Lupron yeah or Lupron nay that is the question.

Posted by dpcarriere @dpcarriere, Feb 13, 2022

I've rationalized my need for Lupron Therapy. But there are holes in my analysis. The holes are there because of lack of data. So I'm in search of data. I want to hear the real data on the pros and cons of Lupron. All I have heard are generalities. Nothing specific, nothing quantatative, so let's get real.
I invite all to participate including moderators as this is relevant to all and also beneficial to all. My initial query. Who, what facility, has my Lupron answers? They have to be there else we would not be using that form of therapy. It had to have been researched into oblivion as are all procedures in the US of A thus justifying their cost structuring. When does Lupron cease to be effective? That is, what quantifiable condition of our tumors renders Lupron useful? If your doctor says you are cured of your cancer then why continue it's use? If it ain't broke why "fix" it??

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@round5

How long were you actually on Lupron? The shorter treatments weren’t all that bad on me either. It’s the continuous and long term treatments that are taking their tolls and knowing it will eventually quit working anyway. If you do have a reoccurrence and do say yes later and are on it longer/multiple times you will probably then discover what some of us are talking about.

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I was never on Lupron but on Eligard. Didn't say that the side effects weren't bad because they were but taking it or Lupron again is better than the alternative for me.

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Eligard and Lupron are both Leuprolide just a different manufacturer. But how long did you take it? The first couple of times I had it I probably would have said the same as you. Take it for 40+months and you might change your mind.

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@round5

Eligard and Lupron are both Leuprolide just a different manufacturer. But how long did you take it? The first couple of times I had it I probably would have said the same as you. Take it for 40+months and you might change your mind.

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I have been Lupron/ Eligard for over 6 years now. Yes the side effects are not fun but for me it beats the alternative- which would be the cancer growing and spreading. There are very few, if any, cancer treatments that don’t have some side effects. After talking to another cancer patient who does much of his own research, I tried taking the one month Lupron shots. They seem to be a little easier on the body but of course I need to make a 2 1/2 hour trip to Mayo to get. My local urologist only does the 6 month shot. I talked to Dr. Kwon about this and he was more than willing to let me try this route. He has always listened to my comments and concerns. I guess my ending comment is to repeat that taking the Lupron beats the alternative.

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@dandl48

I don't understand the discussion of stopping Lupron/Eligard. They both shrink the prostate and stops the production of testosterone which feeds the growth of Prostate Cancer. Isn't that what most of us want, stopping the spread and growth of the cancer? Yes, the side effects are no fun at all, the hot flashes, the sweating, and no sex drive suck, but given the choice I would accept them again. I realize we are all different and we all have to make our own decisions but if my PSA moves up from <.1 and my Oncologist says back on Lupron/Eligard my answer would be a resounding yes. JMO

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I am going to apologize for giggling a bit when I read this. “The hot flashes, the sweating and no sex drive suck” this sounds like every woman on endocrine therapy for breast cancer. If you remove the type of cancer, ( prostrate and breast) and the type of hormone ( testosterone, and estrogen) you might not be able to tell the two conversations apart. I am glad you are willing to fight for life.🤓

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@jap57

I have been Lupron/ Eligard for over 6 years now. Yes the side effects are not fun but for me it beats the alternative- which would be the cancer growing and spreading. There are very few, if any, cancer treatments that don’t have some side effects. After talking to another cancer patient who does much of his own research, I tried taking the one month Lupron shots. They seem to be a little easier on the body but of course I need to make a 2 1/2 hour trip to Mayo to get. My local urologist only does the 6 month shot. I talked to Dr. Kwon about this and he was more than willing to let me try this route. He has always listened to my comments and concerns. I guess my ending comment is to repeat that taking the Lupron beats the alternative.

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Oops I may have replied to the wrong person. Seems like things are out of sink here with the replies. Regardless Thank You for your feedback/opinion and the best of luck to you.

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@hergiew

I took Lupron for 25 months. Since then my body has almost completely stopped producing testosterone. My testosterone level now wavers between about 10 to 15. I'm very tired. I took a testosterone replacement, AndroGel, for five weeks and my breasts started to develop so I quit taking it. Since then I have not found a way to take testosterone and prevent breast development. Thus, I remain very, very tired with no relief in sight. After taking Lupron for 18 months, I was very tired, especially in my legs, and I expressed the desire to terminate taking it but my urologist insisted I continue for at least another six months. I did but wish I hadn't.

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hergiew, the whole purpose of taking Lupron is to supress testerone. So why take Lupron and Androgel? The two are fighting one another and you become the loser. Work on the Lupron symptoms. I'm having the same results with my Lupron intake. Our doctors prescribe Lupron but give us absolutely no solutions for all the problems they present. Trust me they are all aware of Luprons issues.

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LUPRON did more than an ordinary job on me. It killed my body's ability to produce testosterone which gives us energy. I have less testosterone than most women. As a result I have no energy and am tired all the time. The purpose of taking AndroGel is to energize me. I am told I no longer have any cancer so, if that is true, there is no cancer to feed on testosterone.

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@dpcarriere

hergiew, the whole purpose of taking Lupron is to supress testerone. So why take Lupron and Androgel? The two are fighting one another and you become the loser. Work on the Lupron symptoms. I'm having the same results with my Lupron intake. Our doctors prescribe Lupron but give us absolutely no solutions for all the problems they present. Trust me they are all aware of Luprons issues.

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Hello,
I was on Lupron for several months, and experienced the following:
Hot flashes, , confusion, muscle and joint stiffness, and frequent urination. When I finished explaining to my oncologist how these side effects were making me feel my Lupron treatment was discontinued. I moved on to Zytiga with prednisone, and experienced the same side effects, as well as a considerable enlargement of my breasts, and difficulty breathing. As a result of suspending all treatments my PSA number reached 1300.
Now I am taking Relugolix which is hormone therapy in pill form.
My PSA number is 1.6. I have muscle and joint stiffness which at times is very uncomfortable. No hot flashes, but slight breast enlargement.
I wouldn’t blame anyone for being skeptical about any form of hormone therapy. Hopefully, in the near future there will be more choices for us that will make living with hormone therapy more comfortable.
Best of luck to everyone, hang in there.
Phil

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I would like to know how long is too long on Lupron and still be able to keep my quality of life. Cancer was found in one of 12 biopsies. went through 45 radiation treatments with no problem. was started on Lupron 2 weeks before my radiation and then a second shot 3 months later. I am leary about doing these shots for 18 months and still keep my quality of life. afraid my testosterone will not come back at all. cancer was not found anywhere else, it was caught real early.any input would be greatly appreciated

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I'm starting radiation next week for a recurrence of a .3 psa, 8 years post prostatectomy. The radiation oncologist at Hopkins wanted me on Lupron for 6 months. I agreed, hesitantly. Then we realized I need to take something called Orgovyx instead due to my heart condition and pacemaker (even though I bike 20 miles/week). It seems either this must be easier on the electric part of the heart, or maybe if there are problems I can discontinue use and half-life of drug is like 5 days to metabolize. After hearing so many experiences I hope my doc isn't going to change up and persuade me to take long term. I asked what happens if my cancer comes back again after radiation and he did say the hormone therapy. So, I'm aware it's a reasonable if not likely a possibility in my future. I'm 61 yo. for ref.

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