I have had my prostate remove in 2010 the surgeon sad he could give me 10 yrs A year after surgery I needed radio therapy as my PSA was almost up to the level before my operation. This l was told was because during the Radio Therapy , any dormant cancer cells would not be killed and eventually would stay to raise my PSA which did happen to me. Then l was told it would be good if l was to have hormone treatment every 3 months a dose was given me , this brought my PSA down to a negligible level l was really happy . I currently am of all medication as l was advised that the medication was not good for my body , best to be watched and when it becomes necessary they would re’ introduce me to the hormone treatment. I at this moment still OK 2 years on now . Hope this is informative 👍🏻
The more l learn about the side effects the more inclined I am to choose to manage my 4+3 diagnosis with exercise, diet and meditation. It's a choice only I can make, not my doctors or family and it may be the wrong decision ultimately.
I don’t think choosing against some ADT makes any sense at all… I had surgery, but PSA started to rise again. The on to radiation plus ADT - 9 months in so far- have virtually all the symptoms. Low mood, hot flashes, anaemia, you name it! Managing it with exercise which has been such a critical point to help mitigate the symptoms. I am hoping that I can get off after 18months?! My PSA is down to 0.04 so am hoping by 18months will be ok
Adt side effects are pure hell,quality of life sucks!Wish I never had taken this ,having heart issues now ,easy to say go and exercise will make you feel better. Brochure never explained how debilitating this drug is!
Thank you for putting this information out to the public. Personally, I have been avoiding learning about this aspect of prostate cancer. I found it easier to absorb in this format.
Let’s be clear. ADT is chemical castration in all but name and the impact of the side effects far outweighs the benefit. You may live longer but at what price to your general health and quality of life?
Actually, you may NOT live longer... Men on ADT for longer than six months actually die more often than men on ADT for less than six months. ..Are they trying to cure our cancers by killing us with the horrific side effects of their ADT??? ...Well, big pharma doesn't care as long as they can keep selling these outrageously expensive toxic drugs
Yes nobody told me how bad this could be. Told I had cancer and same dày given my first shot. Find I could have had drug to prevent breast enlargement only after it was too late. Told it was not a cure but MIGHT make me live longer. But if longer it is like hell. Sweat like I am still in a swimming pool. Very little energy and they say take physical therapy if I only could! They made my life a living hell.
@@gvet47 - I am sorry to read what’s happened to you. I worry that physicians are all too ready to push you down a particular therapy route without explaining the implications. I wish you well in your treatment.
as willie said my life is based on a true story....i got out of the army in 1971....bought a lemans centurian 10 speed and rode many different types of bicycles until now (2023)....so for 50 years i was not really into exercising as i was into how being outdoors, non mechanical, wind on my face, hours and hours of just setting a steady pace that caused my mind and body to reach a some what nirvana state....in 2013 i had my first major hiccup relating to age.....been going along with several different things until 2022 when i was diagnosed with prostate cancer....went through the 4 radiotherapy treatmens along with hormone treatmen which is on going for see ably way into my future....my major side effect has been how easily i can not even think about let alone actually doing almost any physical activity....when i realized this i decided to buy an electric bicycle....pedaling is optional on it but i do keep my legs moving the whole time i am riding....so, i am still outdoors, still with the wind on my face, and the metaphysical mind body combination....great video....what i got out it is to keep moving, don't just sit around....as b dylan said ...keep on keeping on....
I agree, I have been riding bikes most of my life. I'm 77 now and have for the last 10 years ridden electric bikes. excellent way to get exercise and to be outdoors in nature. You can pedal at whatever rate you would like. You can get a good workout or an easy workout or anywhere in between. They are well worth the money. I have found it it easy to get out three or four times a week for a one and a half to two hour ride. Sometimes I'll ride to a coffee shop and read and sometimes just around the Lakes where I live. It lifts the spirits.😎
I have just been referred for Radiotherepy for my advanced prostate cancer. That said, I will not or ever go on hormone treatment. When your life is already in jeprody why destroy your manhood over someone practicing medicine...
