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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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After receiving input from this message board, I contacted my doctor and asked him the same question. I received two injections in Feb and May and was scheduled to received another one in August. He agreed to wait until receiving my first post radiation therapy PSA test to discuss further. This will be in the Oct-Nov time frame. At least it will spread me out to a 6 month interval if he feels I need another one. Again, it appears there is no consistent methodology for
determining how many shots are needed.
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1 Reaction@semeon, I moved your question to the discussion where @frankstags asked the same thing "Lupron Treatment Duration: How long were you on it?" Click VIEW & REPLY to see responses from @bruto1 @dmadi61 @jonbuuck and others. Has your oncologist given an indication how long you'll be on it or what measurements would be used to determine when you can stop?
Great question and one that I ask frequently. That said, I get mixed answers from MDs. My suspicion is that most take the "better safe than sorry" approach. Apart from the side effects (far from insignificant in my opinion), there is no doubt that lupron suppresses testosterone which feeds cancer cells. But if cancer is no longer present, why is lupron still needed? After 2 years and now an additional 6 months in your case, I wonder what the risk is by discontinuing lupron? My hunch is that the data is inconclusive. If there is good data, then your physician should be able to share it with you. While there is always risk, what's the percentage? Ultimately you should decide if the risk is worth taking. One major concern with an extended lupron treatment, as in your case, is whether your libido will ever return. The evidence suggests that it won't after extended ADG therapy -- or won't to a significant degree. While this may not be a concern for you, it can be a concern for many.
I have been on Lupron for 2 years and recently had another 6 month injection. All symptoms mentioned I have. I was jus wondering any idea how long a person needs to be on Lupron?
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
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.
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
Thanks to all
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.
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1 ReactionUrologist ruled out due to my weight.