2nd Lupron shot

Submariner682
Submariner682 CSN Member Posts: 64 Member
in Prostate Cancer #1

I’m 6 months out from last radiation treatment and in 6th month of first lupron shot

Still Getting 6-12 hot flashes daily and a few chills a week. Lost at least 10% of my muscle mass and my joints and tendons are always sore

I see my urologist in 2 days. Have had 3 blood draws since April. All PSA’s less than detectable

Not sure if he intends so, but I don’t want another lupron shot.

Recommendations??

Comments

  • Oldernow
    Oldernow CSN Member Posts: 62 Member
    #2

    @Submariner682

    Your experience sounds exactly like mine. I had the same issues following two 6 month Lupron shots. After researching side effects of Lupron I became convinced that it was OK to skip the third 6 month shot that was scheduled. My testosterone was still very low and my PSA remained undetectable. My research showed that at my age (76) it could take a year or more to recover testosterone and that it might not ever recover to pre-Lupron levels. I questioned the need for a third 6 month shot if my testosterone was going to stay low anyway. My urologist said it was up to me and I opted to skip the last shot hoping to get past the nasty side effects sooner.

    It took over a year for my testosterone to begin increasing and for my strength to begin to return. Fortunately my PSA has remained undetectable for over two and a half years. I'm due for another PSA and testosterone blood draw in October. I'm hoping the testosterone will show another increase while the PSA stay undetectable.

    My stamina is much better and my chronic joint issues seem to be improving. I still have occasional mild hot flashes but nothing like before. I'm able to get outside and work in my yard. That was always my "ZEN" time and I missed being able to do it while weakened by the Lupron.

    I don't regret for a moment skipping that third shot.

    @Oldernow

  • On_A_Journey
    On_A_Journey CSN Member Posts: 174 Member
    #3

    I probably sound like a broken record because I've been posting about this fairly regularly this year. To you @Submariner682 and anyone else who is suffering from the side effects of chemical castration, it is the commensurate loss of estrogen in your body, which was converted from testosterone when you had it, which is responsible for hot flashes, joint pain etc. Scroll down to Table 1 in the following linked article to find out which hormone you're missing that is responsible for the side effects you're experiencing:

    Loss of Estradiol by Androgen Deprivation in Prostate Cancer Patients Shows the Importance of Estrogens in Males | Journal of the Endocrine Society | Oxford Academic

    See your doctor about getting some estradiol patches to alleviate your side effects.

  • Submariner682
    Submariner682 CSN Member Posts: 64 Member
    #4

    Thanks. much appreciated. I’m 71. Winters are getting bad for me tendon wise. The lupron makes it worse

    Hope Your numbers are always nil

  • swl1956
    swl1956 CSN Member Posts: 266 Member
    #5

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6V5pr-KAyQ&t=257s
  • Submariner682
    Submariner682 CSN Member Posts: 64 Member
    #6

    thanks

  • Old Salt
    Old Salt CSN Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    #7

    It's hard to judge this particular question because there's no background in the post. Original diagnosis, therapy etc.

    It looks like you got the 6-month shot. You could ask for the 3-month shot as a compromise…

    Do exercise to help with the side effects. I know it's hard when you are feeling lethargic.

  • Submariner682
    Submariner682 CSN Member Posts: 64 Member
    #8

    12/8/23, prostate removed Next 4 quarterly PSA’s - 0.0, .1, .22, .44. Or doubling every 3 months
    2/25 to 4/25 had 35 radiation treatments

    4/25 to 8/25 had 3 PAA’s all negligible

    TMI?

  • Old Salt
    Old Salt CSN Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    #9

    Thanks for the additional info. It looks to me that your cancer had spread beyond the prostate. The radiation therapy would attempt to kill any 'nearby' spread. Unfortunately, cancer could have gone beyond that area. The Lupron therapy is meant to get rid of such spread. This is your only chance to get rid of ALL of your cancer, even though it may be tough.

  • Submariner682
    Submariner682 CSN Member Posts: 64 Member
    #10

    yeah. I read an article last month that says biopsies actually pierce the bodies protective Shell around the cancer causing it to spread

    the Good news never stops coming

    all input appreciated

    Have a great week

  • Submariner682
    Submariner682 CSN Member Posts: 64 Member
    #11

    FYI - before the radiation, they shot me with cancer finder and said it was localized to prostate bed. Lymph node treatment was precautionary

  • Old Salt
    Old Salt CSN Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    #12

    I deduce you got a 'clear' PSMA scan. Certainly helpful in the decision process, but it won't pick up micro metastases.

  • Submariner682
    Submariner682 CSN Member Posts: 64 Member
    #13

    dang

    you Full of good news


    need to change your moniker to Eeyore 😜😜😜

    I’m hoping for the best and will live with whatever

    Have a good one 🚜🐝🚜

  • Submariner682
    Submariner682 CSN Member Posts: 64 Member
    #14

    saw doc. He explained why. So, I got the 2nd 6 month lupron shot. Told decimate no on a third one. Going to be a rough winter for my joints and ligaments. Fortunately, most of the work on our 10 acres slows down from October to April 🚜🐝🚜

    Keep the comments coming. Good or bad. I enjoy the communication 😎

  • Clevelandguy
    Clevelandguy CSN Member Posts: 1,347 Member
    #15

    Hi,

    ADT drugs can be nasty. If I am told I need the shots I don’t know if I would take them. I think the oral daily pills are a better solution, if bad symptoms appear you can stop the pills that day. ADT drugs do seem to work good with other treatments but can make you miserable. The choice is yours………

    Dave 3+4

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