Please please please think carefully before doing ADT

[PrettyUnhappyGuy]

I was just told by two different doctors that, due to an issue with my testicles and how they've reacted to ADT, there is a good chance (25-50%) I will NEVER recover testosterone after ADT . This was in NO WAY communicated to me before I agreed to have this treatment in addition to radiation. I specifically asked the side effects and was told "hot flashes and tiredness." Had I known that this was a possibility, I would have declined ADT.

My soul literally feels crushed right now. I expected to be able to recover some semblance of sexuality, not to mention the cardiac damage, insulin risks, bone damage, crippling depression, insomnia, etc. How do MAJOR cancer centers get away with not informing patients of this information.

I was starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel but now I just want to jump in front of a subway train (don't worry, I'll wait until December 31 and see if any T returns or not).

If your doctor suggests ADT for you and you're not metastatic, PLEASE think long and hard before agreeing to it.

[JetBoy]

I am so, so sorry to hear this. It's terrible when you realize something has happened to you and you never received warning. I agree with you that the medical community should be required to review an entire list of all likely negative outcomes and the co-morbidities that can cause even more physical harm.

Before you get too down in the dumps, I would recommend you talk to another oncologist who specializes in ADT and see if there is an alternate assessment. For some reason I find that oncologists often vary widely in their opinions and what they focus on. So it might be worth seeking additional, medically informed insights.

I also want to really support you as you attempt to balance the quality vs. quantity of life equation. How you value the quality of your life over longevity is entirely your choice to make and it may be the most important consideration.

Sending love and support your way. It sounds like you're experiencing grief and anger - both are entirely valid. Please take good care of yourself.

[PrettyUnhappyGuy in reply to JetBoy]

Thank you! I will get another opinion but am still very angry and depressed that they start these treatments on men without telling us what might happen. From the research I've seen, 25% of men on short term ADT *without* the complications I've had don't recover. That's a big deal and it's borderline criminal that it isn't mentioned. It's not even mentioned on the web sites pushing the drugs--just a bunch of happy guys living their oh-so-great lives. Even for guys whose T comes back they don't tell them it could take 18 months or more.