Encouragement for those on ADT

Love it! Never, ever give up!

True - competitive days need not be over, just for being on ADT.

In my case, despite being on Eligard at 65y with my proton radiation treatments, I pushed myself to stay in shape (weightlifting, running, and swimming) and swam in U.S. Masters and Senior Olympics swimming events in my State.

I didn’t make any world records, but I was competitive in my age bracket. And I won a few medals in the process. More importantly, it kept me active and in shape while on Eligard.

Never give up.

I love the original post. So much of this journey is mindset which can determine how we deal with the physical and mental issues that arise. When I was given my PCa diagnosis in December 2023, it became personal to me. I was going to terminate my cancer. That was one of the reasons I opted for radiation and ADT, so I could be part of that termination process.

I named my cancer, and spoke to it verbally and mentally daily reminding it that I was going to eliminate it from my body and my life. I got a six month dose of Eligard on February 14 (the irony was not lost on me ;-). Prior to the shot, I ramped up my workout routine and was more mindful about eating a cleaner diet. After the shot, I still worked out regularly, even though I could feel the loss of strength at times. My endurance was affected at times, and my recovery periods were often longer. I had to slow down at times or lighten the load at times, but I didn't stop working out or focusing on my goal of eliminating my PCa my way.

I experienced mild hot/warm flashes at times, and noticed some flab develop as we moved towards the radiation phase. It was discouraging at times, but I also kept after it by working out, hitting power yoga classes, walking if running was not an option and generally trying to be kind to myself.

I started five fractions of SBRT (TruBeam STX) in early May and had my final round on May 17. At that point, I pronounced my cancer dead in my mind. I have not yet had my first post-treatment PSA test, that's coming up in a couple of weeks. However, having a definitive goal allowed my to focus on my PCa and take the battle to it.

I refused to let cancer define me, and fought it on my terms. Many things are out of our control. But how we choose to respond to events in our life can make the difference in our outcomes.

Have a great weekend, warriors, and don't ever give up.

~Scott

You guys are very inspiring to me. I’m counting the days (20) until I’m medically cleared to start bicycling again. I missed most of the season and will only get three months in this year before winter but plan to make the best of it.

I have to be honest—I miss being sexually functional and feel lonely. Thought I’d test the waters and watched some p—n but it just made me EXTREMELY sad so don’t think I’m ready to try with a real person just yet.

I do think Lupron has worn off a bit early this month. No side effects other than ED the past two days so going to enjoy five days before the next injection and the pain and SE’s start up again. I chose monthly injections since several guys recommended that over 3 or 6.

I've done ADT twice, as part of triplet therapy from Jan 17-May 18 and again from Apr 23-Apr 24.

Both times I continued with my exercise routine, most days to the gym where I ride the indoor bike for 45 minutes, lift weights and swim, usually 1000 meters. Other days I ride my bike outside, 25+ miles, some days we play pickleball or basketball.

I did do the Bataan Memorial March the first time while on ADT, a 26+ mile "hike" through the desert near White Sands, NM. While on ADT the 2nd time, I did the Garmin Unbound, a 50+ mile gravel bike ride in the Flint Hills near Emporia, KS.

Both times I went skiing with friends in Colorado.

So, like others, experienced the fatigue, muscle and joint stiffness, hot flashes and weight gain. Those were annoying but not life altering.

A reasonable medical team will likely tell you the three best things you can do in moderation while on treatment:

Diet
Exercise
Stress Management.

All play a role in mitigating the side effects.

Kevin

Getting back on the bike will be an ENORMOUS HELP! I’m back to biking 5-6 days a week. I’m going for a ride shortly after writing this post before it get too hot. I limit my ride to about 10 miles but I do interval training and get a great workout. The endorphin rush lasts for hours. My libido has been affected by 1st and 2nd generation ADT however I’ve been able to get a positive response after recovering from a good bike. Not sure of the biological mechanism at work, but for whatever reason my libido is better, not like before ADT but better nonetheless.

ADT lowers testosterone and testosterone drives libido in the brain so the goal is to wake up that part of the brain. Watching or reading erotic might do the trick and might not. Involving a second person while you’re in process to get things going can be disappointing if not outright disastrous. I speak from experience and am in a loving committed relationship with my wife of 44 years. We had a great sex life before my surgery, ADT, and RT and we hope to regain that someday but the reality is that it’s going to be a DIY project until I know what works and can apply in a duo configuration. I have several friends that have gone through the same thing and everyone has told me the same things:
1.) Be patient. Rome wasn’t built in day and this is going to take time.
2.) Do Keagles daily. Orgasms can be more satisfying if muscles contract the way they used to and it’s not all just in your head.
3.) Seek professional help. Centers of Excellence often have clinicians and urologists trained in dealing with ED. I will have my first appointment in August, seven months after my surgery.
4.) Never give up.

Good luck and stay positive!

Love your attitude! I may name mine “Lucifer”.

- Bob

Inspiring! From age 25 to 65 my exercise routine was talked about, thought about, and occasionally accomplished. Most of those years I spent car commuting to and from work sitting in traffic 2-3 hours per day. Not healthy, lots of exercise daydreams. Retirement, started exercising little more with dialy 1 mile walks to and from the coffee shop. Age 67, Stage 4 Advanced Prostate Cancer diagnosis. Year 1 of Treatment, 12 months in a hospital bed w/extreme pain. Discovered Exercise Phycology. Obsesivie reading and researching it. Consulted an Exercise Phycologist professor with some cancer treatment knowledge.

Life changing. She designed my "Living With Cancer Wellness Practice." I am now my own best version. I practice every day. Here's it is; Exercise (30 minutes at a time, 3 times daily) Nutrition (Veggies/Fruits 3 times daily), Mindfulness (Read, meditate, journal every day), and Socialize 3 times daily.

Exercise: Micro cardio 22-30 minute walks (intermittent low incline hills. 30 Minutes of Low impact pool time (easy on joints and bone pain), 30+ minutes of slow movement resistance training. e-Trike rides, chair yoga, buddy walk (walk talk w/buddy at least once per week.

Hey, Mayo Connect Buddies, I Love this topic. Be well, live well.

Thank you for such a inspirational post.
My problem, is overcoming the myopathy from Orgovyx, and Xtandi.
Outside of chair yoga, and standing Pilates it has been extremely difficult to maintain a regimen of physical activity; the myopathy always returns like an incurable virus. Has anyone had this problem?
Thank you,
Philnob

I was on Lupron for 3 years. I stopped it a little over a year ago, I've lost the 30 pounds I gained, and my strength is back.