Hello. I was diagnosed with postdate cancer 5 years ago and am 54 years old. Scared/depressed that recent PSA reading in 2017 went from .06, .010. 0.50 to 1.41.
Now my urologist wants to start me on Eligard injection. Does anyone have any of hope and encouragement that has been through this or currently is taking Eligard? I am extremely scared but have heard great things about other treatment options on the horizon.
Any advice info help would be much appreciated. Thank you.
I’ve been on Eligard for almost 5 years, main side effects are fatigue and lack of libido. It and more recently Zytiga has kept me alive this long. I’m surprised you weren’t put on ADT sooner. Have you had a biopsy yet?
Yes, I had my prostrate removed 5 years ago (prostatectomy) and a year and a half ago went thru radiation for 6 weeks. Now PSA is rising again suggesting the ADT (Eligard treatment. I had a biopsy several years ago.
Hi RKWade,
I don't have any info on Eligard treatment but I will tell you my husband's journey.
He was didiagnosed on Nov 2010 with a psa of 6.4.
Had a prostatectomy Feb 2011
He had a PSA of 0.1 for almost 3 years then it rose to 0.5.
He then begun 37 sessions of radiation.
The PSA was slowly rising.
July of this year went up to 8.7
In September he begun treatment with a Firmagon shot every 28 days, 10 mg of of Prednisone, and Zytiga daily.
His PSA right now is 0.1
Side effects so far, libido, fatigue and hot flashes.
My husband is 58 years old.
I hope this helps. The best to you.
Thank you. It does help because I am so nerved up and still have ton tell many other family members that my prostrate cancer has come back for a third time because the PSA is rising for 12 months now. So your kind words and note of your husbands journey is meaningful to me. the Firmagon shot seems to have lowered his PSA level very quickly. I prayer for a complete recovery for your husband and peace of mind to carry-on it gets hard thinking about it all the time.
Yes! Thank God so far so good how quickly his PSA has drop. I pray this will continue for many many years.
I forgot to mention something very important. Before his cancer got to 8.7 he had a bone scan, ct scan abdomen, F 18 pet scan and they were all clear. The Medical Oncologist sent him to do a Axiumin pet scan. He said it was the best to detect anything.
Indeed it showed 2 lymph nodes in the pelvis area measures 0.7 x 0.6 cm and 0.6 x 0.4 c.m
Also at the time of radiation he only had it in the prostate bed area.
I understand it is difficult but try to enjoy each day. My husband has taught me that, sometime it seems I'm more concerned than he is. I'm more then greatful that after almost 8 years of diagnosis he still here with me. My prayers for you and your family.
Forget about a cure is on the horizon...I have heard that for the last 10 years...you have nothing to worry about until your PSA rises on Eligard...then you have castration resistant PCa the fatal form of the disease...Nalakrats says to go rob a bank and move to North Korea where a US Dollar goes a long way...you have anywhere from 6 months - 20 years to live unless you get attacked by a Gator.
Thanks Gus. You tell it like it is and many of us need and appreciate that. You also have some very informative posts.
I have been using the stuff for three years with great success. In fact they pumped me full of it yesterday. As far as being extremely scared, don't be this stuff is no big deal, relax. Finally a comment or two here tells you to forget about the possibility of a cure. Well ignore them because they are nothing more than hateful, spiteful men who wallow in self pity and enjoy making others miserable. A drug is on the way that will turn prostate cancer into a chronic disease. It's coming, i'ts just a matter of when. I might not live to see that day but others will.
That is very reassuring and thank you for such kind and thoughtful words. I am not a social media "guy" but I can't begin to tell you how these responses have made me feel better and slightly less worried that I'm going to die anytime soon. The advice is great and any feedback is good. Not enough love to spread any hate on here. Thanks for the kind words they are much appreciated.
You have so many years to live it's an uncountable number. Everything is going to be fine for many, many years. Nice meeting you, have a great relaxing holiday season.
Also I might add THAT the numerous drugs avalable today and many more coming down the pike make it nearly chronic disease. Keep informed. Rpcco
Thank you.Yes, you are right education and options you have are so important to have knowledge of. I am praying that this evil c is labeled a chronic treatable disease. Based on all the research done we are heading in that direction at a fast pace for medicine in spite of what some nay sayers may have to say. There have been many improvements and additional options just in the last 5 years. I️ thank all who provide honest feedback and a message of hope and love on this forum.
First, breathe, you are going to be ok. My story is exactly the same as yours, diagnosed in 2010, rp, then rising psa followed by 7 weeks of radiation, then rising psa and getting 9 cycles of chemo last year, along with Lupron( still on that) and prednisone. On chemo my psa was undetectable in 6 weeks and remains so. My tumors disappeared within 3 months. I am fine, starting an adt vacation in January. We'll see how that goes.
The amount of Pca research now is amazing, and the treatment options keep coming. You have options, research them. Meet with an oncolgist if you want to be more aggressive. I preferred to hit it head on myself.
Take care. This sucks, but you have time.
Bill
Thank you for the feedback. It is much appreciated. do have an oncologist currently but he oversaw my radiation treatment so not sure he would also be the oncologist to meet with to start on Eilgard treatment option.
I’m just mentally spent trying to decide what is best option for me personally based on my Gleason score etc.
I’m just so anxiety ridden as this is the third time I’ve dealt with this and it’s discouraging. So the positive comments and real information provided is so greatly recieved.
Thanks again for taking the time to resting. God bless.
This has been my experience. Diagnosed 12/31/10 I am on Lupron/Eligard full time for about four years. Now, with Zytiga and pred., and Xgeva.
If you have to do ADT, Eligard is better than Lupron. Both work the same, almost, but the quantity of medicine, and how it's administered, is what affects your QOL. I started with Trelstar, then Lupron, and now Eligard. All should be injected slowly, but that doesn't happen all the time.
Either way, Trelstar and Lupron will give your ass cheek a week of pain. Eligard hurts at the injection site, only, if done right. If done wrong, like fast, it feels like a jelly bean in your butt cheek, and it's really uncomfortable.
So, I think I will get my shot in six months, deal with it, and continue on with my life.
Fear no more my friend, you have a long life to live. Albeit a little different now. Another thing, learn how to be humorous, laugh a little. It's good medicine.
J
Had my PSA rise to 8.2 in December 17. Had robotic 8 yrs ago then radiation 2 years later. PSA was good till Dec. Doc put me on Eligard (shot) in Jan 18. PSA last month .303. Side effects are not as much energy, less patience, light headaches but not too bad. Had 2nd Eligard shot couple weeks ago Doc says I’ll be around when I’m 85. Now 70. Hope I’m not too bad moving forward. Praying more now. Thanks Jesus.
Stage 4 w/Mets August 2016. Was on lupron until 5 months ago they switched me to eligard, can’t tell much difference between them Lupron shot hurt my butt for a week or more the Eligard hurts when they give you the shot but pain goes away pretty quick. Can’t tell if the hot flashes are worse or better 😜😜😜😜
Vantas implant is the way to go versus Lupron. Very very little pain and it imparts a steady flow of medication over the course of a year.
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