Hormone therapy- fatigue

Hi JCat

Fatigue is a big component of the hormone therapy. I am on Zoladex implant and Darolutamide (so two types) - plus nearly finished Chemo.

I was reasonably fit before this all started but it has knocked me back - however I am maintaining an exercise regime involving walking as much as I can and mixing up flat/hilly walks; resistance exercise and static bike.  There is a perverse suggestion that the fatigue can be "managed" by exercise, and I find I do feel better for it. (and am on a 10 day streak of >10k steps which will fall apart from tomorrow as I have chemo.....).

Remember the body is fighting an "invader", being pummelled by drugs and we are aging - there will be tiredness.  I find that the chemo knocks me more than the HT.  I tend to have a power nap when needed - 20 mins can do the trick.

Good diet, no alcohol and no caffeine seems to work for me as well (and I do look longingly at my shelves of single malt.....) 

Not sure this helps but I hope you get some other perspectives.

I am also in the lucky position of being retired so can take the breaks when needed.

All the very best to you and your Dad

KrisPy

Fatigue and ache in joints are part and parcel. Rest more to play more.

Seems to be considerable variation from person to person and from time to time. Over 2 years of decapeptyl at time of original EBRT treatment 2021- 2023 caused just a little tiredness, certainly not fatigue. Carried on my c.100 miles p.w. cycling.

As is very common with G9, the treatment did not result in a "cure"  -  although recurrence disappointingly quick in less than 4 years. Now 9 months into doublet (decapeptyl plus darolutamide, I declined chemo on side effects grounds and the Man said probably no difference) and the tiredness much more pronounced. Worse, the muscle ache, in my case arms and chest. Doubling my protein intake has helped, if erratically.

OTOH, I am now older (near 78) and my COPD rolls inexorably on. Separating out the causes pretty much impossible! Not yet fatigue but I'm settling on c.70 miles p.w. and longer nap in the afternoon!

Strangely severity or otherwise of dide effects is claimed to have no correlation with effectiveness. Just another lottery.......

Good luck, Dave 

I walk,cycle etc but I have to have  naps  if really tired I don't fight it

Hi JCat,

I suspect that the correct  answer  here  is  "all of the above".

Your dad has a number of problems, all if which cause fatigue.

My own case is not as complicated at your dad's but I have to force myself onwards.

The strange thing is that, when I force myself to do some sort of exercise I feel MUCH better afterwards.

Even pushing through when you feel tired helps.

However, there are some times when a nap really helps. The trick is not to go through hours. I set a timer on my phone for 20 minutes and get up refreshed.

For me, at least, that's the way to go.