Stage 4 prostate cancer.

[pmvc]

Hi my name is Chandra. I am from India and living in Bangalore city. I got diagnosed with PC metastatic into lymph nodes and skelatel. Gleason score is eight. I just started hormone therapy with lupron and after one month doctor recommended chemo of 6 cycles every 3 weeks. Docetexal. I am sure many of you from this group would have experience with this combination treatment. Can you please give me some positive feedback and also precaution to be taken. Thanks.

[Hidden]

Hi

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

There are clinical trials that show much better results for men with your type of diagnosis when ADT is combined with Taxotere as first line treatment. Some men have had very good results.

Some men do not have problems with the Taxotere others do. Watch out for any tingling or numbness it you hands and feet. This is called peripheral neuropathy. Tell your doctor if this happens to you. Your doctor should also monitor your blood counts.

I am just a patient who has done chemotherapy a few times.

I hope this helps

Bill Manning

[AlanMeyer]

Hello Chandra,

I have not had chemotherapy and can't share any experience with it. However I have read articles and seen reports by patients that show that combining chemotherapy with androgen deprivation therapy can work significantly better than taking the treatments separately or sequentially, trying chemo after ADT fails. If your disease is aggressive, and Gleason 8 is considered a mark of aggressiveness, then the combination therapy is even better.

I recommend that you read articles about the side effects of chemotherapy and about ways of preventing them and of treating them if they occur. I think that will help you to get through the treatment with fewer problems. When you've learned something about these things, talk to your doctor about having him help you through the difficulties too.

Good luck.

Alan

[Hidden]

PMVC/Chandra,

This seems to be the standard of care treatment for patients newly diagnosed with cancer that is metastatic beyond the spine and pelvis. There are also trials for new patients which you may be considered still as you are only 1 month into ADT. I do suggest that you check those out, as this may be the only time you can be offered treatment to the prostate itself (radiation or freezing or cooking or surgery). You may decide against any of these, but then at least it is your decision.

Here is the first one that pops up (NCT01818986). Not exactly an example of my point, but something. And of course it is in the US, so probably not an option for someone in India.

[Charlesd]

Have you had prostectomy ? Is your PSA rising? Are you on zometa or another bone strengthening medication. What is the stage of your PROSTATE cancer?

[Daddyishealing]

Hi. Please read my profile as I'm still going through this with my dad we are on chemo 5 Tuesday, and it will give you some idea but everyone is different. He has no weight loss or nsusea, just exhaustion and weskness. It seems preparation is to prepare mentally that you believe in your treatment and go for it. Many guys on here got through chemo so much smoother and we are programmed by movies which is not the sheer truth edp with new chemo drugs. Protect your vital organs, eat well, drink water and green tea continuslly, and if you can avoid sugar and carbs. As with any treatment you will sail through it a little smoother. Collect dome movies and stuff for some days you might be down, set up your electronic device now so should those days come you have it all set up to help you get through the day. We bought my dad his first tablet before chemo started and it helps him. Smile in the face if fear. Namaste I have a list I may have posted of remedies for side effects that are natural and allowed during chemo. So pm me if you want it and do your research and reviews Martin, is very up on his research as so many many on here, and if he suggests something I'd surely look into it because it is true chemo blocks you from other studies later, so there may be things you want to try first instead if going do aggressively. But that depends on you and the opinions of I suggest 3 doctors. Not 1. My dad wanted chemo I had to back him 100 percent, though I wished him to try at and immunotherapy. Research and continue to resaerch.

[pmvc in reply to Daddyishealing]

Thanks for feedback and advice. Can you please let me know the precaution to be taken during chemo and to overcome side effects. If any link is available, please send me.

[cromone]

I would suggest sucking on frozen pineapple chunks during the infusions it seems to prevent the subsequent metallic taste in the mouth and lack of taste in food after the treatments