Positive but tired

[Ianrs]

Half way through radiation (3 of 6 at 6 GY). PSA down to 0.03 and all other bloods in acceptable range except for haemoglobin and red bood cells. On the negative side, I am extremely fatigued after the third fraction and anticipate that this will get worse over the next 3 weeks. My next meeting with the oncologist is 3 weeks aafter 6 th fraction, so no doubt he will up date me on onward treatment plan.

[Tall_Allen]

Push yourself to exercise all you can. Do not take it easy.

[bitittle]

I had SRT of 38 treatments based upon a BCR 2.5 yrs after RP. I have run close to 20 miles/week and incorporate 3 HIIT sessions weekly into my exercise routine prior and during my PCA journey.

When the time came for SRT one of the RT technicians said the people who continue to exercise through the RT period do much better with fatigue.

I continued to run my normal program upon starting SRT. As SRT progressed my pace slowed down considerably and total mileage reduced somewhat.

On the days I did not run before my SRT session of the day my fatigue was significantly worse. I can’t imagine the fatigue if I had stopped my exercise routine completely.

It was not long after my SRT sessions were complete I was back to my normal pace and mileage. I believe the exercise helped with the healing process.

I strongly believe its best to do some exercise from my personal experience.

Good luck and 🤞🏻for best outcome!

[London441]

Same recommendation here.

Do you exercise now? What kind and how much?

[Ianrs in reply to London441]

Hi. not as much as I should but yes - I guess about 5 to 6 hours a week. But from this week looking to double thar with 30 minutes on stationerry bike and weights every day plus out twice a day on walks. I have never been good at routine .... but that must and will change,

[London441 in reply to Ianrs]

Good! Are you (or have you been) on any other drugs-ADT etc?

[Ianrs in reply to London441]

Zomadol every 3 months and Enzo every day. I stopped supplements during treatament apart from apricot kernels

[London441 in reply to Ianrs]

Why the painkiller? Try to get off that if you can.

By ‘Enzo’ I assume enzalutamide. If so then yes ‘not as much as I should’, ‘never been good at routine’ etc will have to go. This is serious biz! You know what to do.

How long have you been on enzalutamide?

I understand your concern about the radiation side effects, but It’s far more likely the enzalutamide causing the fatigue. Especially when paired with Tramadol and not enough exercise.

You have a clear path to feeling much better. I strongly recommend not betting on ending radiation to supply it!

[Ianrs in reply to London441]

Apologies - its zoladex! Forgetfulness 😄. Enza - on 7 th monthly prescription. Many thanks for the advice. I will apply myself

[London441 in reply to Ianrs]

Ha! Understood. I never thought I’d reach the age I can’t remember what drugs I’m on, or their names.

When I was young I didn’t care! 😝

Great luck to you sir!

[Hidden]

Much better than negative and tired. .03 is awesome . Try to walk everyday if you can .

[westof in reply to Hidden]

Yep, had HDR Brachy 4/26/19 and 25 days IMRT 3 months later. Walked and worked about 3-4 miles daily at age 69.

Last August scans showed no mets and (despite my hedonistic lifestyle) I might make it to 73 in a few months.

Scott, in my first post, you stressed the the maintenance of a positive attitude.

I followed your advice.

Thanks🍻

[Hidden in reply to westof]

You could see 80 if you want to? You’ve done good! 🥳🥳👏🏼👏🏼

[Cooolone]

When I received my 40 IMRT sessions over 8 consecutive weeks (72gy), I was working. I went to therapy and usually walked a great deal to & fro... I kept very active and tried to make sure I took the stairs instead of escalator or elevator (within reason) any chance I could, lol. I would mix things up but the path had a repeat cycle to it, and towards the last 2 weeks, those walks got harder and harder. But you push through, see the light at the end of the tunnel, know that you're doing yourself good and need to see it through! It didn't matter how slow or how long it took, but I was getting there, doing my thing, going home, rinse and repeat, until complete, lol!

Know too that the weight is heavy you carry too, worry too much, etc., with everything going on. So there the need to make sure you get some relief there too, whatever it is to keep your mind lightened. Music, a dinner with friends or family, etc. Whatever it is that you enjoy!

So stay the course, see it through, before you know it the entire thing will be done and you'll be the better for it.

Godspeed and Best Regards

[Hidden in reply to Cooolone]

Me too 8 weeks imrt . At the end fatigue set in on me.

[Ausi]

I’ve been using radiation as a treatment over the past 3 years, zapping a couple of mets as they emerge, 60gy over 30 days. PSA drops to about 1.8 until about 9 months later. Golf in the morning then treatment in the afternoon. It was easy to get through, over than getting constipated! Good luck

[Ianrs]

Many thanks to everyone for their kind advice.