Post radiotherapy blues

Hello Mucker  I have the same diagnosis as you - but with a higher initial PSA and 3 years on HT. I am 26 months down the line and yes I am not as strong as I was at the start but I don't have any muscle wastage as such.  I put my lack of strength down to both old age  - I am 68 and the hormone therapy.

I do try and exercise as much as I can and hope to get back to normal one day  - but I think it's going to be some while after HT finishes.

I know you have had some issues with your back - perhaps a word with your G P might give you some answers.

Keep us posted as to how you get on.

Best wishes - Brian.

Millibob

Thank you. Maybe it isn't muscle wastage it may be just getting old. I am coming up 65 in April and maybe I just have to accept I can't do what I used to do. 

Can I ask what exercise you do?

I will try and see my GP when i get back home.

Mucker

Hello Mucker  I have 2 rescue dogs, a border collie and a retired racing greyhound so we are out 3 times a day and the border collie likes socialising in the pub twice a week. We do like longish flat walks!!

I also work for myself and although I work at a desk I do get out and about. Saturdays are spent watching football so I am no lounge lizard,

I try and push myself as hard as possible and I still struggle not to put weight on. HT is hard work and I am trying my hardest not to let it win!!

Best wishes - Brian.

We used to have a dog but no longer. I am currently in Northern Ireland but will be returning to England soon. Unfortunately there are no pubs close by for me to walk to. 

I am on long term sick leave so am sort of a couch potato. Do a little voluntary work, Monday afternoon in a cafe and Friday afternoon at our local hospital driving a golf buggy so not getting much exercise then either.

Life at home is not great and am probably heading towards divorce so that doesn't help either. 

Keep on walking your dogs and visiting pubs. Who knows, I might end up in Northern Ireland with lots of seaside walks. 

Best wishes

Colin

Oh Mucker Colin, I am so sorry for the situation you are in - I had no idea.  Just remember we are all here for you. We don’t always talk Prostate Cancer we are here for you as a person, and we like to look after our own too.

There’s plenty going on in the thread “no specific topic” and we just chat about anything. You are most welcome to join in.

If I can do anything for you - extra help - counselling - anything Macmillan’s have give me a shout and I will see what I can do. You can message me if you wish - my mailbox is open.

Remember we as a Community are here for you.

Best wishes  - Brian.

Really appreciate that.

Will be in touch next week. 

Colin

Colin, Sorry to hear your background.  PCa is hard enough without life throwing other challenges.  Try to do some exercise, it will help both your physical and mental health.  I am 10 years older than you and have tried to retain fitness, both old age and HT are conspiring to make that harder.  Our thoughts are with you and I hope things work out for you.  Try and stay positive.  Best wishes, David

David

Thank you. 

You've heard of the phrase "use it or lose it" so best to use your muscles as much as you can.  I carried on doing resistance work in the gym at least 4 times a week during my treatment  which helped a lot with all the side effects of HT.  You are doing well with the walking.  If you don't want to do resistance weight training - I do not mean heavy weights either about 5kg can make all the difference,  then maybe try swimming as it is a good all round exercise which will tone up the muscles.  Some wastage may still occur but hopefully you will, like me have minimal wastage.  Also a good idea to keep the training going when you finish HT as the HT will remain in your body for about as long as you were on it - you may even get to like it and anjoy the company of mates in the gym too. 

You may be able to get on a special course through your hospital or local authority gym to get back in to training during/after treatment which will be taken by an instructor with either a special interest or qualification in this sort of thing.  My local Maggie's centre did a special course for men trying to get fit with/after cancer treatment.  Whatever it would be a good idea if you ask at your nearest gym if there is an instructor there who could help you.

Take care and keep exercising.

Hi Freefaller

That sounds like very sound advice. I swim like a brick but may well try that when I get home. Have a resistance band. I should at least start with that every day.

Thanks again

Colin