Lupron Treatment Duration: How long were you on it?

My treatment plan and related side-effects from Lupron are almost identical. I completed radiation treatment in May and plan to have my PSA tested in September. I remain on Lupron until then. My goal is to stop Lupron in September, presuming my PSA levels have dropped to a low and acceptable level. I will then be re-tested approximately 3 months later to determine if there has been any change in my PSA. Frankly, I don't believe there is a standard protocol for the duration of Lupron based on MD conversations and my own research. It has become apparent to me that some MDs will err on the side of long duration, even as long as two years to make sure that any remaining or emergent cancer cells post-radiation are starved of all testosterone to prohibit growth. Of course, extended use of Lupron guarantees that you will continue to suffer side-effects for some time, the most difficult of which in my judgment is the loss of libido. After two years on Lupron, regaining your libido after cessation of hormone treatment is highly problematic. Moreover, Lupron also can contribute to longer term health problems, including coronary issues. Much depends on the health on the individual patient. As always with prostate cancer it seems, hormone deprivation therapy comes with its own series of trade-offs that make clearcut decisions difficult. I would bring your hard questions to your urologist when you meet with him on this topic.

Hi Frank, My diagnosis was almost exactly the same as yours. Stage 3. Gleason 7 (4+3). PSA was 16. I had high dose Brachytherapy followed by 25 rounds of external beam therapy. I was on Lupron for 2 full years. A shot every 3 months. My last injection was January 30, 2020. I was treated at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa and considered a high risk patient. I had all my labs tested every 3 months. Lupron is effective but I hated the side effects. I went to the gym and / or walked as most days. Took lose dose Paxil for the hot flashes - worked well. Did crossword puzzles everyday to try to clear the mental fog. I also was given the book "Androgen Deprivation Therapy" by Richard J. Wassersug PhD which has great info. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions. Hope I can help.

Why did you not elect the prostatectomy surgical option?

After consulting several urologists, I concluded that based on my age (73), Gleeson scores, confinement of my cancer within the prostate capsule, and the relative post-treatment side-effects of both options, that radiation was the best choice for me. I went back and forth on deciding between oth options. The tipping point was a conversation with a Mayo urologist and surgeon who put it this way (I'm paraphrasing.), "My father is your age. Either surgery or radiation is a good choice to attack the cancer. However, the possible complications from surgery -- ED, incontinence, etc. -- are more consequential in the near term and can contribute negatively to your lifestyle. Radiation consequences are apt to more consequential in the longer term. At 73 or older, there's a good statistical likelihood that another disease or medical malady is going to enter your life in the not too far distant future. Do you want to suffer with surgical post-effects from prostate removal only to be hit from the side by another medical dilemma? Why suffer more than you need to." Put simply, for me it was a trade off between "pay now or pay later." I chose the former. Your calculus may be different, keeping in mind that the long term survivability rates for both treatments are effectively the same.

Urologist ruled out due to my weight.

That makes sense. I had the same numbers as you and had the surgery 4 years ago at 74. PSA now still below detectable level. Some adverse effects from surgery but not serious. Best of luck with your therapy.

Thanks to all

good morning i too struggle with my weight but luckily i was able to get the surgery done good luck to you ps i,m also 58 yrs old

Hi John. I'm curious to know how long you anticipate being on Lupron. I had my surgery in May of 2019, and I've heard from doctors to stay on Lupron anywhere from 18 to 36 months. I'm 59 years old.

hi mr buuck i had my surgery on 10/2/19 so far i had 2 lupron shots and luckily my psa was 0.2 which is very good i,m not sure how much longer i have to get these shots. my side effects are fatigue and at night time i,m cold