***my question was answered...it appears it was a typo on the Doctor's Notes...and he meant bicalutamide. Now I understand...Thanks everyone.
I went for a second opinion to the Moffitt Cancer Center...the doctor there said if my PSA did not go down to .2 after the chemo I had finished in February (and having been on Lupron since May of last year). My latest PSA actually went up from 1.3 to 1.83 ~~~~so I assume it's going to be my next addition. If you're familiar what are side effects with just that and Lupron...I'm trying to figure out my energy level for an upcoming summer holiday in August for 3 weeks. ~~John. (pic...2 years old with my Dad on my birthday)
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I just looked and I wondered why it said "recommend adding by Glucamide to Lupron"....I guess it IS a typo. I couldn't figure out the "by" part... Now I have to research those horrible side effects...LOL. Thanks!
Bicalutamide (Casodex) is an anti-androgen. Sometimes it further reduces PSA. The most notorious side effects are in the breasts - tenderness and enlargement. It can be avoided by taking 10 mg tamoxifen with it every day.
Thank you Tall Allen, i have been on the cosudex treatment some months now & have noticed pain in breast & lump so panick set in & go for breast cancer screen next week. It would be nice if these side effects could be explained before & i will be asking for tamoxifen... if they know about it here?
it truly is amazing hot LITTLE some people...including health care professionals know. Period. And also how much they are prepared NOT to tell their patients...That's why I am pre-pre-researching all possible drugs I might be put onto now that my PSA hasn't gone down to under 1.3 yet with Lupron and with 6 sessions of Taxotere. Casodex seems to be the next "given". What a bitter pill to swallow (ouch)...but it appears we keep adding "layers" to the horror show that is our lives...as we age and this delightful cancer grows...we must really strive to "stay abreast" ...(pun intended) of our condition...and keep going in a forward direction!
If you already have breast enlargement, they can give you a 20 mg daily dose of tamoxifen until it goes away, and then maintain you with the 10 mg dose. After the tissue becomes fibrotic, tamoxifen will no longer work, but they can inject cortisone into the tissue to dissolve it. They used to irradiate the chest as a preventive measure, but tamoxifen works much better.
Since it is the #1 side effect of anti-androgens like bicalutamide or enzalutamide, you'd think they would just write the two scrips at the same time. Or some enterprising generic drug manufacturer should make a convenient combo pill.
Thank you again Tall Allen, I will go soon to the cancer centre here with some valuable information that i could not have found anywhere else. Will keep you informed as to their learned reply,if any?
If they don't know about it, you can email this article in advance of your meeting (I like to email in advance rather than surprise them with it and make them read it on the spot):
Great pic. Were those fancy cowboy boots you were wearing? I had some fancy cowboy boots when I was really young. Went well with my Hopalong Cassidy lunchbox & thermos, the toy pistol, and the Hopalong Cassidy plate, bowl, and fork & spoon. That was over 60 years ago for me. I was seeing the world and the bright blue skies with fresh eyes, and living one day at a time then. Now, toward the other end of life, with Stage IV prostate cancer, I'm finding myself learning how to live one day at a time all over again. Funny how that works, huh? It brings a tear to my eyes sometimes, but that's OK. Thanks for sharing the pic.
Charles...since I was about 2 years ago..this must have been 1959...or I might have been 3...so, 1960. LOTS of water has gone over the damn as they say....since then. Yes...dealing with a "shortened fuse" as we all are is scary, enlightening, joyful, and depressing. It runs the full gamut. I find it is also isolating....as I have been very open with friends and people I know...and I think they "stay away" because it's easier. I thought "honesty is the best policy" would be best for the diagnosis and follow up treatments...but I think I could have been more vague and made people less "skiddish". LOL. I wish everyone shared their age, and a pic often...so that I can visualize who I am reading about and understand "their" specific issues....someone who's 80 who says he's having trouble walking a mile for exercise...is different than someone 55 or 60 saying the same thing. Age does have a bearing on "where we are"...This has been interesting being a part of this "club". Best of luck on your Journey ! ! ! ~~John
p.s. I guess you figured out...it turns out that my "doctor's notes" had a typo in them...which was the confusion....it's basically casodex that they are talking about adding to my Lupron (the most fun anyone can have)....wheeee ! ! ! !
I’ve been on Lupron/Eligard and bicalutamide for 3 years. They do cause some fatigue and muscle weakness as well as other annoying side effects like hot flashes, but they are tolerable and shouldn’t affect your summer holiday in August. You may tire out a little faster, but just plan on it and adjust your touristing schedule to allow for it, as needed. I’ve been able to play 18 holes of golf and/or hit a couple buckets of balls on the driving range 3 times a week since my diagnosis. Best wishes!
thanks! I'm sure I'll "re-bound"...I only had one really bad fatigue issue from the Lupron in Greece last summer...and it lasted only for about 4 hours...but I just wanted to lay down in the street of a stunning coastal city we were exploring and ball up and cry....pushed on and it got better....(after we found a bus and got to sit down for an hour)....the rest of that day was one of my best on that trip! Hit a hole in one ! ! !
You say you went to Moffitt? Do you live in the Tampa area?
I facilitate a Prostate Cancer Support Group two times a month ( first and third Monday, 5:30 pm to 7:00) at Saint Andrews UMC, at the corner of Bloomingdale and Bryan in Brandon, FL. Call me with any additional questions at 602-692-4052. Next meeting May 7. (I brought my AZ cell with me when my wife and I moved here.)
I WISH I lived in Tampa area. I went to U of SF in 1976/77 and met my partner there...he was from Tampa.....and we moved away 40 years ago to Miami..now moved to Ft Lauderdale. I wish I had "leaped" back when we did this 22 mile move north...I LOVED Tampa again on our visit there...it's grown a lot, but still has it's beautiful Southern charm....and I loved the Moffitt Center...but, alas, I was only there for a ONE TIME approved, second opinion. My health insurance is based locally, so I think this is where I'll be...although I really would have considered moving back there if health (more healthcare) wasn't an issue. That said..one day I might be back rising during your support group times...and I will keep it in mind. I was going to try to start something locally in Ft. Lauderdale (we have nothing closer than about 25 miles away)...but I'm (thank you Lupron) having a hard time getting that motivated...LOL. Thanks again! ~~John
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