Stage 4 PC

Walterfrederick · New User Joined: 07 Oct 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Florida

This is my first post to this very informative forum.I was diagnosed with Pc in 2001.After much thought,my doctors and I decided that radioactive seeding was the best choice of treatment.That was traumatic but fine until 2005.My PSA was rising again.We then agreed on hormonal therapy.That worked until late 2007.My PSA was rising again.In March,with a PSA of 300+ we decided to start chemo after scans showed that the PC had metastisized.I started chemo with Taxotere and Prednisone.A shot of Neulasta 1-3 days after the chemo to help with my blood count so as to better stave off infection.My PSA soared in early Aug.to 3000+.Now,with consultations between my oncologist here in Florida and my wunderkind oncologist at Dana Farber it was decided that Carboplatin should be added to my treatment.It is given every 3 weeks by IV.when I get the taxotere.My PSA has come down to 1600 now.I will be having my 9th session of chemo.on Oct.14th and another PSA test will be taken and some scans are scheduled for the next week to see if there has been any metastisis progression.I'm feeling better since the carboplatin has been oredered.Still tire very easily but I get out every day at least for a short walk and lunch.I've lost 25 pounds.Megastrol has helped me maintain my appetite after a period of absolutely no appetite at all.I was slightly overweight at 210 before chemo started so I don't look overly thin.90% of my hair has been maintained.Is there anyone out there that is in a somewhat similar stage?I feel that I have very good care but this seems never ending.From what I read,my lifespan can't be measured in years but,over all I don't feel too bad.No pains which is a big plus.

Replicant · Moderator Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Posts: 244

I'm sorry to hear about the hand of cards you've been dealt. It's good to hear that the new med seems to be helping.

I'm guessing that the number of guys in this discussion forum that have hormone refractory prostate cancer is relatively low. I could be wrong on that point. But if you don't get sufficient replies, I would try out the Prostate Cancer Infolink Social Network, http://prostatecancerinfolink.ning.com/ , where there are guys in your shoes. The site is watched over by informed laypeople and medical professionals.

I wish you the best.
_________________
Replicant

Dx Feb 2006, PSA 9 @age 43
RRP Apr 2006 - Gleason 3+4, T3a, N0M0, pos margins
PSA 5/06 <0.1, 8/06 0.2, 12/06 0.6, 1/07 0.7.
Salvage radiation (IMRT) total dose 70.2 Gy, Jan-Mar 2007@ age 44
PSA 6/07 0.1, 9/07 <0.1, 12/07 <0.1, 4/08 <0.1, 11/08 <0.1
http://pcabefore50.blogspot.com

camedia · New User Joined: 18 Sep 2008 Posts: 3 Location: California

My dad was also diagnosed in 2001. He had radiation therapy first, and then he was given Lupron Depot shots starting around 2004/2005. Earlier this year after his PSA went above 150, his urologist prescribed Flutamide and later Casodex until his PSA rose to 355, and then he was referred to an oncologist for chemotherapy. He will get his third Taxotere injection next week.

My dad started having bone ache and mild fever earlier this year, before taking Flutamide and Casodex. After stopping Casodex recently, his pain went away, but nausea remains because of chemo. Zofran seems to help preventing nausea, but Megastrol is not improving his appetite. He started losing hair after the first chemo.

sophia · Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2008 2:22 pm Post subject: Re: Stage 4 PC

Walterfrederick,
I am so sorry to hear about your advanced stage of prostate cancer.
(how did the 9th session go? are you feeling better?)

My father is going through the same...only at an earlier phase still. He has hormone refractory prostate cancer. His PSA went up again to 900 and is still going up.
Now, his oncologist wanting to avoid chemo he suggested he went off the pills, and so he did, a week ago. Now his back pain is gone, there is still a pain in the chest he tries to kill with painkillers and his appetite is back to normal. All is good for now, hopefully this trick is working and we are bying some time before chemotherapies start.
Reading of your 9th session of chemo is so scary and at the same time so encouraging. You have come so far and you are not bad and that gives me strength to face my father's situation.

My father does not know anything about his condition, other than that he has prostate cancer. Nothing about metastases and advanced stage.

(Have you heard about abiraterone acetate? Since you are in the US it might be worth looking into. I am looking into the possibility of taking my father there and put him in the trial program. )

Anyways.

Hang on.
I hope you write back.
Sophia.
_________________
"I have been guilty of kicking myself in the teeth...
I will speak no more of my feelings within.."

Walterfrederick · New User Joined: 07 Oct 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Florida

Thanks for your concern.My ninth session was Tues.,Oct.14th.It went as well as chemo can be.My HGB eas 8.2 so I had a transfusion yesterday.Still feeling very tired though.I've heard about abiraterone and it sounds fantastic.I don't qualify for the trial since one of the requirements is that the patient cannot have been previously treated with ketokonazole.I would encourage you in pursuing the Aa trial.Sophia,where are you?Where would you go in the U.S.?Keep positive!

sophia · Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2008 1:03 am Post subject: Re: Stage 4 PC

Hey WF,
nice to hear from you Smile

I am in Greece and unfortunately the pill trial is not here yet. I was thinking of Texas, since the head doctor there is Greek and i m thinking it would be nice for my father to be able to talk to his doctor.
I am saving money though. It will be a very expensive move and i have no idea how to pull it through. For the time being, i am trying to get in touch with those people there.

Sorry to hear you do not qualify for the Aa trial. I am sure, if you hang on a little more something compliant with f****ing ketokonazole will come up.

As for positivity... it is really hard, for i have to make up for his ignorance. I do not want him to know anything, so he lives in the dark and i have to deal with the pain caused by his pain.

Hope your walk and lunch is fun today Smile

You ll get better soon.
Take care.
Sophia.
_________________
"I have been guilty of kicking myself in the teeth...
I will speak no more of my feelings within.."

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