My name is Rob. In June 2021 I learned that I had stage 3 prostate cancer. My family has a history of cancer; my father, brother and grandfather all died of prostate cancer. I’ve since refused further treatment.
The first symptom I had was blood in my urine/semen, together with frequent urination, especially at night. This went on for a few weeks before I sought medical attention. That’s how I found out I had cancer, specifically a prostate adenocarcinoma.
When I heard the news, honestly I was not surprised as my PSA level was high for years.
I was not given any options and forced into treatment with radiotherapy and hormone therapy. I was coerced into ADT castration. The side effects were insufferable and I was never fully informed about them. I refused more Eligard after the first six-month shot expired.
Being coerced, deceived, intimidated and extorted into Eligard ADT castration left my testosterone levels below castrate level even two years after it expired. I’m angry at being treated like a concentration camp inmate being experimented on.
Severe brain fog, memory loss, severe fatigue, mood swings, depression and muscle wasting – those are the side effects I had to deal with because of hormone therapy. I felt like a zombie eunuch. So, I absolutely refused any more ADT.
For the next few years, I plan to seek treatment in Mexico because I am denied follow up care here.
What I found useful were informational videos from world experts for essential information that I should have received here, but didn't.
After starting treatment, my levels of fatigue increased to the point where the severe fatigue limits my activity.
I have no fears, but developed a mistrust of the hospital system and filed formal complaints.
I was coerced and deceived into ADT without my FREE and fully informed consent. That makes me angry. I wish I’d known that ADT would be insufferable, leave me permanently castrated and reduce my overall survival by two years.
Demand FULL DISCLOSURE. Carefully weigh all the quality of side effects against any hoped for benefits so you know exactly what you can expect. Once you make YOUR decision, it will be easier to ride out the treatment. Do not let anyone rush you, coerce you or intimidate you into any treatment.
Do your own research. Demand a copy of information sheers for every medication and study it thoroughly BEFORE you let anyone administer anything.
Find a support group where you can get actual patient experiences. For any treatment or drug, demand to know the NUMBER NEEDED TO BE TREATED TO CURE ONE PATIENT.
This patient's story is published and shared with their full consent. Any personal data that can be used to identify the patient has been omitted.
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