Stage 4 prostate cancer treatment options

My stats:
I am 59.
Cancer stage - 4( based on Gleason score - 9, a hip lesion, tumor near the bladder, enlarged lymph nodes, it is considered metastatic)
Cancer detected - December 2019 (PSA 9 started the chain reaction)
Staged - Jan 2020 ( after biopsy, MRI, bone scan, CT abdomen)
Treatment started Jan 30.

Well, it has been 2 weeks since I got 22.5 mg of Lupron Depot, deposited into my right buttock. I was anticipating the backseat driver to takeover my life. I was thinking, my life, going forward, would be like sitting in a driverless car and wondering when the AI- based driver is going to crash.
Well so far so good. No major reactions yet! Feels like steering is handled by a nice Uber driver!

I have been exercising regularly for the last couple of weeks by walking/running for an hour daily on the treadmill. I have been using the Activity app to keep track of the exercise minutes and to keep up the motivation.

Just because I got Lupron under my belt, I can’t rest yet. My lifeboat is getting rocked again tomorrow!

I am going to start Chemo with Docetaxel( Taxotere). My oncologist recommended this therapy in place of taking Zytiga and Prednisone pills life long. If I go through this - once every 3 weeks, six session chemo, I don’t have to take those pills I believe.

I would be interested to know your experience with Docetaxel.

I was 57 when diagnosed. Stage 3. Had high dose brachytherapy and external radiation. Just received my last dose of Lupron a couple weeks ago. On Lupron for 2 years. Keep exercising as much as possible. It really helped me keep my sanity and feel like I had some sort of control. Best of luck with your journey.

follow all instructions,keep your spirits high,eat well and exercise

Yes, 2-months ago quickly gained 11 pounds in one month and not just from holidays! Trying to shed them and work out 30 minutes each day. Was told to expect gaining around the gut. Watch my food, but need new approach. All the best...OUMike

Hi @herbg
Is taxol same as Docetaxel? Can you send me the link to the literature you mentioned about taxol+ADT?
I started chemo with Docetaxel( brand Taxotere) last week. I am supposed to go through six sessions, one every three weeks.
Have you had any side effects with chemo? I am having muscle pain and random shooting pains all over the body. ( I also started Lupron shots 2 weeks ago)

I am scheduled to start Lupton next week, but I'm a bit apprehensive about going that route after reading all the side effect reviews on various sites. Folks here seem very positive, so if appreciate any input on how this regiment effects quality of life. Just diagnosed date 4 Gleason 10 PSA 15. I'm 72 this Monday. Have been on bicalutamide for just one week and I'm scheduled for a CT abdomen and Pelvic bone scan in about two weeks. Any input would be appreciated. Just new to this. Thanks PapaBill

Hi, this is Phil. I was on bicalutamide, and lupron for about one month. Due to the side effects my Oncologist discontinued the treatment.
I have been on Zytiga and prednisone since Aug. 2019, and am able to tolerate it much better. My PSA is less than 1 and my liver enzymes are doing well. I can certainly understand your concerns. Side effects can be difficult to tolerate as they were in my case, but we won’t know how it will work out until we try it. I have heard from others that they have had only minor side effects on Lupron. Everyone is different. If you haven’t already tried it I would like to recommend the National Cancer Institute website. I wish you the very best of luck in your treatment.

I had elevated PSA (541.0) in February 2019 (also at age 72) and immediately started bicalutamide. After biopsy one year ago today, the diagnosis was official with Gleason of 10 in all samples. I received my first lupron shot on March 19, 2019 . Radiation followed in the summer (44 sessions of external beam radiation).

Side effects are what I understand to be generally experienced--hot flashes, muscle weakness and general fatigue along with total lack of sex drive. The side effects are manageable especially when I consider what we are fighting. I figure I can put up with these side effects so long as we see positive results.

My PSA dropped to 2.8 just before completion of radiation. Unfortunately it has increased since. Rising to 46.0 before we could figure out what was causing increase. Another PET scan with axumen isotope revealed prostate cancer cells in my spine so we are now using enzalutamide rather than bicalutamide. We'll see how that works later in March. We do know lupron is continuing to keep the testosterone levels low so that is definitely working.

Good luck with your journey Phil. It's not much fun but I think it is important to stay positive. Stay active with your work, and/or your volunteer activities, see your frieds and neighbors. Try to get out and about everyday, even if just for a coffee club gathering. Get exercise (I'm not too good about that). The side effects will come, but I haven't found them to be unbearable. Good luck.

I was diagnosed with PC about a year ago.. Mayo MN verified the local doc.. Mayo said they wanted to give me a Lupton shot to shrink the postate..
20 high dose Radiation Oncology treatments followed in 2 months after shot... Before the Radiation they inserted a spacer between the prostate and bowel/rectum...I had no hot flashes, I am 82.. so the lack of sex drive really wasn't a big consideration...all went well .. no real urinary irritation... Some bowel irritation, but I have Gastropaneisis (a GI problem).. so the cause of diarrhea is undetermined. Had some fatigue. Otherwise 3 month check ups are looking great . PSA way less than 1... Good luck..get a good doc..

Thanks Phil. I'll check out that site as well. Appreciate the quick reply. Blessings Bill