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Lupron yeah or Lupron nay that is the question.
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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Luprom/Eligard reduced my testosterone level to around 15 and that level remained during the multiple times it was measured in the two years after I stopped taking Lupron/Eligard. Thus, I was given a testosterone replacement which I stopped taking after five weeks because my breasts started enlarging. I was then told by radiation oncologists that to prevent my breasts from enlarging they should have been radiated before I took the testosterone replacement and it was too late to do preventive radiation on the breasts once the breasts started to enlarge.
That is great news! Unfortunately, my Oncologist told me I missed my chance by not having the radiation done before I started hormone therapy. Is it possible there is that much of a difference between Relugolix and Lupron. I guess I have more homework to do.
Great success with Zolodex injections every 3 month
Yeah, makes you wonder why they don’t tell you before you start the therapy so you can avoid it in the first place! It’s not exactly a side effect that most men wouldn’t want to have to deal with after all.
Relugolix is a gonadotropin suppressing agent just like Lupron. It’s really new, so I don’t know a whole lot about how much more effective, if at all, it is than Lupron. In my opinion the best thing about it is that it’s an oral drug and doesn’t have to be injected.
I'm on it and don't have an answer for effectiveness related to Lupron, but, my doc told me the reason for using it was my age. He believes that the recovery once we stop taking the drug will be quicker and more complete than the recovery from Lupron...I'll get back to ya on that 🙂
Zolodex works
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1 ReactionThank you so much.
Treating the disease should also include treating the patient. I think this sometimes gets lost in the treatment of the disease. It has for me.
I've found the first 6 months on Lupron quite debilitating. Certainly I'm pleased to find testosterone at zero in three months and PSA cut in half, and PSA zeroing out after six months. So, Lupron treatment markers are promising. However, the weakness, loss of energy, muscle loss and weight gain have been dramatic, as are their impact on patient quality of life. I realize now no-one thought to mention any patient management or mitigation strategies for the effects of Lupron treatment. Actually, I don't recall having been shown any data justifying this treatment, although I'm sure some exists (I haven't done an internet search yet). I wonder what the facts are so I can balance the decision on this treatment.
I'm wavering on my next three month dose of Lupron (out of 18 months planned) and whether perhaps I should "detox" from this treatment. Any guidance on potential mitigation strategies? Pros and cons of ADT and length of time? The alternative is rolling the dice on dropping a treatment that is not curative, but clearly debilitative?
I did 18 months of Lupron, six 90 day shots. Unfortunately, "mitigation" strategies are generally limited.
For the hot flashes, there are various medications that may mitigate, some say acupuncture. I more or less did small things, never ran the heater in my car, swam in the unheated pool at the gym, went outside on the deck...
The fatigue, I did 18 months of Lupron, exercised as best I could - went skiing in Colorado, hiked in the mountains, rode my bike, went to the gym and used the elliptical, lifted weights, sawm, played basketball...even did the 26,2 mile Bataan Memorial March down in White Sands, NM. Think that helped mitigate the fatigue.
Never lost my libido but testacies and penis shrank to pre-pubescent days. Maybe Cialis or Viagra might have helped (or other penile devices) but in a sexless marriage so wasn't worth the trouble.
I did not have any depression some experience.
Kevin
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1 ReactionThe advantages over Lupron are:
No flare associated with Lupron which has an initial surge in testosterone which for some men with advanced PCa can be painful.
Faster to castrate levels of testosterone and somewhat better at sustaining castration over time.
Lower CV and metabolic side affect profile.
Faster recovery of testosterone after coming off it.
Kevin