find out what the next action for treatment is, if any. I've been googling testosterone therapy and find information that is all over the map.

Does anyone here on F.T. receive testosterone therapy after having had at prostate cancer? If yes, how did it affect you generally not just with sex? If no therapy then why?

hi reggieman,
in march 2015 i had RP due to cancer. my T levels also dropped to near 200 (even before surgery) and i was put on T injections for a while. injections are a bad idea because they make your body stop producing T (which come from testicles) and they will atrophy. i stopped the T injections. my current uro put me on Clomid, a.k.a clomiphene citrate. this drug has really helped me. it works on the brain by blocking the trigger that tells you body your T levels are ok. my T levels now run in the mid 500's which is good.
wayne

[Reggieman]

tarheelgwb-That is very interesting. I will have to research that product.