Hormone Therapy - Stopping

Hi Rens

Just my thoughts but I agree, if I had to go on HT long term I would try and take rest periods to see what would happen.  

Obviously if PSA starts an upward trend again then go back, think haven't got a lot to lose, obviously could be wrong  but I would be willing to take the chance.

Good luck and let us know

Best wishes

Steve

Hello RENs. I have a similar problem!  Urology told us my husband would need hormone therapy for 2-3 years. The oncologist said just 6 months. I asked the reason for the difference . He told us there is a lot of research for low risk and high risk pc and the length of time needed for ht. there is far less evidence for intermediate risk ( my husband is intermediate to high) Sometime during radiotherapy, we learned that my husbands sentence’ had been extended to 18 months but no reason given. When discussing just 6 months we were told that it is a balance between protecting against recurrence and avoiding long term side effects of hormone therapy such as diabetes, osteoporosis and improving quality of life. When we were told the increase to 18 months we were told that this is the one and only chance at cure and it’s better to over treat rather than under treat. I said my understanding is that the ht stops the cancer cells replicating therefore the ht would be stopping any cells remaining after rt from replicating and to die off. If this is so, how long do the cancer cells live? He said, ‘that is the million dollar question!’. So, I’m no wiser! I would be interested to hear what you have been told.

2 things that I read: 

1, After Radiotherapy a large amount of cells are killed outright and the others are disabled and unable to make new cancer cells, they will eventually die and could take 18 months to do this?, then they will be replaced by new "normal"cells. Now, I defiantly read this somewhere, but please research it for its authenticity. ( because I've also read that cancer cells can lie dormant for ages)

2, involves stopping HT and it was about trials with,"Intermittent ADT' and how investigations are being made into delaying hormone resistance in men with prostate cancer. This involves the patient having breaks from hormone treatment rather than taking the medication continuously. The idea is that the cancer cells will take longer to build up resistance to the therapy and it could kickstart the body to react again as if HT is a newly introduced treatment after that. , so maybe that something else worth looking at if not for now, having awareness of for future.

How are you feeling BTW after the RT? 

L

I have not completed the treatment yet. Just praying that it works and doesn't cause too much damage. One may only be under the radiation for a few minutes but it's an arduous process. 

Rens

The communication skills of these medical professionals leaves a lot to be desired. I am being drip fed information. I am now totally confused and will report back after tomorrow.

Rens

Thank you Steve. I guess that I mistakenly thought that the whole idea of combined HT and RT was that the Zoladex would stop the cancer cells from growing back. I must have misunderstood.

Rens 

Have re read your profile, not too bad, I know it has escaped the gland but I presume lymph nodes and vesicles ok, sorry if have missed some detail.

What is current PSA

Steve 

PSA went from 11 to 4.9 after second Zoladex jab and just before radiation. I was disappointed it didn't go lower.

Rens

Not sure if you've had the Radiotherapy yet, I am presuming you are in initial stages of HT with RT to come

Steve 

Two thirds of the way through RT. I had a discussion with the Dr today and it was my misunderstanding. The Zoladex sentence is two years with no appeal. Third Z injection will be in a few weeks. PSA was 2.01 today. He was delighted with that, I was pleased but I had expected better. 

You were correct in what you said earlier Steve. It is apparently through the capsule but not in seminal vesicles or lymph nodes. Is that really possible? I am not convinced as I had very high percentages of cancer in my biopsy core samples.

Anyway on we go. So far I have had no issues with emptying my bowels but bladder can be anything from 60% to 120% full, so there have been a few delays. 

Thanks for your continued support. It means a lot to me.

Rens