What is your experience on Lupron?

Hopefully, some of the guys that have been on Lupron on a semi-permanent basis will weigh in, but I can give you my thoughts on how Lupron was for an 18-month period. I continued to work the entire time I was on it--I didn't necessarily feel fatigued as much as I just didn't have the same level of pep that I previously had. I would joke sometimes that I felt 10-15 years older--everything still worked, but I was somehow a bit creakier. It was the hot flashes that bugged me the most, although that was bothersome as opposed to debilitating.

Wishing your husband the best of luck--hope the scans come back with good news!

I would echo what Mattam said. I was only on it for 6 months, but it took 18 months for my T to rise to close to baseline levels. I had hot flashes, not fun, but not as terrible as i had feared. Put on 10 pounds all around the middle. Lost libido. Never really had fatigue that i noticed, and worked straight through, although i was self employed and was able to go in late and leave early. But i could have worked full time, i believe.. Keep in mind that everyone is different in their experience.
Hopefully he wont have to go on it, but if he does, i would say the two things he should really try to do consistently is 1. healthy, low carb, diet, and 2. exercise, both cardio and weights.

JNF, glad you were calmer. My wife calls me a Dick. Fatigue can be countered by exercise. Hot flashes have no real cure, unless you want more meds with their own side effects. I am going to consult with an acupuncturist. My Oncology Pharmacist suggested DHA Ultimate which has marginally helped. My side effects are not just from Lupron. I take that plus Zytiga. I have not stopped working although I have intentionally slowed down. Brain fog happens for me. I have about 5 days each month where it is hard to get out of bed. I feel foggy for a few hours. By afternoon I am ok. But the next day I can work out. That's my story. Everybody's mileage may vary. Good luck on results.

I would have to say personally it sucked and still does but the side effects are slowly going away. but hey when I'm paddle boarding with the grandson and you mention Lupron I would say it's great it's keeping me alive and able to do things with my family and when and if the time comes when I would need it I would go back on it in a heartbeat!! Who at my age would want to be Tarzan swinging thru the vines chasing Jane anyway? LOL

Larry

Leuprolide chemotherapy affects you profoundly in many ways, but is indeed manageable with some effort. My primary complaint is the fatigue. I make sure to get 8 hours out of 24 lying down with my eyes shut. I nap daily to get that. Sometimes my current 1 hour nap extends into 2 hours (does not interfere with my nights sleep though, so I guess I need it). My ongoing active lifestyle is a bit harder to maintain, but I do so regardless (will power). Most all of my body hair has fallen out again (due to loss of follicle stimulating hormone from the Eligard), I have a degree of mild cognitive impairment and my muscle has faded to be replaced with 'adipose tissue' (fat). The difference is visible.

This time around I have not gotten the emotional upset I got the first time on this chemo. While I have no libido, I am still very attracted to my wife of 30 years. She is post - menopausal and not interested in sex (also has age - related changes that would make that difficult and painful anyways) so my lack of ability or serious interest is not a problem for us.

IMHO, being in a long term committed relationship with a supportive partner and having a relatively stable lifestyle really helps a lot in dealing with the changes. In my case, I have the incredible advantage of living with the most beautiful and wonderful lovely lady Labrador retriever who keeps me mindful, in the moment and clear about what is really important in my life.

Mileage varies widely on Lupron effects - some guys are fine, then there is me and Skypilot.

I was on it from December 2017 through July 2018. Side effects are still with me, but somewhat less intense. I worked more than full time through that period. My side effects were: weight gain (20 lbs), hot flashes about every 45 minutes, swelling in my ankles and feet, pain in my hands and feet, increased arthritis pain in my knees and shoulder, body hair falling out, no libido, ED, Lupron mental fog that has finally lifted in the past few months - it is good to be able to remember things again.

Your mileage will vary.

Rob