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My ADT Story, Feedback Appreciated
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Jun 19 9:41am | Replies (34)Comment receiving replies
I was 69 when diagnosed (stage 4a). I turn 73 next week. I've had surgery, raditation and 2 1/2 years ADT with Orgovyx. I am type 2 diabetic, have high blood pressure, and reduced kidney function (latest eGFR was 44). I'm on medications for everything.
I am not the least bit concerned about the possible adverse effects of ADT. I'd rather deal with that if and when it develops. I'd rather take the path that is more likely to keep my PSA where it is now (< 0.01) and delay or prevent metastasis.
Yet, I don't think my Drs will allow me to go beyond 3 years ADT.
Replies to "I was 69 when diagnosed (stage 4a). I turn 73 next week. I've had surgery, raditation..."
Yes, it's almost certainly the comorbidites that are concerning them. They might not want you to end up with kidney failure or a stroke trying to prevent a cancer recurrence that might never happen anyway (or would happen later that the other crises).
Still, it's your life, not theirs. Let the doctors explain the long-term risks and possible interactions with other meds, then state clearly what *you* want and what risks you're willing to accept. I hope you can find common ground, and best of luck!
I actually added a post regarding my husband. He had surgery and radiation. It appears from what you said that you were given the Orgovyx can I ask why you were given that and not the older one? My husband is also stage 4. Can you tell me how often you take it? Is it pill only? My husband has MCI mostly good days but there are a few when he says he has already taken his pills. Did you take the pills prior to going on it he has to take some for 14 days prior to his injection. Thanks so much
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The very fact that you already have these ailments and are taking meds for them underscores the very reason why you should cone off ADT and let your body take a breather.
Orgovyx is a miracle drug for reducing PSA and I too was fearful to come off of it. But if your PSA starts to rise after you come off of it, you can either go back on it or your drs may encourage a course change and add different meds in combination as others have suggested.
Castrate resistance is a hotly debated and not very well understood topic; it happens in a variety of treatment settings or not at all.
I look at the cessation of Orgovyx as being just as important as its initiation - you NEED TO KNOW the effect ADT is having/had/will have on your cancer. Staying on it out of fear will harm you just as certainly as any of your other ailments - all of which are made worse by ADT.
Right now your drs are in the dark, not knowing if their treatment has been successful or not; if it hasn’t, they need to know this in order to make the life saving treatment decisions that will keep you alive for years to come.
Phil