hormone treatments

You've been "here" since February and are 4 months post surgery and you still haven't read enough online or the old fashioned way (books) to know the answers to your questions? Are you aware you could lose your life to this thing?

-Gordy

Thanks Susan.

Haven't been away except for the week before last which I spent in Houston at M.D. Anderson Hospital finding out just how bad my metasteses really are. Starting to get my affairs in order. Prolly the reason why I have no patience for guys who haven't a clue.

-Gordy

MGL,

Hopefully Tony will give you a short summary of some of his research, experiences, and very thoughtful decision-tree work on HT treatments.  (Look for his Journey under TC-Las Vegas.)

At my pre-surgery 2nd opinion consultations at M.D. Anderson, Dr. Maten indicated that he recommends considering the HT approach first for most capsular penetration.

I'm sure the decisions are more complex and individualized than this generalized comment.

While I don't look to be a candidate for HT Therapy (See updated signature below!), I really do appreciate the question and Susan's information.

Sincerely,

C^Cedar

ICTHUS!

Hi mgl,
There is usually two things you have happen with HT. First, I was given a prescribed drug, Casodex. It was in 50mg doses. The reason it was prescribed first was to prevent HT flare up. In most cases when the first time you take an HT shot PSA will rise before it falls. The flare period is about a week or so. Casodex is an oral chemotherapy drug that blocks fast growing cells from absorbing testosterone and can also be used to minimize flare up.

Second you get an injection under the skin of Lupron, Zoladex, or Eligard. My shot of Lupron was in my rear. I don't know the qualitative differences from the Zoladex or Eligard and my oncologist just told me to pick my own treatment. He stated that they are all LHRH blockers and have the same side effects. I told him then to pick it and it was Lupron.

There are a couple ways of administering HT. For a two-three year period, or what is called intermittent hormone therapy. As long as your PSA is <0.1 before and during HT then the oncologist may suggest removing the HT in 8 months or so. If there is no rise in PSA then HT is not re-administered until there is a PSA rise and a doubling rate is determined. This intermittent approach has two effects. First, it increases the likelyhood that the cancer won't become refractory soon. This is important because hormone refractory disease is potentially and likely terminal. Not always, but it can and will be your biggest challenge in this fight. The second benefit of intermittent HT is that the side effects of HT are heavily reduced.

In either treatment option, Casodex will be taken daily for the duration of the HT and in some cases, beyond HT treatment. When I was prescribed HT, my doctor also prescribed Fosamax to slow the onset of osteoperosis. In addition, he suggested I take the over the counter supplement Viactive. This increases my calcium and Vitamin D. This is also to offset the osteoperosis.

The biggest side effects of HT are the onset of osteoperosis and loss of muscle mass, and depression. Both the physical side effects are usually irreversable. The depression can be treated and usually goes away when halting HT. HT is by far the biggest provider of side effects. Providing it is something that the oncologist has to weigh against quality of life before administering it.
aus, recommendation of the Myers book is I believe required reading for HT recipients.

Tony

Thanks to all of you for the info, alot to process