SEEKING ADVISE

[Jimbo47]

Hi Advanced Prostate Cancer Guys

I just updated my profile so I won't go into a lot of detail here. I finished 25 treatments of external beam radiation in July, 2024, to treat a lymph node in close proximity to the prostate gland. This was a recurrence. I had started ADT (Orgovyx) in May. I had a blood test last month and PSA is undetectable. Testosterone level is 9. My Medical Oncologist (MO) said I had the option of continuing ADT or a 6 month holiday. I chose the holiday. She didn't really discuss the pro's and cons of taking the holiday and I'm now thinking that my decision may be a problem. MO also recommended that my Radiation Oncologist (RO) take over the responsibility of monitoring my progress and doing future blood work. The RO agreed to do it and I mentioned it was my understanding that this is the role of an MO. RO said that if a future blood test indicated there is a problem they would "plug me in" to the right specialist. I'm thinking that that this might not be the right situation and that I should have an MO on my team. Advise on this (particularly from Tall Allan) would be appreciated.

[Tall_Allen]

You need 1 ½-3 years of ADT after the irradiation of your cancerous lymph nodes - no vacations!

Your RO is your main doctor right now - you don't need an MO unless your salvage radiation doesn't work.

[Nusch]

I underwent 24 months of ADT, followed by a complete orchiectomy. In total, I have effectively been on ADT for 36 months, and my PSA remains undetectable. So I would go with TA‘s advice.

[billyboy3]

I too face this decision and I have not seen any studies that show a break does that much harm if psa is very low. This approach has kept me alive and healthy for 26 years. Now a new set of drugs but I wonder as I am going downhill fast by staying in the new meds with no break to recover!

[VictoryPC]

Take the break I say. It gives your body a chance to bounce back and often results in preventing resistance to the ADT. It worked for many people in my group at the hospital.

[j-o-h-n]

You're 77 years old and my non-technical expertise/advice is to keep plowing ahead without breaks.

Hope whatever you decide (maybe too late since you're on a break right now) works for you.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[carbide]

Too soon for you. I agree with Tall Allen.Best luck. 👍