QOL Impact of exercise

[Mgtd]

I have been on this journey for over 3 years and what I am posting is not a BRAG but hopefully motivation to those starting or currently in their journey. It helped be through ADT, radiation and improved my QOL. It also expanded my social interactions which is important at my age.

One of the things I read on this forum in the very beginning was that exercise and life style changes like diet changes were necessary in fighting the effects of ADT and cancer in general. So when I was referred to a Urologist even before cancer was diagnosed I started to go to the gym and made changes to my diet. Nothing drastic. Just a little at a time.

I have continued these changes for a little over 3 years now. My regimen is rather simple 30 minutes of resistance training and 45 to 60 or so minutes of aerobics each day. I vary my approaches each day so I do not get bored or overwork any one muscle group. I go to the gym 6 days a week.

I will be 80 in two months and the other day after a shower I noticed what I thought was a shadow on my upper body. So I took a closer look. I now have 3 rows of visible abs. I consider that a real accomplishment for someone my age.

Not sure if I have the dedication to get the next part of the six pack. This will require me to further reduce body fat pretty significantly. That last section of belly fat is really tough to eliminate. I have not decided if that effort is worth doing at my age.

For you young guys out there exercise and diet really helped me with the ADT impact and I have made a good group of gym buddies. Really improved my social interaction and some of the “eye candy” is amazing. Good luck on your journey!

[pjd55d]

good for you

I never was a dedicated guy/exercise person - varied attempts over the years - more for cosmetic reason. The most consistent was a period 30 yrs ago when I did step aerobics and weight training ( I paid more attention to my arms and chest - got big big ) One of the guys advised I spend more time with my legs - ignored that ? and stopped ? why ? my nature is that of a slug.

That being said, when I was diagnosed, of course exercise was recommended - I ignored that because of my nature and depression -

Finally got my ass moving - started tadalafil 5 mg/day and daily visits to my elliptical. Wish I had done this 8 yrs ago - but didn't, Shoulda coulda woulda ...

I am leaving next week for Machu Picchu ( bucket list ). I think I will be ok - probably won't be pretty to watch but

bottom line - if you are resisting exercise - get your head out of your butt and do it

[Don717]

That's fantastic...and x2 at your age bud!! I'm also getting the belly fat off although I did not have the hurdle of over-coming any HT like a lot of you guys did. I started on a diet 2 years before being diagnosed and I've continued on after treatment and have now lost 70lbs. Hard to believe I was that far overweight but due to my body shape, folks didn't notice it and neither did I. I can't tell you how much better I feel. I lift every other day and run 2-3 miles every day. I was a competing P/L back in my day. I can't tell you how discouraging it is not load a bar up with a bunch of BIG plates...lol! I'm just glad I'm back on a routine and I just can't stress enough how much exercise has improved my life AND my lipid panel is something to behold. Total cholesterol used to be 230's is now 160. My PCP still talks about the change every year at my physical/wellness exam. Yeah, exercise works! Mind, body and soul! Congrats on the abs!!

[Mgtd in reply to Don717]

congrats! As you know it takes time and dedication but the big thing is to find something you enjoy doing so you will stick to it for the long term.

[conbio]

You're a stud - good job. I'm closing in on 69 and still climb, backcountry ski, and mountain bike. I added weight lifting with a trainer when I started ADT and have kept up that habit on my own. Also helps clear the cobwebs!

[Mgtd in reply to conbio]

Before the winter my grandson took me climbing on a novice route in the local area.

The gym I use has a rock climbing wall. I need to look into that. I may need to improve my flexibility work in my workout. I would say my upper body is OK for the easy stuff.

Really thought that climbing was fun! Something different. It was my first exposure to the sport.

[conbio in reply to Mgtd]

Sweet. This is year 50 for me climbing. It really is a great, all-around exercise for strength and flexibility. Good luck!

[PrettyUnhappyGuy]

I exercised like crazy while on ADT but now that it’s done I’ve got osteoporosis which I did not have before and my T is not returning six months after stopping Orgovyx more than four months ago. Sexual function was great until it wasn’t. I am not in a good place mentally but found Ativan and whiskey help my attitude more than diet and exercise ever did. My brain is like a whiteboard full of sadness and anger and this drug combo is like a big eraser wiping the board clean. Exercise just reminds me how weak I’ve become and food I can honestly take or leave. Haven’t had any appetite since radiation almost a year ago. I’m NOT using either of these drugs to the point of passing out or anything— just enough to temporarily forget. Not encouraging anyone to follow my path, either, just saying it’s working FOR ME.