Three Years Of Lupron For Prostate Cancer- Finished!

[@MJODellDC]

Dear Parris. I'm so glad I came across your posts today (3/24/24). I am undergoing tests for prostate cancer. My partner just completed his years of radiation and Lupron. His tests indicate no evidence of cancer. He will follow up with annual PSA tests. We are both in our late 70s and hopefully, we will have many more wonderful years together (48 this November!). Your posts have been very helpful. I also viewed your post following your father's death. I extend my deepest condolences. I lost my mother 23 years ago and, like you, being the oldest child, I am responsible for managing my 98-year old father's financial affairs as he now lives in an assisted living facility in Florida. I live in Washington, DC. It's been a challenge. I understand your challenges as you tend to your Dad's estate. Thank you for taking the time to keep us abreast of your life's experiences; you help many of us. I hope you remain cancer-free and I wish the very best to you and your family.

[@parristx]

Thank you for the kind words. I am glad to hear your partner is doing well after going through radiation and Lupron. I hope your tests turn out well. But if you need some treatment you have someone right there with you who has shown the strength to get through all this and can inspire you that you can do the same. 💪💪

[@TheBeardofReason]

I love your enthusiasm! I am so happy your treatment worked for you! I'm in Texas as well. Round Rock. I took Lupron for one year (three 4 month injections). Had 5 weeks of external beam radiation, and brachytherapy (radiation seeds) while taking the Lupron. When it was time to start year #2 of Lupron, I refused. My doctor wanted me to be on it for three years and I told him I would rather be dead than go through another year of Lupron. I stated celebrating milestones. It helps me look forward a lot more than one might think. Hiked to the top of Enchanted rock to celebrate for two and three years. Hiked to the top of Emory peak in Big Bend to celebrate 4 years. Hiked to the top of Mt. Whitney to celebrate five years. Hiked the entireTexas LoneStar trail to Celebrate six years Went fly fishing in Arkansas and watched the eclipse there for year seven . Here I am - Seven years later and my PSA is still undetectable. Less than 0.01 on the ultra sensitive test. I had the PSA tested every three months for the first 6 years. Then went to every six months. Going in tomorrow for my six month check up. Planning to bag a few 14ers in the Chicago Basin area of Colorado for year eight. Best wishes, Scott

[@johnd3890]

You are a much braver man than me. I did one Lupron shot and said never again.

[@Prog-t9d]

I did one treatment, no more. Mood swings, brain fog, anxiety, muscle loss. I finished the radiation and that’s it .

[@robertrosanelli444]

@@Prog-t9d I did two Lupon shots and stopped. Now that my PSA is rising, they want me to do Lupron or a similar drug again, but I do not think so. Why be sick and miserable the rest of our lives. I might try chemo. We will see. Screw Lupron

[@johnjarvis2168]

You need cannabis oil treatment. I can help

[@edwardkirby7679]

He is brave; but you are WISE.

[@smone5591]

Bravo Parris! I am late 64 years old. Just finished 2 years of Lupron/Zytiga after prostatectomy and radiation to pelvic nodes and bed. Side effects galore, pretty much similar to yours. I didn't have chemo, so it really points to ADT for low blood count. My White and Red counts still hoover just below normal. My knee just went sideways, waiting to see an ortho Doc. and expect a similar diagnosis to yours. After my cancer journey thus far, I realize that immersing oneself in too much information is not helpful. I try to be proactive with exercise and diet and keep my vital numbers normal and live the best life possible every day. Thanks for sharing.

[@parristx]

Yes- get the most from each day and avoid unproductive worrying- that's the way to go. I hope your knee issues don't slow you down too much. I have found the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy that I am having for my radiation proctitis has really helped my arthritis but I am not sure if insurance will cover the cost if it is exclusively for arthritis. Here's to improved blood cell counts- eventually! 📈📊📈

[@edgargutierrez368]

I love your videos explaining life side effects of treatments and exploring other options. Thank for your videos they really mean a lot.

