Hi all, I would be interested to hear from anyone with treatable PCa who has been on long term HT (7 years plus) and who has then opted for intermittent HT. In my case I had chemo and RT and was stable for a number of years, then had a breakout into bones and was treated by another RT dose. Have been stable again for over a year.
What I am trying to decide is do I stay on HT (Zoladex) or take a break and risk another breakout. My oncologist favours staying on HT but accepts that she isn’t having to have it!! I can’t locate any research on this, so am looking to get any experience you may have.
My questions are:-
1. After 9 years on HT (without a break) how long would it likely take for me to recover some improvement in energy levels?
2. Has anyone come off long term HT and stayed stable for a reasonable length of time?
I am happy if anyone wants to respond directly to me, if they don’t feel they want to post publicly.
Hi David2017
Sorry I cannot contribute (only a year in) but I would be very interested in the responses hence jumping in - always looking on the bright side!!
Stay positive, be strong
KrisPy
Hello David (David2017 )
As you are aware I am on intermittent Hormone Therapy, but only for almost 5 years. My issue is a high testosterone level so when I am off treatment the testosterone returns quickly and thus my PSA is quick to return too.
The idea behind the treatment is at present I have a "biochemical recurrence" (The cancer cells are there, they just haven't landed anywhere to take up residence!). If we keep stop/starting the treatment and I am only on 1st generation Hormone Therapy the hope is the cancer cells will not get used to the HT and it will keep working, leaving the "stronger stuff" and chemotherapy in the toolbox for later.
I am fine with all the side effects - weight gain (on Ozempic), hot flushes (Sage Tables), Type 2 diabetes (metformin & diet) and fatigue (take the dog for a walk) so it's no issue for me.
I hope my ramblings help.
Kind regards - Brian.
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