Trying to decide if I will continue ADT after 9 months.

[Ernbud]

Haven’t posted for some time so I’ll start from the beginning. Had PSA of 6.09 May of 2018. Rose to 8.93 May of 2019. Had biopsy which showed 3+3 Gleason grade group 1 in 8 of 12 cores, no evidence of lymph or seminal invasion. Perineural invasion noted. Did active surveillance until May 2020. PSA at that time was 18.44. Did biopsy which showed 5 of 12 cores cancerous with one being 4+5= 9 grade 5. Others were 3+3=6 and one 3+4=7 grade 2. Bone scan showed no evidence of metastasis. MRI didn’t show metastasis. Started on bicalutimide and IMRT. Then added Lupron and 28 sessions ofIMRT last 2 with brachy boost. Then did HDR brachytherapy two separate days, two treatments each day. Had follow up visit three months later at which time PSA was .03. Am now scheduled for a 3 month Lupron injection April 1st. Really don’t want to continue side effects. If I stopped ADT and PSA was to start to increase to level to cause concern I would have to go back on Lupron. Would like to hear opinions and advice.

[Tall_Allen]

You can't stop and start. It's like with antibiotics- you would be selecting for resistant strains. 18 months of ADT are needed with brachy boost therapy:

prostatecancer.news/2020/04...

[Ernbud in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks for the reply. Can’t say I like it, but unfortunately I’m sure you’re right. Probably just needed someone knowledgeable to tell me to man up. What I’ve dealt with is nothing compared to what so many here done.

[Magnus1964]

There are other ADT options that may have fewer side effects.

[Ernbud in reply to Magnus1964]

Thanks for the reply.

[pjd55d]

have been on ADT for 4 years - Hate Hate Hate the side effects BUT what I get from my Oncologist - who I trust - is that if I stop, the cancer comes back and - I'm just not ready - still have a lot of living to do good luck

[Ernbud in reply to pjd55d]

Yeah, guess I need to make a trip to the store and get some big boy undies, pull em up and get on with it !

[pjd55d]

yeah - life ain't fair or easy .grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrI was asked by a therapist " what makes a man a man - what does it meant to be a man " obviously it ain't testosterone or penis function . I am finding - more and more - it's what makes us do what needs to be done - even if we don't like it - guess it is the same for a real woman

[Jimhoy]

ADT rode me hard and put me away wet!!! Can’t get anyone to say it was the actual drug or the effects of the drug “Eligard” but ended up far beyond normal andropause symptoms..... still!!!!! At about 1/2 way through (9mo’s) I was going to pull the plug but said f#$& it, came this far..... how much worse could it get?!!!! But then my new Dr wanted to go with the 24 mo treatment. So I dumped my Dr instead of the drug and finished the 18mo. My only thought is that you don’t need the amount of drug that they give you. If you believe as I do that the drug is harmful, then limit the intake. If your on a 3mo protocol, get blood work at 3 or 6 mo and I’ll bet you’re still castrated!! Took almost a year after treatment ended to show signs of recovery!!! Maybe you get a 3mo shot every 6mo?!!! Blood test are one hell of a lot cheeper than Eligard .... Lupron.....etc!

[Ernbud in reply to Jimhoy]

Thanks for the reply to my post. I appreciate all the input and info I get here! I only had one more 3 month Lupron shot to complete the time frame the MO the RO and the urologist wanted me to do, so I went ahead and got it last week. The side effects aren’t horrible, I’m not looking forward to the hot flashes come summer, but the belly growth and lack of drive are the ones I dislike the most. Oh well, maybe with the warm weather my outlook and physical activity will be better. Or let’s say, I will make it better!

[Jimhoy in reply to Ernbud]

Yup..... you GOT to push yourself and move!! You’re far more fortunate than I as that you found this source of information that your Dr’s just don’t share / provide! I had succumbed to the couch for far too long for not knowing any better! Playing catch up is a MOTHER! Start small if necessary.... but start and keep on plugging!!!!Best of luck brother!!

Jc

[Mel8425]

When I got diagnosed my oncologist mentioned being on ADT for 4 years, I thought I misheard Him. I start radiation next month with brachyboost to follow.Wow! After reading other people have been on ADT for 4 years, I guess that I didn’t

Hear him incorrectly.

I have been on ADT for 4 months and I have gotten used to it. The hot flashes and the lack of sex drive are the worst.

I have always worked out, so the ADT sent my

Workouts back a little with less weight.

At this point, I will do whatever is necessary to stay healthy.