I opted for surgery to avoid ADT. Surgery failed so I got radiation, leading to undetectable PSA and have had a year of ADT to cover the bases. It’s kicking the snot out of me. Likely going to take my chances and not go the second year given the low PSA, but it’s still a hard decision. Would hate to think “what if…” should things deteriorate with the cancer, but I think I’m going to terminate the treatments because things are DEFINITELY deteriorating in other ways.
4 weeks on adt and I want to die. I've had an OK life and if 66 years is all it is that's that it's like the part of my brain that feels enjoyment and happiness is dead.
I was not told my testicals would shrink to about a third of their size in five months. My penis is hard to find! I was told I would have "hot Flashes" but I am in a costant state of sweating soaking my hair and chest and back. The two drugs listed did help for the first month but now I just never stop sweating. Lupron I am going to stop snd ask for hormone replacement and maybe die earlier. I have a pacemaker and the heat in my chest cause angina again! Only thing that picks my spirit up is when my neighbor brings her dog over for a vist! Never start hormone therapy even when my PSA was 5000 and in my lymph nodes too.
I've been on Eligard for 18 months. It isn't brutal, but pretty close. Rarely feel good! Achy, lightheadedness, fatigue, endless peeing, weight gain. I walk about 2 miles a day, much of it steep grades. Not nearly as easy as 2 years ago. Positive aspects? PSA. 0004.
Huggins referred to a single case in 1945. The Japanese for one, as have other Asian Countries, have proven time and again that Estradiol and Estrogen, coupled with LOW Testosterone are the culprits, and have no problems giving Testosterone to Prostate Cancer survivors. I spoke to an Endocrinologist in Canada who confirmed that this has come up in numerous meetings among specialists in Canada, but since their training was in Canada, they have to adhere to what is taught to them in Canada. Had I known then what I know now I would have NEVER agreed to Zoladex injections. I am getting Testosterone treatment abroad now…. with good results. It’s been a long, rough road though
@@victoriafernandez6577 I would not be so bold to give you advice. Here is what I had: Zoladex 6 years ago. I still suffer from the side effects. It's an accepted fact that Zoladex, for some men, stays in the body for the rest of their lives. Zoladex caused Gynecomastia which I had surgically removed. The prostate was treated with Radiation. No Libido. By sheer luck, I met a Japanese Endocrinologist while Scuba diving in Vietnam. He strongly suggested I take an aromatase inhibitor, which I take for the rest of my life. One thing that was never mentioned is that you MUST start penile rehabilitation 5 weeks after the procedure, no matter if Radiation or surgery. After searching for a doctor to write me a script for testosterone, I gave up, went to Vietnam and took it there. My doctors here (Canada) know what I am doing and privately agree with it. My PSA has been rock solid since the radiation. Hope this helps, and all the best to your dad.
Thank you for the fast reply..the zoladex injections every 3 months plus daily bicalutamide. Now I read he won't be able to use viagra or anything . My 81 year old dad still very sexualy active. Do you believe in natural remedies?
@@victoriafernandez6577 Absolutely not! It's all snake oil. The medication your dad will be on is a sure way to depression.....he will always remember what he WAS able to do. Make absolutely sure he has penile rehabilitation. Make sure he sees a urologist after the initial treatment is finished for penile rehabilitation, and if that doctor says: "don't worry, it will all come back", don't believe a word of it. Change doctors immediately. And whatever he does, ask him to get his testosterone tested, as Zoladex will take his hormone down to castration level. Viagra etc won't be of any use.
Thank you so much for explaining in a simple format that everyone can clearly understand. Unfortunately in the U.K. this information is never discussed with the doctor or specialist due to time restrictions and can only be obtained from websites after treatment has started. Sometimes too late sadly. Bless you and much appreciated.🙏🏻🇬🇧
Don't know where in the UK you are,but I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in Nov 2021 and was given information on the side effects of hormone treatment, surgery and radiotherapy both verbally by my oncologist and reams of printed info,opted for radiotherapy, got the all clear 2 weeks ago. Hope you're doing well.
