The end of ADT!

User

Posted 10 Jul 2026 at 10:36

Today my last Zoladex injection should be out of my system. I shall not miss it and am looking forward to testosterone recovery. In some ways however it has been a bit of a safety blanket. Whilst on it both Testosterone and PSA have been undetectable. So other than the side effects I've felt pretty relaxed, the cancer has been stopped in it's tracks! I feel like I'm now entering the unknown.

Side effects wise I've been pretty fortunate, I've been able to work throughout my treatment. I still weigh about the same, however I appear to have been converting muscle to fat based on my reflection in the mirror! My cholesterol is on the high side too. I've not really had hot flushes. I can fall asleep impressively quickly these days. Family trips to the cinema include a power nap for me, especially in the comfy recliner chairs they have now. If (when) I wake up at night its hard to get back to sleep. Loss of libido and ED are definitely a thing.

To combat this I've been on Tadalafil, and have a VED though the NHS, though that took about 6 months to get an appointment after giving them a nudge. I purchased tadalafil online to begin with. I've joined a CrossFit gym after getting a free 12 week program through Battle Caner. I think this and generally trying to keep active has help the most physically and emotionally. I've also got a fantastic wife and family supporting me, they have been through an emotional roller coaster along with me.

I'm on Tamsulosin to help flow, I think the radiotherapy has caused a slight stricture, but other than that all is good, again I think I've been fortunate.

I've been told my testo should recover fully in about 12 months, I'm hoping to see improvements before then, we shall see! My next follow up appointment and blood tests are in September so I guess unlikely to see anything at that point. I was also told it'll be about 18 months to see if treatment has been successful.

All the best to everyone on their journeys

User

Posted 10 Jul 2026 at 12:07

All the very best to you mate. Can only echo what Adrian has already said. You come across as a top bloke and family man. See you on the other side all being well!

User

Posted 10 Jul 2026 at 14:44

Hi John

I’m 8.1 months since Zoladex ran out and no testosterone recovery for me yet. Still get hot flushes, less frequent than when on it, but (seems to me) more intense. This hot weather isn’t helping that’s for sure !

Cholesterol is up and HbA1c just into the pre-diabetes range. Never came even close before getting on Zoladex and I’m sure that is a major factor for the increases.

Like you I also feel the no/low testosterone is a blessing in disguise, in that it’s starving any cancer that might be still there. Wife is going through the menopause now, so neither of us has any interest in getting it on. She tells me she’s not ready for the return of the rampant old goat, just yet. So it’s working out quite well for both of us😊

All the best.

User

Posted 13 Jul 2026 at 09:20

I would try to get Testosterone test added to your regular PSA tests - this is really useful when you are coming off ADT, and without knowing your Testosterone level, the PSA level can't be interpreted over this period. Some of the specialist centres do this anyway. You do mention you've had it measured, but if it's not being done with every PSA now, ask for it.

User

Posted 17 Jul 2026 at 11:27

Hi John,

I have been there a couple of times, and at first it is a bit of an anticlimax, days, become weeks then months and nothing seems to happen, then there are the first glimmers of salacious thoughts and in no time at all everything is perking up. I also notice it in my muscles, I start feeling fit again, the hairs on my legs and chest get more noticeable, losing weight is easy on only a moderate diet and I feel wonderful. Then slowly but surely the PSA starts creeping up and I dread the day when my consultant says time for Zoladex. Currently if my PSA stays at zero till January I can join you in giving up Zoladex once again.

Edited by member 17 Jul 2026 at 11:27 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 10 Jul 2026 at 11:57

Hi, John.

Thanks for the update, mate.

Your post reminded me of how we and our loved ones all have to adapt to this disease. It changes us all. My wife says that I've now become a right miserable git. 🙂

Anyway, I'm glad that you're seeing the 'light at the end of the tunnel.'

And thanks, while having to deal with these changes, you've still found the time to help others on this site. You're a top bloke, mate. 👍

User

Posted 10 Jul 2026 at 13:10

Thanks guys for your kind words, very much appreciated.

Adrian, speaking of wives, mine has been great, though she has looked a bit put out on the occasions I've dozed off whilst she's been taking to me. 😂

User

Posted 10 Jul 2026 at 19:04

That's a big mile stone John. Hope things continue to look up.

User

Posted 13 Jul 2026 at 08:59

Thanks Gooose, it's good to hear from someone in the same boat as me but a few months ahead. I'm not expecting much chance soon, but would be happy to be proved wrong. My wife has been very understanding about the less attention I've been showing her in that respect......that or she's secretly relieved 😁

Antoinette,

Good advice, what will be will be so I will just enjoy the journey of life. Have to say your husband issue on Tadalafil is the sort of problem I's be happy with though🤣. Hope the rest of your husbands treatment goes well.

User

Posted 13 Jul 2026 at 09:18

John 1975

It's all so difficult to navigate isn't it. When he took a few Tadalafil I was very concerned it might work too well and he'd be in A and E, and I'd be the cause: probably over estimating there. The Apalutamide has definitely made a difference, but good because I want all this to work.

I will just say the length of our relationship, 53 years and my over enthusiasm, which I did worry may be abnormal?? I know, of course isn't. This has all just kept us going as best we can.

I'm very vocal as well. I can talk about how I feel. I can say I'm sorry but I can't do without you! If someone can't do that, it's good to ask.

I did have a melt down recently thinking I was being a nuisance to him but he definitely convinced me I wasn't and he wanted my attention a lot. So on we go, doing the best we can to support each other through this.

