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I am interested in any input any survivor might have, and I completely understand the varying views on the subject of when to restart Lupron during intermittent treatment. History is; treated with surgery and radiation in 2005, reached a .2 nadir in about 18-24 months, 16-17 years later started Lupron with a PSA of 5. I have now had 3 shots I think, the 3 month version and they last 6 months before T goes over 50. Doctors use T rather than PSA as the trigger. My T is now at 400 and PSA is 0.5. I have been undetectable after each shot for 6 months, but then climb to 0.5-the highest its been when not taking the 3 month shot. The last year Sept to Sept, numbers were 0.5, <0.1, 0.1, <0.1, 0.5--so no doubling time during that one year period at least. My question, after the rambling, is---should I wait until I hit the 4.0 psa (which is a random number I see on some reputalbe sites as an arbitray Lupron restart level)? I get next PSA and T check in early January and will no doubt, based on the high T, be recommended to have shot. I always thought the trigger would be PSA, but my health provider uses T-anything over 50 means treatment to them. Hope this note is somewhat clear and appreciate any thoughts on the matter.
Allen:
You may be interested in my experience. My Dr. placed me on Xtandi after trying a few other drugs which were ineffective in the long run.
In time we agreed on Extandi which has kept my PSA in check at.04 for 6 plus years to date. There are side effects to be sure but tolerable in my opinion. It's also very expensive.
Best wishes Don O.