Did your doctor tell you that there was a good chance that being on ADT could result in permanent CASTRATION, and that up to twenty percent of older men NEVER RECOVER ABOVE CASTRATE LEVEL????
I have never seen information or videos as to why EBRT prostate patients have to stay on hormone treatment after radiation treatment? As I understand hormone treatment shrinks cancer metastases but does not kill them? Is the hormone treatment masking the cancer cells that might be there but not eliminating them?? Can someone advise please? Also the higher the gleason score the longer you are on hormone therapy.....why? Could a PET scan not determine if all cancer is gone after radiation treatment.....any answers please.
Excellent information, thank you. I wish some of the charts would show which side effects are more likely to show according to different lengths of time on ADT, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 2 yrs, a decade or more. Are there any studies addressing this and what is considered "Long Term ADT?"
Warning! -do not do prostate hormone therapy-They don’t tell u the real side effects and if u knew you just wouldn’t do it-It absolutely wrecked my life and my marriage!
This is an excellent presentation. While emphasizing the importance of exercise and physical activity, the doctor did not mention that , for many men, ADT removes any desire or incentive to exercise. I've been on ADT for 15 months, and just cannot bring myself to exercise. I just don't care anymore. I used to exercise regularly, and now don't do it at all. So for me, ADT has made it difficult for me to do what needs to be done to offset the negative effects of ADT.
I have to agree with this statement. They make is sound so easy to "get exercise". Well, it you can't even find the will to get off the couch, a hormonal induced state of the therapy, it's pointless to tell someone to "exercise". It's like telling a person who has a .20 blood alcohol level to walk that tightrope between two buildings. It's an impossibility. I believe there is a reason doctors decline informing their patients about this therapy. It depresses them to have to inform.
I can totally relate to the lack of desire to get off the couch and move! I was on ADT for 12 months, along with 28 radiation sessions. I have experienced most all of the symptoms covered in this video. My Dr. addressed NONE of them. I have been relegated to almost complete sexual dysfunction. While my testosterone levels have returned enough to give me desire, there is no return of function. Life is not a lot of fun right now...
Seems to me that much of this hype is more Big Pharma's sales pitch, rather than objective information for patients. Doctors never tell patients that there is a substantial risk that they will remain permanently castrated even after ADT is stopped. In fact only 3 percent of men, usually younger, recover their baseline T levels within 3 months after ADT is stopped, and up to 20 percent never, ever recover above castrate level. Your 6 month shot might well be FOREVER.. Doctors just ram ADT down our throat without our free and fully informed consent. And they never give realistic benefits of ADT so patients can make a reasoned cost / benefit analysis before accepting this toxin that has terrible life altering and deadly consequences. .......NICE PROPAGANDA to blame patients for not exercising enough when that poison makes us to weak to drag our ass out of bed..... .......but Big Pharma keeps making billions selling this shit,,,, no wonder alternative treatments are not being produced. LET'S STOP CALLING IT ADT....IT IS REALLY CASTRATION
I am 70 years old. Run my own business drive 5 to 700 miles a week. 30.1 BMI. crave a nap in afternoon. Gleason 3+4. PSA HAS GONE from 11 to 34 in 6 months. 15% cancer in 2 biopsy samples.. My mass, confirmed by MRI has breached the prostate walls, no cancer in bones or lymph nodes. I have been told to I need hormone therapy 28 photon beam shots. I am strongly considering NOT taking ADT route.
Your cancer is still early so you have excellent chance of curing. ADT has some side effects but will subside once your treatment is finished. Your PSA should decrease dramatically and then radiation is more focused now and kill the cancer cells. Diet, exercise and fasting also help alot so fight and live many more years. You can do it.
