Orgovyx after 12 months

[805guy]

Just reaching the 12 month mark on Orgovyx. Lately, it is beginning to kick my ass. Just feel weak, depressed and unmotivated to exercise. Getting tired of hot flashes. I have put on about 15 lbs. since beginning ADT prior to radiation therapy. I was diagnosed GG3 (4+3=7), T2bN0M0. Lesion on one half of prostate was 4.5cm(!). PSA dropped dramatically (from 19 at diagnosis) and have consistently maintained <.04 for the past year.

The plan was to remain on Orgovyx for 12 months and no longer. Not to contradict my urologist, but is this a normal length of treatment? I meet with him on Thursday since I have no more refills of the med left. He will prescribe more if he deems it necessary, but just wondering what others' experience with this form of ADT? Would a decipher test at this point be of any use? I just want a successful treatment plan. Thanks

[Mascouche]

I read your bio and it mentions you underwent radiation too. I am a little surprised that your oncologist put you only under Orgovyx and not in combo with something like Xtandi or Abiraterone.

I can't say whether 12 months of Orgovyx will have been sufficient but I was on ADT for 2.5 years before I was given a vacation from it.

That said, the key in fighting weakness and depression is to force yourself to do weight and cardio exercises several times a week. It might also help you with the weight gain but usually the weight is more impacted by what you eat or how often you eat than by exercise.

Best of luck to you!

[805guy in reply to Mascouche]

Thank you. I am not familiar with the combination of drugs. I had several radiation treatments with the Flame protocol. From my understanding, it is an extra dose on the actual lesion so I don't need to do brachytherapy. I am really hoping to end taking Orgovyx and regaining T. Since I hear Orgovyx is more mild compared to other ADT drugs, I can just imagine the effects of those. Thanks for your encouragement.

[Murk]

Yeah I can relate to the weight gain. I went from 160 to 170 lbs. which has remained even after 6 months from Orgovyx intake. I t seems when we get older exercise doesn't have the weight impact versus intake does, strange but true.

[Mgtd in reply to Murk]

I agree with you in regards to diet. What keep weight off at 50 will add weight at 60. Our metabolism slows as we age. I need to decrease calories and increase exercise to keep weight under control.

[805guy]

Thanks. I have noticed the first 6-9 months of Orgovyx seemed somewhat agreeable, but the past few months have left me much more tired at the end of the day (I work full-time), weaker and just out of it. Oh, and my blood sugar, regardless of what I eat, has been gradually, but steadily increasing. The plan was to only do 12 months of Orgovyx for my situation. I recall my radiation oncologist even saying anything beyond that would be overkill. I look forward to resuming exercise and losing the pounds I have gained.

[janebob99]

If you are tired of hot flashes and osteoporosis, then you should consider taking supplemental estradiol to "add-back" the estradiol lost because of ADT. Your PCP will prescribe it to treat these symptoms. You can use either patches or gels, which are commonly used by post-menopausal women who have the same problems. Have you had a recent DEXA scan? That's important.

[805guy]

Thank you for that. I have not had a DEXA scan and had never heard of it. I will definitely mention it to my doctor.

[London441]

Exercising on these drugs is onerous no question, but there is literally no other comparable solution to the fatigue, weight gain and other threats to our health common to the treatment. In fact absolutely nothing comes close.

The formula is extremely simple and although difficult, gets much easier with consistent practice. Exercise anyway.

[805guy in reply to London441]

Without a doubt.