Connect
← Return to ADT, maybe not? Anyone opted out of ADT?
Discussion
ADT, maybe not? Anyone opted out of ADT?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Dec 20, 2025 | Replies (136)Comment receiving replies
4 weeks out from 5 treatment courses SBRT for Gleason 4+5 localized disease (one equivocal external iliac lymph node on PSMA). I received first dose 3 mos depo-Lupron 6 weeks ago (recommended 12-18 mos per RO) with plans to transition to Orgovyx at the end of the first 3 month cycle. Most RT side effects have subsided (still some frequency of bowel movements but manageable [received SpaceOar rectal spacer prior to SBRT]). As far as ADT is concerned I have occasionally afternoon fatigue (much better than experienced immediately post RT) and tolerable hot flashes. Sexual side effects, as expected, are part of the package. But the trade off if the treatment is effective is acceptable, though frustrating. I am letting the science and direction of my providers guide therapeutic decision making. At 73 (soon to be 74) my aim is for longevity first and foremost. I exercise (cardio or cycling) nearly daily and am looking to add some resistance training soon.
Replies to "4 weeks out from 5 treatment courses SBRT for Gleason 4+5 localized disease (one equivocal external..."
Connect
@rbtsch1951
Hi, Your oncologists may not think much of my opinion but I thought I'd remark on the ADT (in my case, a 2 yr regime of Lupron, which I cut off at 18 mos instead of the 24 month term). (No Tomotherapy either). Gleason 7 (3&4), Prostatectomy at 72, 38 days of Photon radiation last Nov '24, yielding PSA of 0.064 and 6% Testosterone.
Many of the symptoms are requisite to other testimonials on this site.
My oncologist & radiologist were not entirely honest with me about being able to rebound from the effects of this dreaded therapy. Yeah, I know, Count my Blessings and I do!
But I was led to believe that I "could" realistically start to REBOUND a matter of weeks beyond my early termination of the Lupron. Nope, not even close. From this wonderful online support testimonial, I have learned that many of you have described lengthy timelines or in some cases, never being able to rid these debilitating body dysfunction, I am one of them. Forget about the bedroom for anything other than sleeping - Gone. Horrible, constant sweating Heat Attacks causing clothing to be a curse one minute and nothing to mitigate them. Loss of muscle mass that I have attempted to overcome with exercise but is nearly laughable while my GP warns me to be careful as I could injure myself given my depleted T levels for the last 2 + years.
For me, I am thankful that all of the current testing indicates low risk of cancer currently, but offset by NOT having much of a life. Food doesn't even taste good anymore so great for a weight loss program. My cure appears to be in place and I'm thankful. Finding "Life" again is a constant battle. Hope you find your happiness as many of these former patients seem to be chronicling on this 'blog'. Sorry to be so descriptive but every day is not "living" for me. Thank you and much blessings to you on your journey. rlm