Hi I was diagnosed with Prostate cancer 2 yrs ago and have gone through the process of anti androgen therapy and have been wearing estrogen patches to block all testosterone production for about 18 months now. My PSA is down to 0 which my doctor is very happy with but they are telling me I will probably need to use the patches for the rest of my life. I have developed breasts lol which is embarrasing but a small price to pay. Is there a chance that the cancer can grow again though using this treatment? Has anyone else gone through this at all and does anyone know if I will continue to "feminise" from this. My doctor says I will but my only other option is surgery and there is no guarantees with that either other than possible incontinence etc etc. Thanks.

NevR, You are asking some of the same questions I have asked. I do hope someone out there can give us a difinitive answer about the cancer spreading even with the therapy. About the estrogen, I didn't know they were still using estrogen since they have the newer androgen blocking pills. I do not know the exact term for this part of the treatment. My husband is on Casodex injections per 3 months to stop hormone production in the testes and companion drug, zolodex pills to block any other testosterone that is produced in other glands. I think your estrogen and our zolodex are for the same purpose. My husband has not developed breasts or any other feminine characteristics in nearly 5 years of treatment. Good luck Shoxx

NevR-I'm confused also. I know of no reputable physician that is currently treating prostate cancer with any type of estrogen therapy. That was abandoned in the past because of a number of side effects(as Familyrn has mentioned) including death.
Positive4U :)

My father had his prostate out 5yr ago for cancer. The side effect is incontent of urine. Now that it has been 5yr. He was just informed that the cancer is back. started casodex and will follow with injections for the rest of his life. His doctor told us if he did not have the surgery five years ago, he would not be here. Now with this course of treatment we were told it will slow down the growth. The casodex is causing my dad alot of side effects, I hope he can hang in there till they began the injections. I understand the injections do not cause alot of side effects. I'm also hoping that his body will respond to this medication.