A Week in a Life That I Wish Hadn't Happened

After being denied Xtandi, and approved for Zytiga, I was looking forward to moving on. (difference $1000)

Last Wednesday, I had another bout of Melena, and wound up in the ER. And, again, my bladder was blocked up. My Hemoglobin was at 7. I had the Zytiga with me just in case I could start it while in the hospital. After two transfusions, and two iron IV's, my Hbg was at 10, and I was released on Saturday morning. In the mean time, I had started the Zytiga on Friday morning, along with Prednisone, of course.

I never had the opportunity to experience a seizure, and the first one absolutely freaked me out. I was back in the ER in about six hours. At this point, I had two doses of each, Z and P. A lot of those guys with capital letters after their name kept bringing up Vasovagal Syncope, fainting. I seemed to irritate some of them when I said I didn't faint. It also seemed pretty important that you must piss yourself to prove you had a seizure. I happened to be sporting a Foley, and a nice Bard monster bag. So, I had no idea. When I came too, my son was on top of me, keeping me still. My hands were killing me with pain. Before I knew it, I was on my first ambulance ride.

I got out on Tuesday afternoon. After a battery of tests, no cause. Just a one off, kinda like a walk off homer, I guess.

Now, I'm a bit more...scared. I can't deny it. Just one more issue IT throws at us.

Peace all, Joe

[Hidden]

Hi Nalakrats,

I will look into PCRI. The short story is that my insurance co. denied the Xtandi, but OK'd the Zytiga. That's when I went online and found the difference in cost was about a grand. It doesn't particularly bother me which med I'm taking, as long as it works for me.

Peace, Joe

[Wifeinjamul]

Hi Joe-

So sorry to hear of your difficulties. When my husband's oncologist requested Xtandi he was denied and approved for Zytiga. It almost killed him with a terrible reaction which hospitalized him. Sooo. When they figured out Xtandi was a better choice the co-pay was covered by a non-profit organization that helped us. Our oncologist put us in touch with them.

Hope your experience with Zytiga is a good one but don't take weird symptoms lightly and don't let the white coats do it either. They can be a little patronizing.

Wifeinjamul

[erjlg3]

Awwwwww Joe.....I'm so sorry you've been through all of this. I'm glad you're doing a little better. That would be terribly scary and wondering if or when it may happen again. My sincere good thoughts for your well being.

Most sincere,

Jackie

[Hidden]

I had to write a follow up after my catheter came out on Friday night. I guess I was messing with it too much, and the balloon drained, then out it came. It was about 10 pm. I woke up at around 4 am, in about as much pain as I could stand. I was so full of urine my kidneys were hurt. The best I could do to ease the pain was force out a few dribbles, and it actually helped til I got to the ER. Another cath went in and I drained a quart and a half. I was due to have it removed today, which is not happening. We'll try on Wednesday.

Crazy, three ER visits in 11 days.

Joe

[erjlg3 in reply to Hidden]

Oh my goodness Joe!!! So sorry. Sending all healing thoughts, vibes and prayers.