Some good news

[jimbob99999]

HI folks,

Age 61, diagnosed Oct 2017 stage IV. Just got results of the 6 cycles of Docetaxel along with ADT (Eligard). PSA is down to 0.9 from a starting point of 194. Swelling and cancer in lymph nodes gone and tumour in prostate shrunk considerably. Visiting Radiologists and surgeons to work out what happens next. Currently consuming the following:

- Vitamins D, K, B.

- European Milk Thistle (Life Extension version)

- THC

- Magnesium

The magnesium is more for my exercise regime. I am walking about 6 to 8km a day with some steep climbs in preparation for the 800km Camino Walk in September this year.

I have asked my MO about Metformin and he said he'd rather I speak to my GP about it, which I have now done. My GP said he'd be willing to after I have spoken to a urologist (next week). I provided him with a barrage of medical and oncological journals regarding Metformin.

Feeling optimistic about the future and thinking I will push hard for either surgery or radiation.

I am loving reading all the different stories and angles.

[Tall_Allen]

Great response to the chemo!

If you are taking Zometa or Xgeva to maintain bone density, consider adding Celebrex to it. The combination increased survival by 22% in a recent large randomized clinical trial. (neither alone had any effect).

A low dose statin may be beneficial. The evidence for Metformin and statins is admittedly weak, but they are relatively safe and have other benefits, so it is hard to argue against them.

[jdm3 in reply to Tall_Allen]

My MO at Dana Farber (smart and on the leading edge of research, but very evidence-based approach) waived me off the Metformin, but said he was not opposed to a low-dose statin as it may indeed have some mild benefit. It appears simvastatin would be the statin of choice.

Do you have any information/thoughts on the naturopathic equivalents like Berberine and Niacin?

Thanks.

[Tall_Allen in reply to jdm3]

I have only seen lab studies, which tell one nothing. A "naturopathic equivalent" is not an equivalent - they are different drugs, just as insulin and metformin are different drugs that lower blood sugar (among other effects); and PCSK9 inhibitors and statins are different drugs that lower cholesterol (among other effects). It is probably not the same biochemical pathway responsible for its efficacy for PC, if it has any. As you say, the benefits, if any, are probably small.

[Hidden in reply to Tall_Allen]

Admittedly you are the source of detailed accurate helpful real time info on the medical science and treatments of APC . You say that i am “wrong “with nutrition, Rso , baking soda. That’s your opinion. My own doctors tell me. “

Whatever you’re doing , keep doing it.. I’m doing my best to extend my life and this temporary clear status as long as possible. I will continue my personal agenda for quality of life..Only time will tell “Who” is right or wrong. I put my physical body my mind and soul as well

All in gods capable hands. All that I do to survive is under god s will. God bless you Tall_Allen. Thank you for helping us with all of the great med info. Thank you! For letting ME. “ “Have””

My “ majic” . Generous of to let me have my own beliefs on a public forum.

With out harsh criticism. We all have personal beliefs that should not be deemed worthless by members of a site set up to give hope and support to families suffering APC.

[Schwah in reply to Tall_Allen]

Hi Tall. I'm starting Zometa soon and I'd love to see that study about adding Celebrex to show my doctor. Can you please send a link?

Schwah

[Tall_Allen in reply to Schwah]

Sure! It comes from the pre-planned subgroup analysis of metastatic patients in the STAMPEDE clinical trial. The metastatic subgroup who took the combination of Zometa + Celebrex had better outcomes compared to those who just had standard of care. The hazard ratios were 0.78 for overall survival, 0.84 for failure-free survival, and 0.64 for prostate cancer-specific survival, all significant with 95% confidence. Neither medicine alone showed a similar benefit.

ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JC...

[jimbob99999 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Hi there, at the moment I have no spread to bones (touch wood) and scans showed clearing of lymph nodes as a result of chemo. I have gone onto relatively harsh vegetarian diet (can't give up my eggs for brekkie). If Metformin benefit is weak, then might wait for some more input from doctors. Many thanks for your response!.

[j-o-h-n]

Better invest in some new sneakers.

Good Luck and Good Health.

j-o-h-n Saturday 05/05/2018 1:50 AM EDT

Viva Mexico!

[Hidden in reply to j-o-h-n]

Cinco is not celebrated in Mex... not a natl holiday...created by corona to sell milllions of bottles of beer.. to us gringos..it worked. Viva Cerveza! But yes Viva Mexico Tambien!

[j-o-h-n in reply to Hidden]

Caramba!

Oh Dios mío... you mean to tell me I got drunk for nuttin?

youtube.com/watch?v=7ikUCav...(Not working as expected?)

Good Luck and Good Health.

j-o-h-n Saturday 05/05/2018 7:09 PM EDT

[Hidden in reply to j-o-h-n]

Dude! Where do you find this stuff? That is so dam funny .. Didn’t know Peggy Lee was such a Latina Diva... Thank Mann you’re awesome.. Peggy Lee was a few years before my time. Quite beautiful and charismatic ... Aye Caramba mijo ! Muey Algeria !Gracias..

[Hidden in reply to j-o-h-n]

Manana , manana, manana........

[j-o-h-n in reply to Hidden]

"Dude! Where do you find this stuff?"

It's because of my kind heart.

youtube.com/watch?v=9YRL49M...(Not working as expected?)

Good Luck and Good Health.

j-o-h-n Sunday 05/06/2018 5:10 PM EDT

[Hidden in reply to j-o-h-n]

I’m showing my wife and we’re cracking up ...u da man!

[Hidden in reply to j-o-h-n]

Cumbia !! Arriba ,,

[Ian2017]

Good to hear of your very positive outcome (and your very positive attitude!). I'm the same age, same condition (stage IV though I had a RP 4 years ago), same date of diagnosis (July 2017), and also just come off ADT (Caloxa - bicalutamide) and 6 infusions of docetaxel. I'm having a full body scan in two weeks to see the full impact of the treatment. I've felt pretty good throughout the treatment and have managed two overseas trips through the course of the chemotherapy. However, in the last two days I've developed a pain in the middle of my back (feels like a tumor pain) and some difficulty breathing while sleeping and not sure if these effects are from the accumulated chemo (potentially positive) or something else (negative). Any thoughts from anyone with similar issues would be very welcome.

[Hidden in reply to Ian2017]

Lan2017, I’m very different in treatments and such.. I have some groin pains and a new searing pain in my ab and prostate. We think it’s mets! Mine is not at this point. Dr says the pain if from the cells killed by radiation. scare tissue and fibrosis. Manageable now. I pray for you to find out what this is and get a solution to that pain quickly.. we know that we have to tote this bale until the end of the line....Listen to Tom Petty some..”The end of the line... We ar3 all in this boat together amigo.. Hang in , hope you get some relief....

[Hidden]

That a boy! Jimbob99999, Keep walking down this positive path God bless you !