New here, looking for some advice!

[Jimhoy]

I am a member other HealthUnlocked sites (Male Care) for Prostrate Cancer.

I have completed my treatment going on 18months ago and as of right now things relative to aPC look as good as they can be!! However the combination of ADT (androgen deprivation treatment (chemical castration)) and / or reactions to the drug Eligard itself, really took its tole on my cognitive ability and executive functions.

Not trying to write a novel here but want to include pertinent info / history.

This side effect / condition is clearly, 100% caused by my treatment and is documented but quite rare!!

Anyway, I’ve worked through being recluse due to the newfound inability to speak spontaneously or intelligently and absence of my memory, I was afraid to bump into people because even if I able to recognized them, I could not come up with a single thing to say, or I would say something completely off the wall!! Then the stuttering started just to ice the cake!!! I would also get lost simply listening to conversations requiring more than a 5th grade intelligence (kind of sarcastic)! Very embarrassing situations for all involved!! So I just avoided people!

Maybe caused by the above, but my unavoidable special events dealings with close family turned into a fight or flight with any situation that I felt I could not control (e.g. noise, rowdiness, kids being kids, etc...). I would just disappear outside or something.

This forced me to confront my issues in a manner that I previous did not believe in!! Sorry for all here that are diagnosed and suffering here but I was that tough guy that had no use for nor belief in shrinks!! My thought was that once you’re dx’ed, your nutz until they say you’re not!!! I learned otherwise. Talked to a Psychologist with a history of aPC who was a god send for me. Could relate to my condition being caused by my treatment where as others wanted to start off with my childhood!!!! 100% contrary to my expectations and really helped. My PcP (working with him) tried a number of meds that caused more harm than good so I worked through my issues cold turkey!! Too long of a story for now and I’m not what I would call normal but much better.... work in progress!!!

I can clearly see more improvement with the elimination of the ADT drug and / or with my testosterone rebounding!

So why am I here?!!!

What I can’t seam to fix on my own is being so lethargic (possibly the wrong term but the best I can do!!). I’ve got tons of things / chores / projects I can do (early retired due to cognitive issues), things I enjoy doing, but I - J...U...S...T - D...O...N...’T - D...O - T...H...E...M!!!! I’m remorseful for not doing them but the next day, if they’re in my way, I’ll just step over them!!! I promise myself that I will start them tomorrow, but tomorrow is just a repeat of today!!! I tell myself to do one or two small ones at first, but nothing!!! I want to do them... its just some kind of freaking mental block!!! I can’t knock this off the dime!!

My health care team infers that I might have to come to terms with a new normal, and I’m reluctantly getting my head wrapped around that. I can live with being / sounding stupid ( I’ll run for office) but not being a lazy. Neither is how I’ve lived my 64 years!

Others in my forum have similar issues but the “wicked smot” members that we count on don’t really offer much advice seeings as how it is out of their field of expertise!!

I will forward advice received here!

Comments?

Jc

[addicted2cycling]

Before being told what my Gleason Score was I researched "worst case scenarios for prostate cancer" regarding treatment and decided that if mine was bad enough for ADT to be a "first line treatment approach" I would opt for castration AND SO IT WAS at age almost 65 with GL10.

No ADVICE to give since I CAN NOT RELATE TO ANY SIDE EFFECTS from ADT but having read and spoken with men who have gone through the "worst case scenarios of side effects" I can only hope you're successful working through all that is caused by ADT by interacting with likewise individuals who have been there and came out the other side for the better AND STRONGER.

Being that it's psychologically and physically difficult to make things happen when ALL energy levels are depleted, one might still try to at the least make some daily effort "EVEN IF ONLY WITH BABY STEPS" to accomplish a goal no matter the size since that is how our journey through life began.

GOOD LUCK!!!

[Sprinkle1]

Hello, I am wondering if you would benefit from some vitamins? Have you spoken with your Dr. about a blood test to find out what you may need. I know for starters, the "B's" are good for the brain and body. Are you getting enough "D", can you go out in the sunshine for 15/20 mins a day? There are other things that will help the body and brain, fish oil, vit. E. I take these everyday. Play some nice music that will make you want to move. Do like I do, write a list of "to do's" and as you get things done cross them off, it makes one feel happy with oneself.

I wish you well, I know it is not easy, I have a brother with prostate cancer, and he has gone thru quite some trials with his treatment...I send you good health, healing, peace, love n virtual hugs.....Sprinkle 1.....

[Hidden]

It’s the adt .. Testosterone is the steam

That feeds the engine. The Drs . Don’t like to cop to the side effects. They think “ You’re still alive mo fo” The rest goes unsaid . “ I’ll just step over them”

Hilarious my friend . I relate to evetything you’re saying . I chopped my balls. My bright idea . So I’m unique , or really a Unich . Your team

Is correct in what they’re saying . Adjust . Took me three years to stop hating my whithering being. Now I enjoy the life around me.. we must figure that anything that can kill our strongest built in desire fox sex can easily cut all of our energies and abilities . That’s been my experience . The only thing to improve is to exercise often . Where to get that drive.. ?? That’s the question .. you aren’t alone in this . 5 yrs for me ... Find enjoyment we’re you can . Don’t be down on yourself or others and every thing will be better . Take care . “Nutz TIL we ain’t””!

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