Living with ADT (hormone therapy) for prostate cancer. So many side effects, I'm not sure if it's worth it any more. I'm 75

I was diagnosed with PC, after a turp op, biopsy showed 80% cancerous cells. Obviously in advanced stage. The oncologist discussed with me treatment plan, we did MRI, it was confirmed sorted in the bones. She put me on tablets(enzalutamide), and a quarterly injection PROSTAP. 

All good since the inception of treatment, - may 2022, 

3 yes already, PSA 0.01 keep it that way. The side effects though not so good. Fatigue, low libido, erection problem, hot flashes, mental chaos, mood changes - to mention a few. 

Wonder - is it worth living life like that? 

I'm 75, thinking I've seeing it all? 

Anyone in this situation? 

  • Hello beegee,

     Sorry to hear you feel so low in spirits becaise of your PC. I’m 78, have grade 4 PC, Gkeason 9 and have been on Enzalutamude and Decapeptyl jabs since April 2021. Yes, it is hard to deal with but life is still worth living. I have friends who have recently passed away to Covid, cancer and heart attack (I’ve had all of those) but can still find things that delight me. You are still able to do some good for others. Don’t forget, those who are close to you are suffering too. Hope this helps. 

    Keep your chin up buddy.
     
    Regards

    Mike

  • hi Mercian, 

    Thank you for your reply. 

    Of course there are things in life outside of your problem - i don't want to sound negative, but this time came out this way. 

    I am a positive person on any level - personal, social, my time is full of activities - teaching job, art clubs, and most of all - trying to cheer up my wife! We have two wonderful children. A son and a daughter, 2 grandchildren. And that keep me going, I am lucky to have this family support, while I was in hospitals -first Covid, then prostate op, then a few times back to hospitals with sepsis. They all were around, can't wish for a better family support. 

    The thing is that I still live in denial - I don't believe an iota that there is something wrong with me? don't know if you had this feeling at some point. 

    But there we go, the other day I was in that swing of mood and was moaning like a baby. Good days and bad days - that is the worst side effect. 

    Anyway, Thank you for you lines her, i appreciate it very much. 

    Lood after yourself, 

    God bless,