Lupron therapy

Hi , thanks for posting this. First, I want you to know that a lot of other people here and on our Facebook page have been where you are. I don't want to sugarcoat what I've heard about the side effects - they can be pretty tough both physically and emotionally. One downside to removal of testicles is that it's permanent, whereas Lupron side effects usually improve over time.

This article talks about the same exact situation, having hormone therapy before radiation: https://prostatecancer.net/living/weight-gain-side-effect. In fact, that author has written several experiences that might be helpful. If you click on his name you can read more from him.

From the comments in the community, I can say that there are people that have had good outcomes with hormone therapy, especially combined with other treatments. I wish there was a better way to know what your body's reaction will be, but I'm glad you're researching to hear what other people have found.

Let me know if this helps and I'll send people your way who might be in the same boat.

- Nina, (ProstateCancer.net Team)

Hi Kywoodchuck. On top of the excellent information from Nina, I also want to mention that in your decision process you may want to also weigh the potential side effects of orchiectomy (name for the actual procedure of removing the testicles. This article from our editorial team gives and overview of this procedure, including the risks and side effects: https://prostatecancer.net/treatment/orchiectomy. I hope this helps you make an informed decision. Best, Richard (ProstateCancer.net Team)

hi. One if the biggest issues for many of us is the overload of scary information on the internet and the so called "facts and personal stories" that detail the various reactions to treatments.

When I meet with men and their partners I stress the need to approach what they read online with caution. One exception is what you will find on ProstateCancer. net

Here you will find some pretty knowledgeable folks and you will also discover guys like me who have waked the path before you. We work very hard to support each other and also to offer the benefit of our personal experiences along wit emotional support. And make no mistake about it - this disease hit us on many levels both physical and emotional.

We are all different and the various treatments will impact us in unique ways. Some men like me did have serious side effects from Lupron. Others have no reactions while still others will only develop side effects after being on the medication for a long period of time.

The aim of this treatment is to manage and control the disease. Success is determined by measuring the amount of PSA in your blood and keeping the number as low as possible for as long as possible. In many cases PSA levels can be undetectable and close to what someone with out the disease might show on a test sample. It is important to remember that LUPRON and other similar drugs are not a cure. Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) is simply a control agent.

Exactly what impact it will have on you is unknown. The best suggestion I can offer is try it and see how it goes. Keep your MD informed of any reactions and go from there. I understand the shot comes in various configurations such as 1 month, 3 months and also 6 months. Speak with your MD about your concerns and see what he/she suggests.

Just know you are not alone with this and we are all here to lend support. Please continue to share your experiences with all of us. All the best ... Dennis(ProstateCancer.net Team)

I am now 65 years old. I had robotic prostatectomy on 3/1/18. Biopsy indicated Gleason 9. Late last year PSA started going up. Had Lupron shot 3/4/20 plus 39 radiation treatments starting a month later. PSA was .37 right before radiation with 3 month doubling time. I have since had a second 6 month Lupron shot. I have been told to continue Lupron for 2 years. Urologist told me he normally waits a year past that if testosterone doesn't come back to supplement testosterone and see what happens with PSA.

My question may be unusual, and not considered by many, but what is the risk to have orchiectomy at some point past 1 year of Lupron and go to a maintenance dose of estrogen. Because of what was done to me at surgery, sex is not possible, and not from loss of erections. I am fully aware of the feminizing effect possibilities. I am only asking what effect estrogen might have on the cancer.