Craig, I also have 3+4 my cancer is contained in the prostate PSA was 75. Took lupron 6 month injection PSA now 9.3, Next step fis Photon beam radiation. Frankly speaking, hormone therapy sucks, be prepared for dark days, very low energy and fatigue . recently ive been diagnosed with pre diabetic, one of the side effects of hormone theraphy. I would have never taken it, but doctors insisted its a necessary step pre photon beam. Bottom line, trust your gut feelings to guide you. They are usually right.
Thank goodness 😅 Don’t do it! It basically takes away your Manhood. And they are giving this to kids in school 🏫 too?! WTH 🤦🏾♂️! One ☝️ shot told me I’m not taking that crap 💩 again. I’ll deal with the Cancer holistically.
Insist on getting all the facts and options BEFORE you get coerced into a decision. It is never a black or white issue. And your Big Pharma brainwashed doctor will likely just parrot their sales pitch propaganda. They never tell you that their six month shot continues to castrate you for months or years after it expires, or that 20% of older men NEVER RECOVER ABOVE CASTRATE LEVEL. There are also pill options like Orguvyx which is more effective and much more predictable for testosterone recovery and less dangerous for cardiovascular damage, or ask about the somewhat less effective, but easier to tolerate, Casodex aka. Bicaludamide as a monotherapy. Get educated on ALL THE FACTS AND OPTIONS, and take control of your treatment. I refused further ELIGARD shots after the first six month shot expired, and I still remain well below castrate level months later, with no sign of recovery. I was never warned about this life destroying side effect effect before I was coerced into this toxic quality of life destroying poison. I was a 90% dead ZOMBIE EUNUCH CREATED BY THE NARCO MEDICO CARTEL on this crap. I would sooner live a bit shorter but happier life, than suffer years of hell on their ADT. GOOD LUCK making the best decision for your treatment.
I hope you are open minded about less than glowing comments. Thought I appreciate your coverage of all (?) the side effects of Androgen Deprovation Therapy (ADT), and the many drugs that have been used to try (seems like unsuccessfully) to combat these side effects, I think that more emphasis on the pathogenesis of prostate cancer, early dedection, and prompt treatment (excision) need MUCH more emphasis. I have had a thorough workup and examination for my Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy/hyperplasia, (prostate size ~100ml) and my MRI did indicate a small area of high risk (0.1% of prostate volume) for early prostate cancer, I already have most of the symptoms you describe for ADT. Aren't you ignorring the finding that low Testosterone actually encourages prostate enlargement via prostate hyperplasia and hypertrophy through the increase of higher circulating estrogen that accompanies low testosterone and high Cortisol? It seems obviousl to me that endogenous estrogen and cortisol are probably the cause of most of the side effect symptoms you describe. Where are the properly controlled studies that examine that hypothesis? I wish you had discussed the pros and cons of finasteride (Prostar) treatement for BPH. What does it actually do hormonally? What about the finding that finasteride is associated with the occurance of highly aggressive prostate cancer, which is mentioned in the package insert? If it is true, why is that a fact? Respectfully, Jim Eastep, MT (ASCP), MS (Experimental Path), DVM, MS (Veterinary Pathology), Diplomate Vet Path (ACVP)
very pertinent questions and it is also difficult to discuss with doctors who take an "I am the authority" attitude all these issues. We are always told to raise these issues - not so easy in practice as you are shunted out of the office.
Hey I have a question for the doc or anyone here . Thank you . I am rather new to the prostate cancer rural. Just wondering, and this might be a random question. Forgive me. Regarding hot flashes and depression, has anyone ever tried a drug called mirtazapine ? The reason I’m asking is I find it useful for anxiety in the past, and I saw some studies that says it virtually eliminates hot flashes in women during menopause. I wonder if there’s any benefit for men on adt . Thanks to anyone who might be able to add anything.
