I am learning a lot in my cancer journey.
I recently learned that I am S.O.L., which means “Something Out of Luck”, as I don’t swear, at least not online. (Lol).
When I was diagnosed with Stage 4, Metastatic Prostate Cancer, the Oncologist told me that the first line of treatment will be with Hormone Therapy or ADT.
After hearing this Diagnosis I was immediately very worried about the horrors of cancer and Chemotherapy. I had not heard of hormone therapy before so I was relieved that Chemotherapy had not been mentioned.
The Hormone therapy that I am currently on is also known as Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT). This is a very common first-step approach to Prostate cancer treatment that deprives tumours of the androgens (such as testosterone) they need to grow and thrive.
It is important to keep yourself informed when it comes to your health care. People need to know that there are choices between the different medications used for ADT.
I wish I had known this and was informed about the different options for medications.
The ADT medications all come with serious side effects, however, every person has a unique tolerance for different medication side effects, and they also have differences regarding their overall health and lifestyle needs.
The ADT medication I am currently on is horrible with terrible side effects.
For me, the side effects of ADT include severe fatigue, terrible nausea, metabolic problems possibly leading to diabetes, cardiovascular and heart problems, loss of muscle, impotence and no sexual desire.
Someone may experience additional side effects if they continue to remain on ADT.
In addition, if the ADT is not successful in shrinking the tumours, then Oncologists often consider adding chemotherapy as a treatment.
Unfortunately, I have to wait for 3 months to see if this ADT medication can be changed. The reason for this is that my ADT medication was injected into me. So the ADT medication as well as the side effects will remain present in my body for 3 months.
I wish I had known that there are ADT medications that come as daily consumable pills that can be stopped anytime the person wanted.
The decision to take a specific medication should be a shared decision between an informed patient and the Oncologist.
As a cancer patient I am becoming much more aware of the importance of balancing ‘quality of life’ with cancer control and ‘quantity of life’.
Wishing you way more than luck. 🙏
Anthony Aquan-Assee
“Always Believe” 🙏
