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Does Chemo work? Is it worth it?

Posted by cal77 @cal77, Jan 24 8:49am

Hi,
After a 1 1/2 year on Apalutamide and Eligard, PSA is up to 22 now.
Oncologist says Chemo. Does it work? Does Cancer go in to remission then? Oncologist says I'll be getting Chemo every 3 weeks for 9 months! Does that mean a year of feeling awful?

Stage 4 - Metasasized to a few spots on spine and lymph gland. I have no pain, but feel a bit more tired these days.

Doctor said I had 5 years to live. That was in 2023. So do I just have 3 years now...and 1 of those years is going to be suffering on Chemo??
Anyone else like me?

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dirtdancer | @dirtdancer | Feb 15 5:21am

I have been 16 years stage four and they now call me stage five which means incurable. I am currently undergoing Pluvicto treatments.
The Pluvicto is very helpful for me. Reduced my pain level by well over half and increased my energy and activity level levels. I definitely recommend having two or three different doctors and kind tried to not let them know about each other and then make your own best decision. Not being cynical here, but our nation is out for treatment and a steady cash flow …..not to cure you.

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proftom2 | @proftom2 | Feb 15 10:41am

I am 5 years in on this Advanced Stage 4 Prostate Cancer journey. 4.8 Years ago, after 5 weeks of radiation treatment I went on Chemo, for a few months. It was painful, hard, in my entire survivorship journey it was the low point. But it helped. It worked for me. Never forget my oncologist PA telling me in a nice way my chemo treatment was like poisoning and I survived. That first year was brutal. I was in so much pain. But I made it and have enjoyed 4 years of epically wonderful quality of life.

My friend. It was worth it.

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melcanada | @melcanada | Feb 16 5:36am
In reply to @gbrickler "Of course your treatment choice is an individual decision weighing many factors. My experience is go..." + (show)
@gbrickler

Of course your treatment choice is an individual decision weighing many factors. My experience is go for it. After being mis-diagnosed for 8 months as BPH at a Sacramento university medical center, a second opinion confirmed stage 4 Gleason 9 prostate cancer. That was February 2023 at age 74. Bone involvement in pelvis, spine, ribs. I was given 6 infusion of docetaxel at 3 week intervals. Also Lupron and Yonsa. Which I continue to take. Last week’s bone scan and CT scan found no evidence of the lesions in bone. I did not find the chemo to be overly unpleasant considering the benefits I expected. Are the aches & pains (minor in my opinion) due to the treatment or being now 76 years old? Stay active! I continued to exercise (admittedly moderately) during chemo, and now cycle, lift weights and go for long walks with my Golden Retriever. Stay positive and stay active my friend, let’s beat this. Whatever path you decide on, prayers for your success.

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After 2nd chemo my immune system reacted Got fluid in my lungs On prednisone for 8 weeks and oxygen Now on Abiraterone Lungs 50%

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lorenze76 | @lorenze76 | Feb 16 8:01am
In reply to @stevecando54 "I am doing much better now,, the awful pain I had in my leg is long..." + (show)
@stevecando54

I am doing much better now,, the awful pain I had in my leg is long gone. Started hormone (Firmagon) one month before starting the chemo. It's not pleasant but definitely doable. I was still working at the time, on my feet and it takes some out of you. For me, being in the bones, I take forever meds. You just have to learn to accept it, so much better then the alternative. Let your dad know he can do this and also one thing I know helped me, my wife was there for all 10 rounds, wouldn't want to go through it by myself. Also for me, it was every 3 weeks, not sure about doing it every week. It's almost 2 years for me and I'm doing good. Make sure he gets to ring the bell.. I wish him and you the best on his journey. Best to all.

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Do you know what chemo you took? Were you sick? Tired? Lose hair? Any other symptoms? Did you do hormone therapy before?

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stevecando54 | @stevecando54 | Feb 16 12:18pm

I might have the spelling wrong, Treatment was Taxotere (?) Didn't get sick from it, hair thinned out so I shaved it off, in my case was okay, every so often I've shaved it off over the years. Yes it made me tired and worn out, first two treatments I had allergic reaction, started pretreating me with benedryl, that helped a lot. The month before starting treatment, I went on monthly shot of Firmagon, and taking prednisone. I also got a shot of Xgeva to strengthen the bones, monthly for a year, now quarterly. This is my own two cents, I was told they can't cure it but they can control it, works for me. Side effects from the meds or cancer goes wild, that is an easy choice for me. Best to all.

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