[@parristx]

Thanks Edgar. Glad you find them helpful.

[@JDinky652]

Congratulations, you took your own path and it appears to be paying off.

[@parristx]

Thanks- it is still early days but I am hoping!

[@mn7392]

So sorry to hear that you are suffering so. I too am on Lupron after 20 days of radiation. While lifesaving, it is also lifechanging. Learning to look for good things as I buy time, but it is difficult. So true that many misjudge what it means to be in remission. Much appreciation for you. Again, so sorry

[@parristx]

Thank you. And that's a good way of putting it- "lifesaving but also lifechanging." With time new treatments are developed. My money is on immunotherapy eventually becoming the cancer treatment "go-to." Hang in there! 💪💪

[@rossacohen314]

You're amazing, Parris!

[@parristx]

Thanks Ross!

[@yavapaiduke4676]

This of all weeks, you're here- right when most needed...thanks for sharing and being of Service😍

[@parristx]

Thanks. It sounds like you are having a hard week- sorry to hear that. Hang in there!

[@mangomd]

Thank you so much for your videos. It’s amazing the similarities of our cancer journeys!

[@parristx]

Thank you. And I am hoping that means you are also post-treatment. How have the side effects of the treatments been for you?

[@mangomd]

Like you the fatigue from ADT was profound. My radiation Proctitis started 9 months after proton beam therapy and I also got radiation cystitis

[@jimsmith1549]

thank u! considering my alternatives here---you are very honest and informative!

[@user-qj2wb7ne4e]

You are an inspiration. In December 2023 my GI doc discovered a nodule on my prostate prior to performing my colonoscopy. DRE seems to be out of vogue with primary care physicians these days. PSA reaching 4.0 should be a red flag contrary to the guidelines. MRI and biopsy indicated 3+4=7, PSA 4.4. Looking forward to discussing treatment options next week. Thank you for your valuable insight. Cheers from an Austin neighbor.

[@parristx]

Howdy fellow Austinite. I expect with your numbers you will have a variety of treatment options. Just keep in mind that the specialty of the doctor you are speaking with (surgeon, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, etc.) may color their suggestions. The more you can learn about the pros and cons of each treatment the better position you will be in to choose the one you are most comfortable with. Best of luck with everything.

[@davidcarver9462]

Thanks for these videos. Would love to get an update on the status of your proctitis..

[@parristx]

I am glad to help. It is one year now since the radiation proctitis made its appearance and I still have it. I tried to convince my radiation oncologist to refer me for hyperbaric oxygen treatment but he isn't a fan. However my medical oncologist agreed and gave me a refer to a wound care/hyperbaric center here in Austin. I actually went last week to my initial visit with them. Unfortunately they need "hard evidence" of the radiation proctitis before they can commence treatment. So now I am trying to get an appointment with my gastroenterologist to put a scope up the rectum and record some visual evidence of the wound and get a definitive diagnosis. Fun times! If I can receive the hyperbaric oxygen treatment (5 days a week for two months) I will certainly do an update video.

[@MyCousinGrandpa]

Thank you for sharing. I’m now starting into my 5th month on Lupron combined with Xtandi. Learning new s/e all the time. Looking forward to a “vacation “ in a few months. Your insight is helpful.

[@JDinky652]

If cancer starts to come back then get a PSMA-PET scan and get localized radiation therapy for any problem areas. The longer you are on ADT, the shorter the time until ADT resistance develops. Perhaps intermittent ADT would be a wiser choice (if necessary at all).

[@msun3182]

I am so happy for you!!!

[@parristx]

Thank you.

[@edwardkirby7679]

". . . Not quite as chipper as previous videos"?!?!? He's downright giddy, in spots. . . I'm awaiting my biopsy results--tomorrow: 11/21/24. I hope I can retain one-third his optimistic good cheer if the worst is made manifest.

