How did others handle ADT side effects during radiation for Stage 3a prostate ca...

Managing ADT side effects while staying active like you're doing can make a real difference in how patients feel during treatment. Many people in this community have shared that regular exercise helps with energy levels and preventing weight gain, though the fatigue and blood pressure changes can definitely be challenging. Your prostate cancer support group here has lots of members who've navigated similar treatment combinations and would likely have valuable insights to share about what worked for them during radiation and hormone therapy.

T3b, N1, M0 ( Stage IVa, one lymph node, no distant Mets), Gleason 9, PSA 11.5 at diagnosis 3 years ADT concurrent with 2 years abiraterone and 45 days of radiation for 81 grays 7 years post diagnosis I’m <.1 PSA Feeling well, but joint pain and inflammation for which I alternate CBD and ibuprofen During treatment, fatigue was common. Naps relieved. Started light weight exercise midway, and daily walks. Bone density loss of 10-15%. No weight gain. Other common side effects (libido and ED). At 78, I okay with trading sex for life extension. I did have radiation cystitis and proctitis, for which treatment was required. All’s well now in that regard. Counting my blessings daily and living with gratitude.

To Allen M — I’m Dave Stauffer, Denver CO, diagnosed 8/16/23 with Stage I high-risk localized PCa and treated 1/31 to 6/13/24 with 42x EBRT + 4 mo ADT. Based on 3 years of personal history plus interactions with dozens of pts and reading dozens of medical journal articles, your treatment and experience to date seem in line with others and appropriate given your exact situation. Especially striking to me is your fitness focus, because I’d have been suicidal if it weren’t for maintaining my physical fitness. (I’m a failure at mental fitness—resentful and bitter at cancer treatment destroying my QoL.) My treatment reduced my muscle mass by 7%, spiked body fat from 14% to 23%, weight gain 154 to 170. Today muscle is fully back, body fat 18%, weight still disappointing at 166 (but entirely my own lack of dedication and self-discipline). So I’d venture that you’re doing everything right and just need to stay patient and purposeful (which is no walk in the park).

Hello Allen, my name is Willie. I am 69 and have stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer. I had a prostatectomy, reoccurrence with 32 rounds of radiation and now taking Leuprolide Acetate for my third reoccurrence. My PSA is below .10. I had some blood pressure issues which my cardiologist finally got under control with three different medications. I do cardio and strength training 3-5 days a week. It is important to get your BP under control. But all in all, I pray that everything will be alright.

Thanks you guys for the remarks, I realize it’s a journey not a sprint and just taking it a day at a time. I continue with my fitness routine and this does help keep me positive and feeling like I’m doing something to help myself, something I can control. My PSA after three months of ADT has dropped to .032, so I think it’s may be all worth it. I have 14 more radiation treatments to go and look forward to that ending. Take care and be well!!