I have recently been diagnosed with Advanced Prostate Cancer following a resurgence, so, as my oncologist said "we're now in the business of controlling it, not curing it".
Previous treatment was Hormone Therapy and Radiotherapy, followed by a nine month gap where my testosterone levels returned (higher than they were prior to treatment!) and PSA increased every three months (from 0.60 > 5.32). I have now restarted Hormone Therapy and will next week start Chemo (6 cycles), Steroids and Anti-Androgen Hormone Therapy (see profile update for names of drugs). Looks as if I'll be on the two hormone therapies for a good few years (now aged 64).
Loss of sex drive/libido is one of the very common side effects with HT and in my previous treatment I tried hard to 'fight against it'. I guess I was partially successful but it was a struggle at times, and so easy to 'give up the fight'. So wondering if other forum members have any tips or experiences about how they overcame/dealt their loss of sex drive as a result of HT?
There is the separate issue of ED, penile atrophy etc. but the treatments for this all require an active sex drive to be successful during sexual activity! Previously did penile exercises, including pump, and took Tadalafil 5mg daily throughout treatment and planning to do the same again.
On a related subject and rather annoyingly, my online pharmacist turned down my last order for Tadalafil 5mg when I advised them of the additional medication to be taken as part of my new treatment plan. Will have to discuss with Oncologist whether it is incompitable with new treatment plan when I see them on Monday.