[@rene-dewit]

Thanks Parris, good info.

[@parristx]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chetg2924]

thanks for honest info.

[@Prog-t9d]

I did one treatment and said no more. Mood swings, stomach aches, muscle loss.

[@ricknowak4582]

It's sort of hard to believe you sometimes. How could anybody have such bad luck with every treatment that was given . Makes me want to do nothing with my prostate cancer. It terrifies me all the side effects that you went through. Every step of the way you have problems. But you always kept a smile on your face. Even taken the proton radiation you have problems. Gas?!?!?!! WZtf!

[@parristx]

I don't know if it is bad luck- the treatments did what they were supposed to. And most people experience some side effects- some people more and some fewer.

[@robertrosanelli444]

Gas is nothing. Lupron and other ADT therapy will produce lousy effects, incl hot flashes that keep you up all night, fatigue, weakness, cognitive issues and others. So, it will suppress (but not kill) prostate cancer, at great expense. And, when you stop lupron the cancer will wake up. Be careful.

[@robertrosanelli444]

@@parristx you are right. Those Lupron side effects are real.

[@sostareci]

I admire you

[@nirmalasolanki4667]

Parris I ADMIRE YOU & if possible & if you can get MORINGA ( Fresh DRUM STICKS) or powder. It is good for you .it will help you with Arthritis. I pray for you to get better always. AMEN🙏

[@churailkhan2387]

Was there any cough episode while ur initial prostrate cancer yesrs or during Lupron???

[@parristx]

Not that I can recall.

[@thailandbuddy4451]

What do you think about a DaVinci Prostatectomy?

[@sunsetatshabooms4558]

This is overall good news Parris. My husband psa is now 4.68. He had the biopsy & has cancer in 4 spots that they say is slow growing but he's only 51 & his uroligist is pushing to have his prostate removed. I've watched all yiur videos & I'm sure u mentioned why u didn't go that route but now that yiur mostly on the other side, was wondering if you'd be will to talk about that a little more? About why not just removing prostate? Seems like u don't really need it but maybe we don't have all the info ?

[@parristx]

Hi there. Two main things influenced my decision against surgery. First of all- in my case the cancer had some "tendrils" outside the prostate itself and one of those was near the nerves that control all the plumbing down there. Surgeons try very hard to spare those nerves so you don't end up incontinent and impotent. But when they remove the cancer they also have to take out a "margin" around the cancer in case some cells have spread there. I was told I would likely have some nerve damage after the surgery. Second- I learned that after the surgery they were still going to do radiation because there could still be some cancer cells left in the area. Since they were going to do radiation either way I reasoned I might as well skip the surgery and just have the more extensive radiation treatment. But that's just me- everyone's situation is different. I am certainly not a medical professional. Have you checked out protonbob.com/ ? It is a community of over 10,000 men dealing with prostate cancer and the side effects of the treatments. I am a member (and it is free to join). Lots of good information from the perspective of the people who have been through the treatments. Best of luck with everything.

[@sunsetatshabooms4558]

@@parristx Thank you so much for you reply. That makes total sense to me. We are worried about the nerves and he's still young so.... His doc is really pushing this so thankyou for the link to the group. Having other to talk to about this is so helpful. Everyones situation is different so trying to find the best solution for him. For right now, we are waiting another 6 mos to see what his psa is then and will research in the meantime so we can be more informed for his next visit with urologist. Thanks again and hope you continue to improve! Love your videos and thanks for taking us along for the ride.

[@robertrosanelli444]

removal of the prostate will result in uncontrolled urination, so he will wear pads forever. I had radiation rather than have the prostate removed.

[@damarche]

​@@robertrosanelli444please do not spread misinformation. This is just not true. With most prostatectomies these days, urinary control returns within 6-12 months. Way less than 10% of surgery patients are incontinent forever. And even those patients have options to restore urinary control, such as artificial sphincters implanted.