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Lupron Treatment Duration: How long were you on it?
I have been diagnosed with Grade 3 prostate cancer with a 4 + 3 Gleason score of 7. This after having 2 PSA scores last year between 4 and 7. The cancer has not spread to the bones. I have received two Lupron injections 3 months apart and will complete 28 radiation treatments in the next couple of days. No surgery. I have tolerated the Lupron shots well with few but manageable side effects. I have an appointment to receive a third Lupron shot next month. My first PSA test after completing radiation won't be scheduled for 3 months. From researching Lupron, it appears that this is used for advanced stages of prostate cancer. From what I was led to believe, I was not advanced. My question: How long and how many Lupron shots might I need to go through? I will have this discussion with my urologist hopefully before proceeding with the next shot. Thanks for any information provided by the group.
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Blood analysis can identify and measure the testosterone and psa in the blood. Are there any blood tests to determine the amount of Lupron in the blood? It would be helpful to know this value in determining whether to discontinue or temporarily stop Lupron use .
Xtandi has grants. I get mine for free for a year and they reimbursed me for the money we paid this year.
76 years old, RP, Lupron and Erleada 12 months ( none of that was bad) . PSA .01, testosterone 19, feeling good and hoping to stay that way. Good Luck !
Lupron and general health question.
I've decided to terminate further Lupron at 1 yr post radiation. It's primarily a quality of life issue: gone is the healthy male body. Currently, I have gained and redistributed 12 pounds, 2 inches in the waist, and even an inch in my neck!. Muscles have shrunk. I have lost all muscle strength (particularly my legs), stamina, and lung capacity. It's really ugly. I want to go back to weights in the gym, but to be completely honest, I feel embarrassed by what has happened to me, and I suspect it would be a waste of time.
Here's my question, and it's hardly a new one. Is there much point in returning to the gym.? How much, if any, of my strength and stamina can I get back? In past months, I've really not seen encouraging or convincing replies to this question.
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For those who want details:
Lupron 3 months prior to Viewray radiation:
PSA went from 7 to 3 ng/mL
Testosterone to < 6 ng/mL (reference 200 - 1000ng/mL)
Five months later, having had my second Lupron dose, and now plus two months post radiation:
PSA < 0.01 ng/mL
Testosterone < 6 ng/mL
Diagnosis: PSA 7 after 3 years rising. Two lesions Gleason 9. Clean PSMA PET
My situation is different: my cancer, when diagnosed, had spread to my bones. The only treatment choice I had was physical or chemical castration. I chose Lupron and I have been getting monthly doses for the past 21 years. From the outset, I was told to regularly exercise. I have been diligent in that effort. The key, however, is not to overdo it. If you break down muscle, you cannot get it back unless you let testosterone to increase, which, in my case, would give the cancer all it needs to return. A real double-edged sword!
Does your doctor believe your cancer is gone or in remission? If the latter, then stop the Lupron and start building some muscle mass. But easy does it!
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1 ReactionThanks. I think I remember this comment, although my focus at that time was on Lupron effect on prostate cancer. This is very encouraging re. cancer treatment.. I'm glad to see it and I hope it continues. Re. your question to me, there has never been any discussion with my docs about how to deal with the "side effects" of Lupron. The focus is on treating the disease, as it should be. However, when treating a patient with such a powerful hormone, I would like to have had more discussion on how best to manage the side effects on the patient (assuming there is a "best").
drj
I understand exactly what you are concerns are. I never stopped the exercize although am sometimes getting less intense . Have been a life long fitness buff. Do not quit ! No one who has any class will get critical ! I use a gym that is part of a University full of young people and no one cares at all. Do this for you only and you will be surprised how well it will work out. You get stronger and healthier.
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1 ReactionIn my last sentence, I meant to say “if the for.”
In my opinion, you would be better off with an oncologist, not urologist. Also, you must take control of your care. Do the research. Doctors these days are overwhelmed and often do not provide the necessary counseling.
Finally, play the cards you are dealt.
Jeez! “If the former.”
Thanks for your comments. The initial diagnosis was by a urologist of course, a surgeon, but you are right: when I chose radiation, I was of course in the hands of a radiation oncologist. The post-radiation follow up includes the radiation oncologist, but now it's primarily a medical oncologist for tracking Lupron treatment which is done quarterly. For the latter, questions in writing and in person re. Lupron length versus effectiveness have always been deflected or elided. My current issue is whether there is significant value to returning to the gym, particularly absent testosterone. How are you dealing these cards?