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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 have had. 3 Lupron shots , I feel that I don’t want anything feeding my prostate cancer so I elected to have them and yes there are effects after eventually they go away stay strong with weights and walking daily ..you will be fine
Thanks Phil. I'll check out that site as well. Appreciate the quick reply. Blessings Bill
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..
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.
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1 ReactionHi, 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.
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1 ReactionI 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 @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)
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
follow all instructions,keep your spirits high,eat well and exercise
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.
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