What's it like combining radiation with hormone therapy for prostate cancer?

Dear Kevin D — I was diagnosed in August 2023 and faced the same choices that you list, except I was not offered abiraterone. I am Stage 1, PSA 6.7, Gleason 4+4, in only one core and size 0.83mm. I had 42 EBRT over 8 weeks and 4 months ADT. Like most patients on Outcomes4Me, the effects were far worse, more severe, and long-lasting than was represented to me by my so-called “care team” and in patient literature. If I had it to do over, I’d elect no treatment. I’d rather fight cancer than castration. In 22 months since end of treatment, I had no recovery of testosterone. My colo-rectal system is essentially destroyed; I never have a bowel movement that even slightly resembles “normal.” I regularly have blood in urine and stool. What saved my life starting 2 months ago is TRT. I recognize its risks and accept those risks because it gave me back a life that for now is worth living. TRT has given back sex with my wife—after the near-destruction of our 57-year marriage, given me back my competitive running (till 2023 I was a world-ranked masters marathoner), cut my body fat from 23% to its original 13%, and restored my energy levels of old. Still, much of the damage of cancer treatment is permanent, and I regret being almost certainly overdiagnosed and overtreated. Be very careful in the treatment you choose; once chosen, there’s no turning back.

These treatment decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when weighing the potential benefits of newer therapies against additional side effects. Many community members have shared valuable insights about their experiences with radiation plus hormone therapy combinations, and the day-to-day management strategies they found helpful. Connecting with others who have navigated similar treatment paths often provides practical perspectives that complement medical guidance from healthcare teams.

Thanks Dave