They didn't tell me anything about all this in a year and a half into this treatment and I feel very sick , and I was a very strong 50 year old man now I'm so weak I can't even pick up a garbge , and get so tired I feel I'm going to collapse bag and I have to go to sleep and to make maters worst the radiation treatment burnt the pelvic nerves and it's gotten so bad I'm in costan sever pain and sometimes can't even walk it's has deteriorated my mental health sometimes I hope the cancer just kills me but the I look at my loved ones ani cry and keep on going but I don't know how much I cen handle it anymore I feel 90% of everything you mentioned 😢😢😢
Thank you so much. Now I m very clear on how best I can manage side effects and improve my mental health and overall understanding understanding of my situation
Stai tranquillo. Ho fatto 6 mesi di blocco androgenico totale + 6 mesi di ADT. Dopo tre mesi dall'interruzione dell'ADT il mio testosterone e risalito e la mia libido è tornata ed ho ripreso la mia vita sessuale. A fine terapia il mio PSA si è mantenuto a 0,01 per circa un anno, poi è risalito ed ora dopo 18 mesi dalla fine terapia è 0, 24. Ho fatto pet PSMA ma è risultata negativa. Farò crescere ancora il PSA e quando arriverà a 0,40 rifarò la PET per individuare dov'è la neoplasia ed a quel punto deciderò tra ADT o radioterapia.
After only six months on ADT CASTRATION, only 75 percent of men will recover their testosterone levels after a median time of 18 months. After 18 months on ADT, only twenty five percent of men will recover their testosterone levels after a median time of five years. You may end up permanently CASTRATED either way. But doctors and Big Pharma don't want you to know these facts
If my cajones were removed with effect that the cancer might slow or regress would it not be possible to have low level testosterone therapy at some time post any recovery? Just thinking out loud.
I had bicludimide, alligard and lupron and promptly became 99% woman. After puberty I experienced menopause and started male puberty again. I am now 60/40 male female freak, and no longer have any interest in women.
Bet you were never informed about ALL the horrific effects of ADT, or that you might remain castrated for ever after ADT. .....We are just inmates in this concentration camp experiment, where there is no such thing as shared decision making or FREE AND FULLY INFORMED CONSENT
It stands for androgen deprivation therapy. It is known by a few different names including "hormone therapy," "testosterone inactivating pharmaceuticals," etc.
Plain English...ADT is chemical castration. The castration effect lasts months or years after these injections expire, and in older men, up to 20 % never recover above castrate level and remain castrated for life. But your Drug promoting doctor will deliberately withhold this vital information from you.
I am 83yrs old ht 155cms wt 52.5 Kgs was an athlete still keep myself fit with aerobic workouts at home and an occasional visit to swimming pool non diabetic and non hypertensive non smoker and non alcoholic for more than 10yrs I am taking Cap Tamdura one daily recent PSA report 10.6 Biopsy report Acinar adenocarcinoma protate right lower medial left upper lateral and left upper medial negative for malignancy Gleason score7/10 and ISUP grade group is 3/5 scan findings consistent with primary prostate neoplastic pathology 2 Faintly increased PSMA receptor expression noted in bilateral internal iliac lymph nodes -lymphatic metastasis cannot be ruled out what should be the ideal treatment plan for me pl advise
I’m 55 years old..just been diagnose the prostate cancer! I’m shocked and afraid.. because I don’t want to die! I don’t have the best insurance. I don’t qualify for medical insistence. Can’t afford the doctor bills or the hospital bills. So stressed! I’m walking around with prostate cancer and I can’t receive treatment. I need help! where can I go & what can I do. I don’t want to DIE!
Stop eating all dairy and meat, and don’t eat big meals. Build up your immune system with walking, vitamin D, lots of fresh organic fruit and vegetables. You can boost your immune system by fasting for 5 days first.
Thank you, Fred! Hope all goes well for you. It is too bad that Dr. Higano crossed over into Vancouver, but there are still a lot of good options in Seattle. If you ever have any questions and want to speak with one of our patient advocates, you are welcome to contact our free helpline. Our contact information is here: pcri.org/helpline
@@ThePCRI I filled out the form on the website and got a call from one of your advocates today!!! Had an amazing conversation. He sent me an email after the call with tons of great info!!! PCRI is amazing!
