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Stage 4 prostate cancer treatment options
I have recurring prostate cancer and it has found its way to 5 different bones, including my left shoulder and two ribs on my right side. I started 6 month Lupron shots but have been told that because it is stage 4 I need additional treatment. My oncologist is recommending either Abiraterone (Zytiga) for 33 months or 6 treatments of Docetaxel chemo. She says that they look to have very equal success. With the Zytiga I will also have to take steroids, probably prednisone which I understand includes possible liver damage. Six chemo treatments seems like a better approach but I have heard Zytiiga talked about in a very positive manner. I understand it can be expensive and I do worry my prescription drug coverage could change its formulary and raise my cost significantly as well. I've already had that happen with a drug I take for Parkinsons.. Just looking for some general input regarding peoples actual experience either way.
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I didn’t have an MRI prior to my biopsy. That should definitely work to your benefit. Good luck!!
That would be better as far as time it wasn't that long, my wife was in the room as they performed the procedure, yes it was completed in the Dr office
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Back on Zolodex injections and psa 1.2 for a year now as castrate sensitive since radi6to L2 lumbar took out 1 inch metastasis bone cancer after 5 years since prostate radiated
After the diagnosis, I received a 3-month Lupron injection, which caused hot flashes. (I still have them to some degree.) There were moderated with Venlafaxine. The PSMA test showed the cancer strictly within the gland. My healing period was very short.
From my research, surgery after radiation was not truly viable is there is a need or a reoccurrence. Surgery, followed by radiation, if needed for follow-up or a reoccurrence, is more promising. Add to this, that my cancer was prostate-confined, is why I chose surgery. My Urologist recommended a surgeon who has performed many RALP’s. I met with him, and after more thought, chose the surgery.
The pathology report indicated the presence of a previously undetected grade of cancer, one which would have survived radiation. My margins and lymph nodes were clear. The surgery choice proved to be wise.
I had done PT for Pelvic Floor for 4 weeks prior to surgery - that was a game-changer! I wore diapers for a 10 days after catheter removal with some/little spotting. I skipped the Guards entirely and wore the Shields for 3-4 weeks, just to be certain.
I’ve been completely continent for several weeks now, less than two months after the surgery.
I am feeling truly Blessed!
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2 ReactionsJust got my PSA tests follow-up Zolodex injections are working on my Stage 4 Prostate sensitive metastatic cancer in L2 L4 T12 of spine L2 was radiated a year ago to take out 1 1/2 inch of C
Free PSA / Total PSA ratio .39
PSA 4.22 ug/L Going up from 1.2 last August
Is this rise a concern folks?
Hi everyone. I'm 58, got a PSA result 2 days ago of 5.2 and the urologist-oncologist informed be that a biopsy was required in coming weeks to confirm or not prostate cancer. He did not say much more, I was stunned by the news and had no questions. After much reading on several sites including Mayo Clinic, seems to me I should be waiting another 4-6 weeks and take another PSA test. Another point of interest is that I train a lot and had done 1.5 hours of cross fit the day before and the day of the blood sample to later read that I should have had 2-4 days without physical activity before the blood sample as it affects PSA test upwards by about 50-60%. Comments anyone... and thank you.
An option for you is an MRI, which is far less invasive than a biopsy. An MRI can help determine if a biopsy is warranted.
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3 Reactionsmaxvt: Thanks so much for that reply. All of it was really helpful and full of information. I gather the pelvic exercises are what some call Kegel? Is its purpose for greater control of urination and reduction of leaking post op? What was your surgeons name, if that's ok to ask.
This is just my experience so you can make your own decision, but I wish my urologist had done a biopsy on me when I was being treated for what he assumed was bladder cancer. Turns out the cancer was primary prostate. I was 62 at the time. My brother had a prostatectomy at age 58 and is now 86. I on the other hand have mcrpc and have recently failed my second chemo drug. That was after bracytherapy and 18 months of Lupron. Also failed on Casodex and abiraterone. Not a candidate for Pluvitco. I recently had another prostate biopsy 5 + 5 and the cancer has spread to the left side which was clear 4 years ago. I had the biopsy in the doctor's office. Prostate cancer has ruined my life. Take early action. Good luck to you.
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