I do feel for you as I know when the treatment ends it must feel like you're winging it alone in the unknown. But everything has gone well. You've done everything possible to keep things stable. All the best to both of you xx

User

Posted 28 Jul 2026 at 15:58

Hi Stuart,

thanks very much, all the very best to you with your up coming end of ADT too!

I'll update this thread when anything interesting occurs 😁

thanks John

Show Most Thanked Posts

User

Posted 10 Jul 2026 at 11:57

Hi, John.

Thanks for the update, mate.

Your post reminded me of how we and our loved ones all have to adapt to this disease. It changes us all. My wife says that I've now become a right miserable git. 🙂

Anyway, I'm glad that you're seeing the 'light at the end of the tunnel.'

And thanks, while having to deal with these changes, you've still found the time to help others on this site. You're a top bloke, mate. 👍

User

Posted 10 Jul 2026 at 12:07

All the very best to you mate. Can only echo what Adrian has already said. You come across as a top bloke and family man. See you on the other side all being well!

User

Posted 10 Jul 2026 at 13:10

Thanks guys for your kind words, very much appreciated.

Adrian, speaking of wives, mine has been great, though she has looked a bit put out on the occasions I've dozed off whilst she's been taking to me. 😂

User

Posted 10 Jul 2026 at 14:44

Hi John

Cholesterol is up and HbA1c just into the pre-diabetes range. Never came even close before getting on Zoladex and I’m sure that is a major factor for the increases.

All the best.

User

Posted 10 Jul 2026 at 19:04

That's a big mile stone John. Hope things continue to look up.

User

Posted 11 Jul 2026 at 16:00

Hi John

Wishing you all the best. Just enjoy life

Husband is on day 9/20 of the Radiotherapy. Feeling bit tired he's pacing things and going for a walk later. He's on the Decapeptyl, 2 months of Apalutamide, and Sildenafil x4 per month. Also lately the Tadalafil 5mg each day but he's taken 2 a week and was worried it was making him too big! I don't think so but certainly was doing something anyhow is taking every other day he says.

He's doing OK, we've got to carry on. Hopefully the consultants know the best course.

User

Posted 13 Jul 2026 at 08:59

Antoinette,

User

Posted 13 Jul 2026 at 09:18

John 1975

I will just say the length of our relationship, 53 years and my over enthusiasm, which I did worry may be abnormal?? I know, of course isn't. This has all just kept us going as best we can.

I'm very vocal as well. I can talk about how I feel. I can say I'm sorry but I can't do without you! If someone can't do that, it's good to ask.

User

Posted 13 Jul 2026 at 09:20

User

Posted 13 Jul 2026 at 11:07

Thanks Andy,

Testo had been included in most of my previous tests, however randomly my last didn't. I hadn't really been too fussed about it till now due to being on Zoladex.

At my last telephone follow up I did ask for it to be added back in, which they have done for my next call in September.

I will ask each time going forward as like you say without it interpreting PSA changes will be difficult, plus I want to know when it starts to rise. My appointments are six monthly, so I guess I'll see a change(hopefully) next March rather than this September.

Antoinette,

It definitely does feel like heading into the unknown, but you're right everything has gone well, and I'm lucky enough to be coming off ADT, not everyone gets to. You have been so brilliantly proactive (often because you've had to be) in looking for ways to offset side effect etc and you clearly have a great relationship. It's all got to help, all the very best to you both too x

User

Posted 16 Jul 2026 at 16:23

Hi John,

Nearly missed this post, I’ve been neglecting my visits to the site lately, congratulations - well done 🥳. Your “ADT Independence Day” almost coincided with my own, in fact yesterday, a day which I have been eagerly anticipating for most of the last 3 years.

Of course, there will be no dramatic change overnight but at least it is comforting to know that a major milestone has been achieved and that the many unwelcome side effects should now start on a downward slide. Who knows? One day soon our bodies might be near normal again though a bit older.
For me, for starters, of all things, given the current heatwave, it would be good if my body thermostat would start working properly again 😬.

Good luck and keep on with the updates.

SpongeBob

User

Posted 17 Jul 2026 at 08:34

Hi Spongebob,

Congrats on your Independence Day too!

Your right not much will change soon, but it's a good feeling to know the ADT is out of my system. I'm hoping there will be a slight rise in my Testo at my next review in September just so I know my journey back has started, though realistically I know there won't be that soon.

All the best with your recovery to some sort of normal, may it be sooner rather than later

John

User

Posted 17 Jul 2026 at 11:27

Hi John,

Edited by member 17 Jul 2026 at 11:27 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 17 Jul 2026 at 12:47

Thanks Dave,

I'm looking forward to all those changes!

Very sorry to see you're on and off the Zoladex (I had a look at your profile, I guess that's for life!?).

It must be hugely frustrating to regain your self only to be back on ADT and lose it all again

Where ADT holidays recommended to you and/or did you chose to take breaks?

Edited by member 28 Jul 2026 at 15:50 | Reason: spelling!

User

Posted 28 Jul 2026 at 09:24

Hi John,

Sorry i have been off here for a while so hence the late reply. Congratulations on finishing the ADT and thank you for all your posts. As someone on a very similar journey to you (but slightly behind you) they have really helped. Wishing you a speedy testosterone recovery and hope the new normal comes quick and is kind to you.

thanks Stuart

User

Posted 28 Jul 2026 at 15:58

Hi Stuart,

thanks very much, all the very best to you with your up coming end of ADT too!

I'll update this thread when anything interesting occurs 😁

thanks John

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