I had elevated PSA (541.0) in February 2019 (also at age 72) and immediately started bicalutamide. After biopsy one year ago today, the diagnosis was official with Gleason of 10 in all samples. I received my first lupron shot on March 19, 2019 . Radiation followed in the summer (44 sessions of external beam radiation).

Side effects are what I understand to be generally experienced--hot flashes, muscle weakness and general fatigue along with total lack of sex drive. The side effects are manageable especially when I consider what we are fighting. I figure I can put up with these side effects so long as we see positive results.

My PSA dropped to 2.8 just before completion of radiation. Unfortunately it has increased since. Rising to 46.0 before we could figure out what was causing increase. Another PET scan with axumen isotope revealed prostate cancer cells in my spine so we are now using enzalutamide rather than bicalutamide. We'll see how that works later in March. We do know lupron is continuing to keep the testosterone levels low so that is definitely working.

Good luck with your journey Phil. It's not much fun but I think it is important to stay positive. Stay active with your work, and/or your volunteer activities, see your frieds and neighbors. Try to get out and about everyday, even if just for a coffee club gathering. Get exercise (I'm not too good about that). The side effects will come, but I haven't found them to be unbearable. Good luck.

I have had. 3 Lupron shots , I feel that I don’t want anything feeding my prostate cancer so I elected to have them and yes there are effects after eventually they go away stay strong with weights and walking daily ..you will be fine