New member

[Vanskid]

Hello, this is my first posting and I admit to being frightened and sad to be a part of this group. I hope to gain knowledge as well as support here. As we stand now, my husband has stage 4, castrate resistant prostate cancer with lymph gland involvement. He also has a history of congestive heart failure, A-fib and stage III kidney failure. His initial diagnosis was about 2 years ago. He’s had the radiation as well as Lupron treatments and although a fairly low PSA of 4, the recent scans show a fair amount of lymph node involvement. He has his first chemo treatment next week. I pray he can tolerate the chemo and that it does in fact slow the progression of cancer. I believe the chemo will be Taxotere. I would greatly appreciate any advise as to what we should expect. I am definitely “a realist” and a “planner” by nature so please be frank, and kind! My husband is 69 and feels and looks good. He is however becoming increasingly fatigued. Thanks in advance for your help.

[Grumpyswife]

Welcome to the place no one wants to be. The good news is there are so many treatment options available now then ever before.

If your husband has chemo he may be able to get into one of the Trials starting up in the US that there is so much excitement about. Lots of posts on here so you can study up and plan ahead.

I think it’s great that your husband is doing chemo early. With his comorbidities there will not be a better time. One regret I have is that it was not offered to my husband earlier and now he is 75 and might not agree to it.

[Hidden]

Sorry you have to be here, but glad you found the group. Many of us here have been on Taxotere chemo which is well-tolerated in most cases. I managed to be quite active during my chemo cycles except for the first 5 days. Even those weren't that bad. I sat around a lot during the first week, but still managed to walk one or two miles a day and wasn't bed ridden. I had some nausea but never had to use the meds I had for it. I would do it again if needed.

There are also Xtandi and Ztyiga available for castrate resistant disease. Those are second-line androgen deprivation drugs that can be added to Lupron to further deprive the cancer of the hormones it needs to grow.

Call on us when you need support, we've been through this so we know what it's like.

I wish your husband good luck with his treatments.

[Vanskid in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[Jackpine]

Welcome to the group and know everyone gives support and experience on their treatments and options. Ask questions, look for options and take advantage of the collective knowledge of this group.

This is a journey that requires patience, and support as you’ll have good and bad days but know you are not alone.

[Vanskid in reply to Jackpine]

Thank you. One of the difficulties I have right now is not really knowing what to ask. The information available in this group certainly helps me cope right now.

[vandy69]

Good Saturday Morning Vanskid,

I have been in this battle almost six years (please see bio for complete treatment history).

I had 6 cycles of Docetaxel/Carboplatin chemo, ending on 1/9/18 and here are my insights:

1. Docetaxel can cause peripheral neuropathy, so Med Onc suggested 100mg B6 orally daily and we iced my hands and feet.

2. Chemo infusion was preceded by Aloxi, which prevents nausea.

3. Med Onc prescribed Dexamethasone day before, day of, and day after chemo to moderate side effects.

4. Used Biotene products for mouth care.

5. Took Wisconsin American ginseng for fatigue--google Mayo Clinic for their trial.

6. Was prescribed On Body Injector of Neulasta to boost white cell count. Recommended to take Claritin beginning 1 day prior to chemo and for 6 days to prevent bone pain.

7. Fatigue builds up as cycles go on. My chemo was on a Tuesday, and I felt fine on Tuesday and Wednesday, as Dexamethasone was in use. By Thursday I was feeling tired and by Friday I stayed in my pjs. After each infusion it took more days to get through the fatigue.

8. Great news was that it worked--PSA dropped from 10.8 to .4 and liver lesions smaller and less distinct!

Hope this helps.

Best wishes. Never Give In.

Mark, Atlanta

[keukalake in reply to vandy69]

Mark, I read this board on a daily basis but don’t post frequently. I’m currently in treatment for two cancers, Multiple Myleomia which I’ve had for over 10 years, and more recently stage 4 prostate cancer which was surprisingly diagnoised in January of 2018. I’ve been back and forth beteeen my oncologist at Georgia Cancer Specialist/Northside Hostipal Cancer Center, and interventional radiology also at Northside. The primary aggressor at the moment is the prostate cancer and my greatest concern is treating it aggressively. I’m currently taking Xtandi ( 4 pills per day). I’ve had a lot of health issues lately and want to be sure I’m getting the best care available. I’m not suggesting that I’m not, but would appreciate it if you would be comfortable advising me who is treating you. I had chemo for the MM years ago and developed some neuropathy in hands and feet but never know anything about icing them down. That does sound like something that might have helped a bit in retrospect. Also, I was most impressed by your recital of your regimen of treatment. I’ve been thinking about going to MD Anderson for some second opinion assurances, but if you recommend your doctor or doctors, I d certainly prefer to stay local. I live in East Cobb/ Marietta, Ga. and recently retired.

I’d appreciate the information if you are OK with it. Thanks, John

[Vanskid]

Thank you for responding with detailed info. There has been no mention to take anything before his first chemo. I am definitely going to call and ask about the Claritin, neurasthenic etc. I appreciate it. Also need to find out about the hand iceing