Anger & Depression

I am not even sure where to begin.  My father is 73, and was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of PC about 5 years ago.  He underwent a radical prostatectomy, only to discover that the cancer had moved outside the prostate.  He immediately began hormone injections (every 3 months, I believe).  After being on the hormones for about 3 years, he began having issues with loss of strength in his legs.  It became very difficult for him to even lift himself back up from a kneeling position.  After test/scans, etc., it was suggested that possibly the hormones were breaking down his muscle.  So, after consulting with all of his physicians, he made the choice to come off the hormones (he felt he was choosing quality of life).  His psa has risen only slightly over the past 6 months, and we are so grateful for that.  But, he has become so angry, bitter, hurtful and insulting toward people (even those who love and adore him).  My mother will try and make excuses for him (even though she is soooo embarrassed by his behavior), and she tries to blame it on his cancer.  She'll say "maybe it has gone to his brain and that's why he is acting this way."  He refuses to consider taking an anti-depressant, and acts as though he doesn't recognize what he is doing.  Is this common among men battling PC?  I am just not sure how to approach this with him.  Any feedback would be appreciated.

Dad may have come off hormones too quickly..especially if he was on predisone or steroids.. It can take a year to come off as these hormones cause adrenal glands to shrink and they dont recover to produce natural version of these as adrenal hormones right away. Have Dad checked for Adrenal deficiency and for signs of hormone depletion. If he was on hormones to decrease inflammation as part of cancer treatment[ which is common.]..he is showing classic symptoms of withdrawal from hormones [steroid].. too quickly..anger ..depression ..psychotic type behavior etc. He does not have to go back on at dose he was on..can use smaller dose and then decrease over long term to none as adrenals recover and produce hormones naturally again. Muscle weakness is also sign of hormone overdosing. It may take a year but there is nothing wrong with your Dad..if this is case.. He may have decided to stop suddenly on his own..but even then !!!!! Doctor should have explained consequences. Psych treatment/ antidepressants wont help.. get him to a really good Endricinologist!!!! who specializes in hormones ! Peace and love Jess

Jess,

Thank you so much for your reply.  What you say definitely makes sense, so I will encourage my Mother to do just that.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate sites like this, because I just wasn't sure where to turn.  It really makes sense to speak to those who are going through it (in one way or another).

Bless you!

Yes, my family can relate to that with regards to the change in mood,etc. My dad improved greatly on wellbutrin,which is an antidepressant. We could tell when he'd stop taking it, within weeks his disposition would revert back. This is also due to the "aging brain" as my father had it going on before the PC returned. My dad was 75 yo when he lost his battle with prostate cancer last month,June 20th,2009. I miss my dad.