Lupron Treatment Duration: How long were you on it?

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March. I have cancer in my pelvic region on both sides and a small spot on my sternum. My first shot of Lupron was in May. My second is coming up. However, his morning at my doctor's appointment, the nurse tells me I will have to be on Lupron the rest of my life or until it no longer works.
Has anyone else been told they will be on Lupron for the rest of their life?

13 months Lupron and Erleada + RP now PSA .01 Testosterone 90. the meds were manageable and I have been off of meds for 6 months Presently feeling good but I expect the cancer to revisit Gleason 9, CR, advanced stage 3C.

I have been taking Lipton since July of 2022. The treatments were once every four weeks. Followed by a Zometa injection every three months. I haven’t really had any problems with this treatment regimen. I take vitamin supplements along with extra calcium. I also take 160mg of Xtandi daily for a year now. I was diagnosed with stage four bone cancer. I had lost about 100lbs and was experiencing very bad back pain. I attributed this to my work schedule which was very difficult. I had a prostectomy back in December of 2017. This was followed up by 30 rounds of radiation therapy in 2019. However when the pandemic hit, I let my treatments, and follow-up’s fall behind. My family told me to get a check-up for the better part of a year. When it got to the point of where I was having trouble with my balance and felt tired all the time. I knew I had to do something. Unfortunately the cancer had spread to several areas of my bone structure. It’s been a year now with the current treatment I’m undergoing. My psa is now .02 for the last two months. And my overall health has improved. I still feel weak at times. But I’m still here. Trying to live for my wife and kids. I have retired on disability. My employer still pays my medical insurance but, I don’t know how much longer. I know medical costs have exceeded $200k. The Extandi for the past year has been around $124,000. Cancer really blows. I’m 59yrs old, I expected a whole different life. I’m not giving up hope. I will keep on doing what I have been doing, and hoping for the best.

Hi, my suggestion at this time in your treatment, I would find a GUMedical Oncologist ( genitourinaria) at a center of excellence close to you. He is the doctor that should be in charge of your treatment. Good luck on your journey!

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?

Jeez! “If the former.”

In 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.

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.

Thanks. 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").

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!