Intermittent HT

Hello Lorraine

I've "bumped" this back up to the top of page 1 so it's not missed.

Brian.

Ok BW

I have read through the profile and looks like on HT indefinitely, is that correct?

Surprised really because I know T3 etc including in the vesicles but I always thought that curable and HT for a limited time only.

As far as your point about intermittent HT not sure if any trials done on this but it would be good to try it I would have thought.

Just my opinion obviously.

Best wishes

Steve 

Hi Lorraine , 

I would be interested in what people have to say about this also as how long with an undetectable PSA will the Oncologist consider this   . I have read a bit about it but I have also noted that the person can become resistant to the HT quicker. So more investigative work needed.

hugs

Liz & OH xx

Hello Lorraine (BW0 

I was adding a link to another post on another thread and noticed the mention of "intermittent HT" in the link:

Your-sex-life/erection-problems-sexual-well-being

Hope this helps.

Kind Regards - Brian x

HiGrundo 

Initially BW was on a curative pathway, but around the time of the RT and daily scans it changed to no cure. I think T3b is very much on the cusp and could go either way to some degree. BW has been hit hard with treatments with a view to go for cure and you never know, there is maybe a slim chance that his extensive RT and crushing whats left with a strong combo of HT could give some good results, but that initial over 100 PSA and and having 5's in the biopsy leans towards micro metastatic spread.

 I agree intermittent HT sounds like it could be a valid option if BW's PSA rises when he comes off HT. The prospect of Life long HT has its problems and to be able to grab moments away from that could be a positive option and a good way to stretch out the long term use of Ht.

We did ask a couple of years ago about intermittent use of HT, but the oncologist felt it would make no difference, but that's probably coming from a practical angle of time/costs and overall result, whereas we were looking at if from an angle of respite from fatigue, side effects and quality of life. Now the side effects of the medication are causing problems it is a good time to have a look and see whats happening with the cancer and look at options for whats next. 

I am hoping that there is someone on this forum that is doing just this and can share their information of how it's working.

Lorraine

Hi johnam Liz

That's interesting about about coming resistant to Ht quicker, I read something years ago about the possibility of Intermittent use being able to elongate the time of overall use and also could the body could reaccept the same Ht as if it was new. But ... that was a theory, it wasn't a proven concept.  After reading that I've always liked the thought of intermittent use and kept it in the back of my mind for later.

More investigative work needed for sure.

Lorraine

Hi Lorraine 

I would be surprised if anyone on intermittent HT but u never know also would be interesting to try it if on for life but possibly some risk involved obviously.

Going back to your current situation have you ever thought about a second opinion perhaps privately just to double check, to be on HT for life is a big undertaking.

Best wishes 

Steve 

 Millibob Excellent bit of info. Excessive use of the word  'erection' which has the effect of schoolgirl smirking for me all the way through the read. I can see BW and I will have a few laughs in the next year, may have to invest in a hand held 10x magnifier glass so we don't miss anything.

Lorraine (BW ) I am with you that I have it in mind intermittent HT might delay chemical resistance.  As far as I can see, HT takes ages to leave the body (I have been on it for over 8 years) so it might take the best part of a year to have any impact, by then I suspect I would be worrying that untreated the PCa is getting more of a foothold and we don’t really understand the micro mets.  I have been asking my oncologist for 5 years now if I can have a break and she has always insisted it wouldn’t work.  On balance, I will go with her advice and live with the hot flushes, fatigue and off days, as having kept me going this long, she might just know better than me!  As I have said to her all along you only have to keep me going until a cure is found

I just wonder if they say that as a matter of course,  insisting it doesn't work.

A trial of some kind seems the obvious solution, I'm sure some people, probably including yourself, would give it a go 

Best wishes 

Steve