Lupron and Casadex

[DOJOMO]

Not as bad as some of my brothers out there that I wish all of you well and many good days ahead.

Not sure if I should have Casadex along with Lupron that I will start soon. RT to begin in a few weeks. My PSA was < 0.1 had ultra sensitive test a month later at 0.14. Detectable range so I am doing the above, RT to prostate bed and pelvic lymph nodes. Does any one have any thoughts on using the Casodex or not using it with Lupron.

Thanks for any input.

[Tall_Allen]

I don't think it adds much, but it probably doesn't add much toxicity either.

[Magnus1964]

It is probably not a good idea to fire all of your ammunition at once.

[DOJOMO in reply to Magnus1964]

Thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly. This and the other responses I got really help.

Take care, best wishes

Don

[wagscure259]

I would wait to add Casodex until it is necessary post radiation. I added Casodex 2 years post IMRT when my PSA began to rise and the addition brought my PSA to undetectable for over 3 years on Lupron and Casodex - 5 years post radiation. Best Wishes

[DOJOMO in reply to wagscure259]

Thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly. This and the other responses I got really help.

Take care, best wishes

Don

[Gearhead]

I had this same question about a year ago, and I received some responses that might be helpful:

healthunlocked.com/advanced...

[DOJOMO in reply to Gearhead]

Thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly. This and the other responses I got really help. Will look into that web site.

Take care, best wishes

Don

[CalBear74]

I have been on Lupron for eight years this December. Casodex was included for the first four years in combination. My Florida Urologist discontinued my using it after we arrived here in 2016. For four years it contributed but I’m not certain how much. I would recommend finding a good medical oncologist at a major cancer center. Let him judge your ADT regimen.

[DOJOMO in reply to CalBear74]

Thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly. This and the other responses I got really help. My medical oncologist suggested to take it but my radio oncologist did not from the research he showed me. It is tough to have all these unknown decisions to make. Really appreciate your input.

Go Bears

Take care, best wishes

Don

[ppulatie]

I was diagnosed with The Beast in Nov 2016 with PSA of 80 and 3 bone mets. Immediately started Lupron which over 2 years dropped PSA down to a nadir of 1.85. PSA began to rise to over 8 and Mets to slowly increase in size in Sep 2018. Started with Casodex and the Lupron continued in Oct 2018. Had TURP in Feb 2019 and also had a Bladder Wall Met removed. PSA was at 2.8 and hovered there until about Sep 2018 when the Casodex began to fail.

Started Xtandi on Nov 6 2019 when PSA got back up to 6. Now down to .5 which is the best it has ever been. Doc says as far as he is concerned, it is 0.00. PCa got cured, but is indolent.

CT scan next week to see how mets are responding.

Essentially, what I am saying is that each person is different as to treatment and to how they will respond to the Beast. We just do what we can and live with things going day by day. Life is too short to let it get us down. And also, no matter what is thrown at you, remember,

LIFE IS GOOD! (much better than the dirt nap)

[Hidden in reply to ppulatie]

Good morning:

My journey is similar to yours. I am on Lupron- 2 years - and added Cassodex a year ago. My PSA is rising, now 1.2 with some bone mets. When you added Xtandi, did your fatigue symptoms increase of stay the same. I am VERY active and really do not want to have to slow down. Just curious. Sure appreciate your input.

Tom

[DOJOMO in reply to ppulatie]

Thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly. This and the other responses I got really help. Good for you for putting up a fight against this nasty stuff. People like you give us all an uplift and greater hope. Hang in there, I will stay vertical for many years to come and avoid as you well put it, a dirt nap. Be safe, stay well.

Take care, best wishes

Don

[ppulatie]

Symptoms have generally remained about the same. Tiredness and hot flashes. Since I stopped Casodex, breast tenderness went away. Do get a bit of brain fog at times, but the wife says I have always had that problem so no big deal.

Good luck with the Xtandi if you go that route. All I know is that it is working great for me.

[DOJOMO]

Thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly. This and the other responses I got really help.

Take care, best wishes

Don

[j-o-h-n]

JoMo Do us a favor and give us more detail on your bio. Age? Location? Treatment Location?

Doctor's name(s).... All info is voluntary but it helps us help you and helps us too... Thank you!!! Follow Nal's advice above... he knows his shit.... believe me....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Tuesday 06/09/2020 2:48 PM DST

[DOJOMO in reply to j-o-h-n]

65yrs young, Concord,Calif. Kaiser Walnut Creek

For my RP Dr. Rosenbaum

MO Dr. Harzstark

RO Dr. Giacalone

Will be starting Lupron, getting mixed responses re: Casadex with it. Was suggested to take it for 21 days, 6mths Lupron, 34 RT treatments. Casadex for surge blocker of testestarone before Lupron. My Radio Oncologist said if I decide to take Casadex take it on the day I get the Lupron injection up to 7 days before.

Thanks for all your support

[j-o-h-n in reply to DOJOMO]

Thank you for your reply.... Take Nal's advice.. above

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Tuesday 06/09/2020 4:26 PM DST

[ppulatie]

LOL, I am in Antioch. Use Dr Boisvert for Oncology through CCHP. On Medicare.

[RonnyBaby]

Combining ADT with radiation treatment is considered A standard of care (depends on the staging and Dx of course).

I went that route a few years back - Casodex was for ~2 weeks (to prevent a flareup) and the Lupron was scheduled for a duration of about 2 years.

The need to do both for the period where radiation will be actively happening is a topic for the 'pros' to decide (your medical team).

It is not typical, but I don't see any harm either - just wondering WHY the ongoing combo was brought up in this particular instance.

[DOJOMO in reply to RonnyBaby]

Another person in my group had suggested it. He did not have RP like I did but his Dr. had suggested the Casadex for the surge in testosterone which made sense to me so I asked my MO about it and she suggested I take it for that reason. My RO was not in favor of it because of the studies and my particular case

[GreenStreet]

I did Casodex for 14 days with Lupron to cope with the initial Lupron inspired flare then Lupron only for 6 months during SRT.

[DOJOMO in reply to GreenStreet]

Thanks for the reply. Similar treatment as well for me. So many different opinions out there from patients as well as doctors. Good to get input from others that are going through the same. We are all different and have to make difficult decisions along the way which is sure great to have others out there to help us out. Knowledge is a good tool to have and try to cover all the bases.

Thanks again and take care.

Don

[CalBear74]

I am a Gleason 8 diagnosed in 2012 with a PSA of 19. I was given Lupron and Casodex by my Phoenix Urologist immediately. Metastases to my pelvic bone were identified at the time of diagnosis.

I used this combo treatment successfully for four years until we moved to Tampa and my Urologist stopped the Casodex as he thought it was unnecessary and we continued with Lupron only. I did not feel any change in side effects with the exception of a fewer hot flashes. The hot flashes had never been a significant problem. I am approaching eight years and I am still not resistant to Lupron.

Good luck, you’ll do fine.

[DOJOMO in reply to CalBear74]

Thanks for that reply. Will get my Lupron on Friday, start RT in a month or so.

Good to hear you are doing OK.

Thanks again for your replies, take care.

Don

[DOJOMO in reply to CalBear74]

I was also wondering, that it sounds like you never had any RT is this correct?

[CalBear74 in reply to DOJOMO]

I have never had surgery or any radiation therapy. I have been only on the hormone therapy for the past 7+ years. In retrospect I feel very blessed that I’ve only had to use chemicals. I suggest you read my past posts on my use of natural supplements. I am also a vegan. I think these have significantly contributed to my health. Good luck on Friday’s injection.