Want To begin ADT Vacation Early??

Hello All.  I have been on HT (Zoladex) for going on 6 months now.  My first three month blood test back February on HT was: PSA < 0.04 and T level of 1.0.  My Dr. was surprised that I responded so well, so soon.  I am due for my next test for PSA and T level next week.  When I see my Dr. later in May for my third injection, I want to request an HT break now rather than at the end of the year as originally planned.  I will request this only if my results are the same or better.  My wife is flipping out at this as she feels that I am being foolish. After more than three years of treatments, I just want to take a break and try to resume a sense of feeling normal. I want my strength and muscle mass back to what it was without the daily fight to try to maintain them.  I am a fitnesss nut but it's getting more and more difficult.  I want my energy back and I want my T levels like they were.  When that happens or shows signs of happening, I'll be back quick as a flash on HT.  No options there.  Am I rushing this or am I being sensible in trying for an HT vacation?  That last 6 months have certainly been a trip.  Appreciate some wisdom here.

Jack

Thank you Fairwind.  I found that very informative in addition to the risks I already understand are associated with HT.  For me it is beyond the risks as I'm just tired of doing this treatment course and want a break.  Thanks for help on making a decision.

Jack

Skate -- i got my last shot of lupron on sept 14, three-month variety.  my strength has been improving dramatically in the past three weeks or so.  i'm probably 95% as strong as i was before lupron. sexual desire and function have returned too.  my stamina has improved but not anywhere near where i want it and i can easily sleep an extra two hours a day.  i'll have my PSA and testosterone checked in another month.

ed

 

Skate -- my treatment plan was for 6 months of lupron.  they only wanted me free of testosterone while the radiation was doing its thing.  my doctor decided on the third shot because of the way my scheduling went down.  i wasn't happy about it but his reasoning made sense.

your case is different than mine so i would probably side with the doctor.  good luck to you.  i know how you feel.

ed

  

Hi Jack,
The decision to stop HT is very personal and depends on the patient’s disease stage after treatment. In your case, you report afterv RP and SRT a PSA recurrence and then a good response to HT. Stopping HT to improve QOL is an important decision and if you closely monitor PSA and testosterone, the risk should be minimal in case your PSA increases rapidly with a testosterone rebound. Just be sure to monitor PSA closely and hopefully you will get a long remission without progression. Wish you the very best results.

Jack, I just wanted to send you a quick note of my support.

Hang in there.
best wishes...

Jack,

Was reading this entire thread, and I fully agree's with Ralf's accessment. If your PSA decides to creep up on you at all, you will be the first to know with regular monitoring. Good luck.

David in SC