Lupron Injection Day

Thursday, February 19, 2026, 6 AM

Today, I go in for my second hormonal injection of Lupron. This is for cancer treatment, and it’s given at three-month intervals. It will go on for two years. The first shot felt like I crossed the line in the sand. It was the moment treatment started to become real once more. I say once more because I’ve already faced radiation therapy in late 2023. Treatment isn’t new for me. Just tiring.

Lupron, for those that don’t know, is part of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Its job is to lower testosterone. The cancer feeds on it. The goal is simple. Starve the cancer. The experience, though, is anything but simple.

Since, I’ve been moving through some of the stages that have come with the therapy. I thought I’d openly address them.

Physical shifts to my body have occurred and I’m beginning to understand the treatment more clearly. My aches and pains have grown and aren’t just the deterioration of my shoulders, knees and ankle bones. Nor is it simply the arthritis I have.

My mental state tends to focus on the loss of certain manhood requirements. While the probability of love’s last hurrah has passed me by rears its ugly thoughts daily. I’m grateful to have a therapist who encourages me on.

Night Sweats — Have Already Arrived

The night sweats recently began. At first, they were surprising. Had I have not known to expect them; I would’ve contributed it to my heart disease. But now it’s a reminder that something inside me has shifted.

Sleep, which has been unpredictable since February of 2023, is now sometimes worse. I wake up tired a few times a night and often have trouble falling aback to sleep. Yet, outside a few extra bags under my eyes, It’s manageable. But it’s different.

From what I understand, after the second injection, testosterone levels will be fully suppressed. My body will then become adjusted to this new hormonal baseline.

The Not So Quiet Shift: Sexual Changes

Testosterone is deeply tied to the male identity. Not just physically, but psychologically. When it drops, it’s not just the body that feels it. There’s a quiet emotional layer to it too.

One of the more personal changes has been the sexual side effects. Reduced interest in sexual activity and the loss of desiring intimacy sucks. No pun intended, just saying. But I sure could us a big hug and cuddle night.

This has probably been one of the more reflective parts of the experience. It forces me to separate identity from biology. To redefine strength. To understand intimacy differently. It’s humbling, but it’s also clarifying for others. I find it soul searching.

I suspect these side effects will become more pronounced with the injection. That’s something I’m preparing for, not with fear, but with awareness.

Fatigue — The One I’m Watching Closely

If there’s something I’m anticipating more of, after the second shot, it’s fatigue. I’ve felt the tiredness since the first injection. But not overwhelmingly, yet noticeable. From what I’ve read and been told, this can deepen as treatment continues. Testosterone affects muscle mass, red blood cell production, and energy levels. Lower it, and stamina often follows.

With this, I need to adjust my expectations. Pace myself differently. Focus on rest in a way I didn’t have to before. More afternoon naps could become prevalent. But I also know this: movement matters. Even light exercise can help counteract some of the muscle loss and fatigue. Walking and light resistance will be paramount.

Brain Fog — The Mental Adjustment

Another thing I’m watching for is what many call “brain fog.”

Not dementia. Not confusion. Just a slowed processing. Taking longer to find words. Losing track of a thought. Feeling like the brain is moving through syrup instead of air.

Testosterone influences cognition more than most men realize. Or so I’m told. As levels drop, some mental shifts can happen. If I experience that more noticeably after tomorrow’s injection, I’ll remind myself. This is hormonal. This is expected. This is not who I am. It’s something I’m moving through. Writing helps. Structure helps. Staying mentally active helps. I plan to keep doing all three.

Note to self. Is this why I was so lethargic starting this blog?

Emotional Terrain

Hormones don’t just regulate the body; they shape mood.

I’m aware that irritability, low mood, or feeling “flat” can surface more clearly after continued suppression. If it happens, I won’t pretend it’s not there. I won’t label it weakness. I’ll recognize it for what it is, chemistry.

There’s something grounding about naming a thing or calling it what it is. You don’t fear it as much and can learn to embrace it like friendships. Like when I talk to all of you in messages or comment returns. Learning to respect who or what you’re talking to shows character. And in that character comes a sense of peace.

The Bigger Picture

Here’s the part I keep coming back to. If I feel the changes more after this second injection, it means the treatment is effective. It’s doing what it’s designed to do. That’s the paradox of Lupron. The side effects are evidence of effectiveness. The discomfort is tied to the intention of healing.

This isn’t a passive process. It’s active. It’s deliberate. It’s me choosing to fight in the way modern medicine allows. There’s something quietly strong about that.

What I’m Carrying into This Morning

Walking into today’s appointment. I came with clarity knowing that ‘I Am Me,’ regardless of what Doc and I discuss before my injection. I remember I’m in charge of my destiny here.

We discussed the possibility of further Radiation Therapy which I’ll know more about after seeing oncology next month. This would be my first option if given the choice. But I nixed the suggestion of a Prostatectomy unless it becomes a last option. I left Cryotherapy on the table as well.

After our discussion ended the nurse walked in with the Lupron Injection

The poke was above the left hip this time. They switch sides after every injection. Not sure why but I’ll ask next visit. I’ve got to give credit to the nursing staff here. Always understanding and friendly when asked for a selfie with them. Who knows, maybe they enjoy poking someone with that needle. Honestly, though, it didn’t hurt.

I return in May for my next dose and am now looking forward to seeing my oncologist next month. I’m all about getting this over with.

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