I'm new here

[lincolnj8]

I'm new here. Just diagnosed 3 months ago with stage 4 prostate cancer 3 months ago. I'm 66 years old and have no other health issues. Wanting to know what to expect. In great health otherwise, getting chemo plus taking Zytiga and predisone. PSA down from 851 to 6. Again, just wanting to know what too expect.

[Tall_Allen]

That is an excellent response to the chemo+Zytiga. Those are the two best therapies known so far for men with your diagnosis, especially if you have multiple metastases. The side effects are very individual, although you can count on some fatigue. How have the side effects been for you so far?

[lincolnj8 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Some muscle pain. Trying to eat better and be active. Trying to avoid sugars. I'm hot and cold and cold temps bother me.

[Shooter1]

lincolnj8,

68. Lupron, chemo. just finished (9 cycles-one too many) and instead of Zytiga on Xtandi. Healthy as a horse except for this one thing the Dr.s say will kill me..

PSA leveled out at 0.140 +/- 0.007 for last 3 cycles. Hate to see new stage 4 guys here, but welcome to our unique group. Lots of great info and support available here.

You will loose energy. You will loose hair. Your side effects will be cumulative. Quit when side effects out way benefits.

Doug

[lincolnj8 in reply to Shooter1]

My energy levels are way up. Red blood in the 10's. 3 months ago red blood was in the 6's. 4 months ago I was diagnosed. Surprise- surprise. Just worry about how long I have and worry for my wife being alone after 46 years of marriage. Usual worries that we have. Seems like you're sing well. Good for you

[snoraste]

Welcome to the forum, and glad to see you're doing well. There's a lot of useful information in this forum that can guide you through your journey.

I've been on ADT+Zytiga+Prenisone for the past couple of months. Dx'd in 10/2017 w/stage4 + few bone mets, PSA 99. Last month labs/PET scan showed PSA at 0.14 and all healing mets.

I'm following the so called "multimoodal" approach. Simply put, you combine the systemic therapy with local therapy (radiation/surgery/both of the prostate). There're pros and cons, and it is hotly debated in this forum. I encourage you to read and judge for yourself. (you can search it on this forum)

In terms of what to expect, there are potential side effects, and potential outcomes - none of which are fully predictable or applicable to the same person. I'd recommend instead of getting tangled up in all different permutations of the future outcomes, focus on what you need to do right now to fight the disease (you seem to be on the right track already). Use this forum and the web to educate yourself better. In the process, you will find that you will have more peace of mind, and are better prepared to face the unknowns.

My two cents on this forum has always been to 1. build a robust medical team around you, 2. proper diet and exercise, and 3. strengthen your mind thru whichever way appeals to you.

We maynot see a cure in our lifetime, but a quasi-chronic status is definitely in the cards.

Keep posting your questions and concerns. Members here are very responsive.

[lincolnj8 in reply to snoraste]

This forum and info is giving me some peace of mind. All new to me. Always been very healthy and active. 4 months ago - surprise. I was diagnosed 2 months after you. proper diet and exercise are on my list. Great forum..

[lincolnj8]

Thanks for the info. Diagnosed 3-4 months ago. Will be on this site, thank you

[Hidden]

Having no other issues is very much in your favor. you can live and deal with APC for many years. You will be diminished with treatments .We all are.. but we can adjust .Dont listen to dismal doctors life expectancies or stats. With some luck you’ll do better then they say.They give you the worst case scenario ..That never helps. Love life and you shall Endure what ever you must. I was in pretty bad shape.If I could get pulled back with my first round of treatments then so can you. You can get to a better state. Not without suffering inexplicable changes.Basically you’ll be castrated chemically and you’ll need to learn to live with no male hormones. You’ll need to strive to get thru fatigue and maintain strength. Most of us go through pretty much the same experiences. Welcome to the club. Best luck in treatments..

[lincolnj8 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the encouragement. Feeling almost normal now with a lot of energy. Love your positive outlook. We all should have that. There are always others that have it much worse.

[Hidden in reply to lincolnj8]

I laugh ,I cry, it’s a human tragedy APC... laugh more what choice do we have in all of this. I just chugged contrast and I’m about to go in to get a cat scan..Whoo hoo I really know how to party! ....there is enough bad news in the world. I hope and pray for good then just give it our best shot. Take care.... You ll be here to laugh and cry for a while.Thats my hope for all of us...

[lincolnj8 in reply to Hidden]

Want a laugh? Last week I told my doctor about my bucket list. He said "OK" with a puzzled look. I told him that I was going to run the Johnnycake this summer. He said "what's that". I said its an annual 5 mile run in Lake County (Ohio). He said "have you ran this before?" I said nope, it'll be my first time. What a puzzled look he gave me. Where is a camera when you need one. lol

[Hidden in reply to lincolnj8]

Doctors are focused on their intentions for us.. Fantastic if you run.. I’ve been to Put in bay Ohio on 4th of July.. Very fun .My Doctors got mad at us because I was asking too many questions... it is “our” life on the line... I’m dealing with Banner Corp just took over U of A med center.. They forgot to schedule me for deca and bone scans.. A poorly run operation.. have you seen the new Lincoln navigators? Pure luxury vehicles.. enjoy life sir, we don’t know how long that we will be on this ride.... enjoy the peaks and strap in... what a ride it will be!

[bhr17]

Good day Linconj8

I also am new here same as you diagnosed in January, stage IV, this is a great site with plenty of encouraging gentlemen with lost of useful advice, and as others have said exercise, eat healthy and live for today, this part has also been hard for me but try not to worry about WHAT IF's just take then one at a time as they come, head on, of course if you haven't already started getting things in order for your wife is very important, it is a hard thing to think about but will give you both some peace of mind and allow you to focus on your treatment, health and living life. I have been married for 37years and yes the thought of leaving her alone is tough.

Good luck

[lincolnj8 in reply to bhr17]

Likewise bhr17, I've been married 45 years and the thought of leaving my wife alone is tough also. Just trying to get all my ducks in a row and stay around for a while. Good Lusk to you too

[paulcross4 in reply to lincolnj8]

I feel the same man. One day at a time

[Hidden in reply to bhr17]

That s why we endure. So we can be with our sweethearts... the grave is an unknown place.. make the most of each day ... life is a gift not to be scoundered. 37 yrs wow, we aren’t even at 37 months.. but I’d would not care to be here without her.. my rock.. new dx in Jan. ...it can all be overwhelming.. if you have a cool and collect spirit you shall fare well. You already have the love and support that I believe is nessasery for recovery.. Soory that your foot is caught in this trap.. We don’t want to chew off our own foot but everything else we will do be be around with our families... God bless you!

[Hidden]

Kind words.