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[Mattox]

New to group age 64. Dx Jan 2017 stage 4, Gleason 9 psa 34, bone meets in spine. Started treatments with firmigon xgeva and 10 rounds of radiation to the one hot spot on spine. Firmigon stopped went to zytiga and psa came down to 18 at the lowest point. After a few months started climbing again. Stopped zytiga and started xtandi and after a few months realized it wasn't working. Oncololigist basically gave up because I didn't want to do chemo infusion, have a terrible fear of nausea and past history of chemo with family members. Found new oncologist via doctor friend ( a real game changer) . I explained my fears and he said we would go a different route. We would start taxotere ln a lower dose (fragmented) once a week third week off. Getting ready to do 8th treatment and side effects have been minimal. Psa was 184 when started now 82. Found this site months ago and read every day. Very ignorant about anything in the medical field. Just wanted to thank all of you knowledgeable people here for helping me get a grasp on this horrible disease and to know I'm not alone. Thanks again

[Tall_Allen]

Why did you stop Firmagon?

[Mattox in reply to Tall_Allen]

Urologists started me on this initially and when I saw the first oncologist (did not like) he stopped it. He only believes in chemo. I forgot to add on my list he did have me on eligard and am still on presently. I look forward to any future advise you can give for I have enjoyed the knowledge you pass forward. I live on the coast in nc and feel my new oncologist really wants to help me.

[Tall_Allen in reply to Mattox]

Ah - the Eligard explains it. Chemo is certainly the best for multiple mets. When it's done, Xofigo may help and Provenge. Sometimes Chemo even resensitizes to Zytiga/Xtandi, so you can re-challenge. There are many more medicines in clinical trials.

[Mattox in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks again for your input I think my new oncologist is on the same page. He's got no set amount on these chemo infusions I just wonder how many I can do safely

[Tall_Allen in reply to Mattox]

6 infusions every 3 weeks is usual. I don't know how many with your regimen. I would guess until it no longer benefits you (then switch to Jevtana) or unless side effects become intolerable.

[Mattox in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks again, I understand why so many people look up too you. Bill

[vandy69 in reply to Mattox]

Good Tuesday Morning Mattox,

You are on a good treatment path, but watch out for peripheral neuropathy caused by Docetaxel. My Med Onc suggested 100mg B6 orally daily to mitigate and I iced my hands and feet during infusions.

Best wishes. Never Give In.

Mark, Atlanta

[Mattox in reply to vandy69]

Thanks for info on B6, I was aware of possible neuropathy and he thinks doing a lower dose puts you at a lower risk. Will see do my 8th treatment thursday.

[Litlerny]

Most of us are “virgins” when it comes to how best to deal with our Stage 4 PCa, and most of us in here look up to Tall_Allen for his expertise. He seems to always be spot-on in his assessments and advice. I’m 3 years into this, and still learning. You are never alone.

It sounds like your new oncologist is a much better fit for you, and that are on the right path to minimize the side effects of the chemo infusions. I did the usual 6 cycles at 3 week intervals. The side effects were’t fun, but we’re fairly predictable, and manageable with OTC meds. I never really had severe nausea, but my MO prescribed dexamethasone on 2nd day after each infusion, and ondansetron ((Zofran) to take as needed for nausea. Just got my chemo port removed last week. Feels good. Best wishes to you with your treatments.

Mark

[Mattox in reply to Litlerny]

Thanks for your response. It's a great feeling knowing you have so many strangers willing to take there time to try to help someone that's basically in the same boat. Bill