Eligard and radiation: What can I expect?

@ralfblow2310, I see you got several helpful replies. How are you feeling about starting treatment? When do you start radiation?

I am apprehensive. The bottom line is I have prostate cancer and treatment is required. I am trying to be positive. I begin with Eligard this Friday ( Nov. 17). Radiation treatments begin approximately 30 days after.

I began your journey with Eligard and radiation about a year ago in October 2022. I had RP in March 2022, but my cancer returned in September 2022. Initially, I had no problems with the Eligard injection. In fact, my libido increased for a couple of weeks before beginning its decline. The primary annoying side effect of Eligard was the increase in nighttime urination. I was getting up 3 to 4 times a night and that continued for seven or eight months. The hot flashes and lethargy were minimal to moderate in my case. As for the radiation, I started a daily dose of loperamide after the first week. That continued for at least four months. To try and counteract the ADT affects on muscle mass and energy level, I went to the gym every day after my radiation treatment. I also took a daily nap of at least 30 minutes. Treatments were quick and easy but I was happy when they were over. Unfortunately for me, bowel and urinary issues continue to this day, but have greatly improved. My radiation treated both the former prostate bed as well as the pelvic lymph nodes. I am happy to report that my cancer remains undetectable even as my testosterone level has returned to normal. My body hair has even returned!

I have discovered that the thing to strive for is acceptance: that doesn't mean giving up and assuming the worst, but accepting that uncertainty is now part of your life.

No one can tell you for sure what is going to happen; maybe it will be better than you expect, or not. Until something like a cancer diagnosis happens, many of us live with the illusion that we can control our lives with some degree of certainty. Discarding that illusion is hard, but it can also make us better people.

I know this won't help a lot now because you're still in the initial shock of your diagnosis, but I hope in time you find way to a place of acceptance as well. I'm still working on it, but the days when I find it are my happiest.

Each person's journey through this is unique. As you may have seen from the comments, reactions can range from minor to serious.
My main symptoms were frequent urination, irritable colon. Frequent urges to poop, and some hot flashes that were mostly mild. The greatest fatigue was about a month after radiation.
I did lose about 5 pounds. Did lose some muscle mass. Developed chronic back pain related to arthritis and disc rupture.
Still in PT for my back.
Decided to start antidepressants which helped with mood swings, also saw a psychologist which I found helpful.
I did stay as active as possible and had daily activities that kept me engaged and helped with attitude.
All the radiation symptoms are gone, I feel good with the exception of the back pain.
Bowels and urination are back to pre treatment levels.
I'm 77, and have a pretty busy life. I volunteer and find doing things for others really helps getting out of my head.
Wish you good luck,
Short list of recommendations.
1. keep your situation in perspective.
2. Seek some positive support
3. Find things each day that make you feel greatful.
4. Find at least one medical provider who can help you sort through any issues and explore treatment options.
5. This may sound strange but you are in an adventure. Try to treat your journey that way and you will feel happier.

I had 44 radiation treatments with 2 years of Eligard therapy. I’m currently in my last 4 months with the Eligard. I’ve experienced most all of the side effects that everyone else has described. Some were very pronounced and this has made life difficult. I’ve had Eligard shots in 3-4-6 month intervals. The side effects were definitely increased with the longer intervals. My only hope is that these side effects will subside over time and I will be able to get back to a more normal life. On the positive side, I continued to work 7 days a week throughout all of these treatments, although it was a real struggle. I’m a self employed farmer/rancher.