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Ready to throw in the towel

Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Dec 5 3:55pm | Replies (102)

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@retireddoc

I just saw your post. My heart goes out to you. I was diagnosed at age 69 (now 71) and have had similar issues but also have complete ED after fantastic sex life over the years with a loving and beautiful wife. After starting Lupron in 10/22 as part of Triplet therapy for Stage 4 prostate cancer, I became depressed and anxious. Six months after the start of Lupron my Testosterone was < 3 (Lupron working) but fatigue and depression were prominent. My MO at Hopkins insisted I see a psychiatrist and get on antidepressants. I did and it worked. I've been off Lupron for a year and my T is slowly rising. I have forced my self to walk 5 miles a day and go to the gym 3 days a week. I plan golf 3-5 times a week.
I say all of this to tell you that you are not alone. The good news for you is 1) you might be cured and 2) you can still get erections, even if they take longer to achieve.
At your age and relatively short course of AFT, your T will likely return, it might just take a while. I know you have probably heard this but see a therapist (to get on antidepressant and have someone to talk with/vent) and consult a dietician (it doesn't should like you dietary plan is very sound). You will regain your muscle mass. You can have a satisfying sex life. You can be happy again. In a state of depression it's hard to see those things but they are achievable. Take the steps; life is worth it!

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Replies to "I just saw your post. My heart goes out to you. I was diagnosed at age..."

Thanks. I agree that therapy would be helpful. I want to find someone not connected with a cancer center since I know that all the major cancer centers have staff that work together and coordinate things and I think I would trust a neutral third-party more than someone who worked for the cancer center (not that the people at my cancer center aren't caring just that sometimes a third party opinion is helpful).

I realized it's not just lack of sex that has me depressed but the physical joint pain I'm in constantly if I move wrong, and the lack of sleep. Also, the pain from the injections themselves was almost unbearable, though fortunately I just got my last six month shot so shouldn't be getting any more.