Delayed Eligard Shot

[Dett]

I just realized that my husband’s next three month Eligard (Lupron) shot is scheduled for three weeks from now, which would be sixteen weeks (four months) after his last shot. So he’s already behind. Should I ask him to request an earlier shot (which he will not want to do) or is the four week delay not a big deal? Thanks.

[tango65]

It is not a big deal. Testosterone recovers very slowly in most men treated with lupron or similar drugs.

[Dett in reply to tango65]

Thanks for your reply. When asked about this today, the MO nurse wrote that she was ‘trying to save you a trip’. This is stage four cancer - convenience is not our major concern. And the hospital is local. In any case, husband will (reluctantly) call the lab tomorrow to try to reschedule. I don’t want to take any chances.

[tango65 in reply to Dett]

The recovery of testosterone could be very slow, taking months

"Overall, mean TT levels recovered over time to 216 ± 205 ng/dL, 275 ± 241 ng/dL, 292 ± 199 ng/dL, and 321 ± 193 ng/dL at six to 12 months, 12 to 18 months, 18 to 24 months, and more than 24 months after ADT cessation, respectively."

mskcc.org/clinical-updates/...

[Tall_Allen]

It probably is a big deal. If testosterone is already increasin g, the surge of testosterone when he restarts Lupron may excite his metastases.

[Dett in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks, TA.

[Shorehousejam in reply to Tall_Allen]

To Tall_Allen

My apologies if I am cutting in on this thread,

it’s very difficult to get appointments exactly 30 days for Firmagon injections, does a a 5 day difference matter?

One oncologist told us it’s every 28 days another oncologist said every 30 days, which is the correct?

This is my husbands 4th injection

[Tall_Allen in reply to Shorehousejam]

Yes, it matters. 28 days. If that schedule is too difficult, consider switching to a multimonth Lupron shot.

[Shorehousejam in reply to Tall_Allen]

thank you for confirming 28 days

[Hidden]

I suggest that your get on a schedule. For example, at a minimum, i see my Medical Oncologist quarterly. I have since 2004. I continue to do so for sake of my piece of mind; although I am cleared for semi or annual visits. Anyway, part of the process included a Lupron or Eligard injection, for six and a half years. I was told, a week variance will not matter, but a month variance does. This from a Research and Professor in Genitourligical cancers.

GD

[Dett in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your response, GD. Actually, we’re starting our fourth year since diagnosis and beginning Eligard. We normally talk to the MO a few days after the three month shot and blood tests. Everything has been pretty regular up until now. Husband has rescheduled his shot for next Thursday (earliest available); not perfect, but better. I’ll have to keep a closer eye on the timing. BTW, PSA is now < .008 and T is < 3, for which we are grateful.

[tmfo]

I am no expert but I would not want to take chances and end up with regrets. You never know what trigger may cause the cancer to become castrate resistant or metastases to spread. Err on the side of caution.