These are the dog days of ADT

I just sat down at my desk after having worked out at my company gym so I can keep building muscle mass to counteract the effects of ADT. I just went online to check my latest quarterly PSA test, and again, my PSA is undetectable. My latest testosterone level is 11.   This coming Saturday will be my 31 month anniversary of ADT. I have five more months to go. I am sitting at my desk, thinking,” I am so tired of ADT.” It is 105 degrees outside. Hot flashes are the toughest in the summer months. I am having a hot flash right now! It is as if the ADT clock is ticking so slowly toward 36 months. These are the dog days of ADT. I have been a “good boy” while on ADT. I have done all the right things. I work out. I eat healthy. I get Prolia injections for my bone density. I try to use the VED every day. My wife and I have frequent, enjoyable sex. I have learned to manage my emotions. I rarely cry anymore. I have maintained excellent job performance through surgery, radiation, chemo, and ADT. I have tried to be the best example, ever, of a man with prostate cancer undergoing ADT. Yet, these are the dog days of ADT. I sometimes think it is a little easier not to tire of ADT side effects when other big treatments are underway. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have ways of focusing one’s mind. There is an adrenalin rush as one pushes through the big treatments. It is long after the big treatments are done when the ADT dog days set in. These are the prostate-cancer “dog days” that seem to go slowly: endless PSA tests, Lupron shots, and managing the persistent side effects. I want the hot flashes to stop. I want to start “penile rehab” in earnest, with some testosterone as a foundation. I want to reliably achieve orgasms. I want my chest and leg hair back. I want my old libido back. I want my fantasies back. I want to experience testosterone again. I almost do not remember what it is like to have testosterone. I want to get on with my post-ADT life. Yes, these are definitely the dog days of ADT. So, I buckle up and press on. November and the end of the dog days of ADT will be here soon enough. Southern Comfort

You express the challenges of your ADT experience so well. I hope that come November you have better days ahead.

SC, you're my hero!

SC,
You are really a good guy and contribute much to this forum. If I need to go on ADT, I hope I show half of your courage and resolve.

Paul

Excellent post SC. I've been on ADT and ADT2 for 6 years now and in my case, all I can say is that here in the desert of NM the summer hot flashes are more bearable, my fantasies are coming back and though I've had zero libido and total Ed I am looking forward to receiving my pump for erectile dysfunction this week to hopefully be able to rebuild and relieve those fantasies with my gorgeous wife. I'm sorry to say that even with exercise I can't get rid of that chest and belly flab, the Casodex really brings that on. My body hair is se la vie but I've got an enviable head of hair, lol. Stay positive for us . . . Q

Southern Comfort, The battles you are in and have fought very closely resemble mine. However, I’m only on month 19 with 17 to go, but celebrating being more than half way there. I too have all the side effects to the extreme side with Lupron. The only exception to that hideous list is I don’t have enlarged breasts. Strength training, diet, Xgeva, VED, and PDE5 meds have at least made it a reasonably fair fight. Plus my depression meds of Zoloft, Wellbutrin, and Trazodone have allowed me to think that I can now go the 36 months, where previously I could not. With your history in mind, it sure gives me the motivation to continue being that Exceptional Cancer Patient (ECaP) as you have done so well. No doubt I want my T back too. I think the best way to put it for me is, “Courage is being scared to death-but saddling up anyway!” I appreciate you sharing and giving me the inspiration to keep on keeping on…. Tom       

Southern comfort

I could not have said it better than you. I feel exactly as you do and its good to know Im not alone. great attitude. You will get through your dog days I feel sure.

The one plus is that I have lost my back hair.....no more waxing!!

Hang on, and thanx for your post. You're the MAN!

Poinient post, one of the best formulated descriptions of what it must be like to deal with this formidable enemy. I wish you were my neighbor or worked in my business. Although you are in the dog days, you clearly come across as a person who is living with hope of the future. Your example is a refreshing wake up call to diligenly stay in the battle. I would have missed something special had I not read your post. Stay "cool" and keep on kicking this bad boy in the rear.

SC, you're the man for your time and place! You're one of the unsung gems of this forum. Your candor and tenacity is exceptional. Thanks for your reports. Good luck with your final 5 months. The end of the tunnel is near. Best.