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some HT info please

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Posted 8/12/2011 6:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, looks like I may be starting HT soon if my PSA goes up again, my Oncologist explained the side effects to me, I would like to hear from members who are on HT, or have been, in regard to how they feel, has the treatment dramatically reduced the PSA, and also from people who have been on it long term, and has this treatment held the Pca off for months, years or whatever.

Appreciate the feedback.

Regards Mal.
Posted 8/12/2011 9:59 AM (GMT 0)
I started Lupron and Casodex last week. So far, no noticeable side effects. They say it takes a few months to notice most of them. My Oncologist wants to do 6 months on, then start again when PSA rises again.
Posted 8/12/2011 11:40 AM (GMT 0)
Generally speaking the LHRH drugs all work well in lowering psa levels, your stats are really not that ridiculously high to begin with and should work excellent in your case.

smilewinkgrin  - shortened version and all you wanted to hear so removed the prior (lol)

Post Edited (zufus) : 8/12/2011 7:01:36 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/12/2011 12:25 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on Lupron for 9 months so far. Observations from my experience:

1. I was weepy and emotional at first. But, I was also dealing with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. I am sure I was depressed. I have learned to avoid emotional triggers and rarely cry at this point. My wife and I joke about "Lupron moments" .. especially if we are about to watch a movie, etc.

2. I exercise faithfully and eat sensibly (including extra calcium) .. treadmill, walking, weights, resitance tubes. Helps avoid depression and lifts my mood. Plus, keeps the weight gain off.

3. Hot flashes came in force at about 3-4 months. They are bothersome at night. I sleep with just a sheet (at most), a celiing fan, and a floor fan going.

4. Total ED. Cialis does not work .. needs testosterone to work. I use a VED .. works well now but the learning curve is very steep .. lots of trial and error.

5. My libido is hanging in there despite almost everyone else, including one of the uro PAs, telling me I "wouldn't care" anymore. I admit it is different. I had to change my mental approach about it .. I have to start things in my head now. My wife and I have a great time together .. better than ever. I make active use of my PC muscles in this respect .. big benefit.

 

Posted 8/12/2011 12:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mal,

Did a two year round and had most of the side effects.

Loss of libido (wasn't really important as I am not in a relationship)

Hot flashes

Loss of body hair

Shrinking testicles

Clearest skin I have has since I was 8.

All of these occured in the firs year of treatment. The second year a few more came around. I kept up an exercise routine during the first year though I was declining in what I could do. Cut back the weight when lifting and pace per mile was lengthening. Here are the second year arrivals.

Lethargy

Weight gain

Foggy thinking. (No one around me seemed to notice but I felt there was something just a bit off)

Mild depression. This did not occur until after my last dose. I would just be sitting at my desk and suddenly feel a profound saddness. Not like I was contemplating doing myself harm just a sense of loss.

Two weeks ago I had another Lupron shot due to rising PSA and after about 16 month lay off. So far the side effects that have shown up are the hair loss and skin. I returned to working out more vigorously after a few months off from the last round as my energy level increased along with me T level. I am going to keep it up as long as possible. I recently lost 14 of the 22 lbs. I gained on the last round and do not want a repeat. This round of lupron is for eight months at least for now.

Mal, good luck with the treatment.

Don 

 

Posted 8/13/2011 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the info, my Doc says I may not get all of the side effects, but the ED is not a worry, as have total ED since my op 4 years ago, and at 71 not really bothered.

Thanks again

Mal.
Posted 8/13/2011 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
mal, i can't give you any advice on this of course, but you got my full support in advance, and i am watching the answers coming in closely for my own personal interest.

good luck in every way

david
Posted 8/13/2011 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah David, thanks, like to know what the water is like before I jump in, will all depend on my next PSA in the end of October, see my Oncologist on 2nd Nov.

Mal.
Posted 8/13/2011 4:01 AM (GMT 0)
I will keep that date in mind when it gets a little closer. My next one is still scheduled for late December, unless my oncologist wants to change his mind when I see him on the 26th of this month. I am not in any particular frame of mind to want to know sooner at this point.

David
Posted 8/13/2011 4:48 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Mal,

You have been given the different experiencies from previous posters. There are remedial measures for each of the potential side effects, but the key is to maintain a positive attitude and understand this is a transitory period that can place you on a long remission with reversal of the side effects.

If you have some time watch Dr. Myers' take about intermittent hormone therapy at:

[url]http://askdrmyers.wordpress.com/category/hormonal-therapy/[/url]

Scroll down the page to find IHT. There are other interesting topics associated with HT.

Wish you the very best,

Ralphv

Posted 8/13/2011 4:51 AM (GMT 0)
Mal -- my T level was 540 at last check and 6 while i was on lupron.  i had a lot of SEs while on lupron but they were managable.  you get used to it.  and i know it's cliche but chemical castration is better than the other option. i recommend exercise, diet and maybe an anti-depressant.  you already have a good frame of mind and that's the biggest part of the battle.  good luck to you.

ed

 

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