scans

All meds can have good and bad effects. They are prescribed for the good things they do but some folks have adverse reactions, even with statins. Tiredness is not usually associated with statins so my guess is the hormone drugs. Of course, being tired at 82 is not unusual either.

The concept of a drug holiday seems to be more accepted nowadays so may be a good idea.

I agree it's likely the result of the hormone drugs, and more directly, the resulting low testosterone.
And yup age 82 probably has something to do with it, but thats probably the same thing, as you get older, even without drugs, your testosterone tends to drop

Heck, I'm 72, and I notice a difference in stamina from a year ago when I work out.

30 min afternoon naps: While I was on ADT it was like hitting a wall in the afternoon and a nap was required. Some days were better than others. Over the course of the 18 month treatment I came to expect it happening. My T level went to zero and hair loss was observed. Within a month after discontinuing ADT, my energy improved dramatically and over the months my hair has returned. No more afternoon naps. I was on statins a long time before treatment and didn’t notice an energy drop while taking it.
My best to you,
Jack

racquetball77,

Before offering a comment/feedback, please allow me to ask…

You mentioned that now you can walk 1/2 mile, but are breathing hard as a result. You also implied that relatively recently (a few years ago, but not now) that you worked out regularly, playing 1.5 hours of racquetball. Both correct?

You did not, however, mention whether or not today you have a workout routine that you regularly sustain. My question: How many days per week, on average looking back over all of January for example, did you workout for at least 20 minutes, and what was the nature of those workouts? Give yourself a hard look in the mirror.

I’ll look for your update, then post my follow up when I have a chance thereafter.

you are right.
since covid, the most I have done is walk for 20 minutes 3-4 times a week and lately very little. kind of busy with business but also weather here sucks.
i know I have to get out there, but the ADT has worn me out. i have not the strength anymore.

racquetball77, I only know the little about you posted here in this thread, so I'll ask you to forgive me in advance if something important has been overlooked, but there is SO MUCH long history of very conclusive work done about the importance of men on ADT having a regular exercise routine which includes resistance training that I'd be very surprised (no, I'd be alarmed) if your oncologist didn't already speak to you about this. Hopefully this is only a reminder.

In fact, there is a (unfavorable) domino effect in ADT without exercise, often starting with weight gain and metabolic syndrome. ADT takes away testosterone, and without testosterone your body is more likely ot have higher blood pressure, higher blood sugar, more body fat around the waist and higher cholesterol and triglycerides. All these raise risk of comorbid conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes...all bad on their own, but they also encourage a pro-inflammatory environment (promoting cancer growth).

I'll just speak about exercise, though, for the rest of this post. Again, many studies, randomized & controlled (so, legit "proof"), large and small, both short- and long-term, on men on ADT, including men into their 90s...all had similar results/similar conclusions. Most studied fatigue and vitality; others also examined bone density and cardiovascular capacity. The exclusion criteria was basically men who couldn't walk once around a track, bone mets, or a serious cardiovascular condition. I'll post a link to one easy-to-read study at the end.

Guess the results: reduced fatigue, increased vitality, etc. Those who were most fatigued at baseline benefited the most.

Walking can be part of your aerobic exercise, but you've got to do resistance training, too. Don't belong to a gym or even know what resistance training is...do and internet search and you can very easily find home-based examples that anyone can follow. And you have to do it regularly, at least 4X/week, but more is better. Take a nap afterwards if you'd like...but get yourself "over the hump" and get started.

I'm really, really surprised your doctor hasn't already told you this.

Keep us informed of your progress...

Forgot, in my earlier post, to add the link I had in mind…here it is:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/s0302283817301082#bib0200


Having trouble getting motivated/getting over the hump? Set simple goals at first and schedule your workouts. Having a workout buddy can also help a lot…or report back here on your progress (we’ll be your virtual workout buddy!).