66, had DaVinci in 2015 and + margins and 1 node with a G score of 7.
PSA after went from .1 to over 20 quickly with extensive bone mets and pain but also had chest pain with cardiac cath showing 5 vessel disease and bypass recommended
Decided on medical therapy only for heart and doing ok so far
For cancer started firmagon which has resolved pain and PSA has stayed under 1 for 6 months so far
Chemo and the like all have cardiac side effects so until the cancer becomes hormone resistant, I feel like my best chance and best quality of life is to stay as healthy as possible and see if both the cancer and heart problems stay manageable
Of course it’s just a matter of time, but all the studies mentioned here focus on one condition - the cancer and other risk factors aren’t really noted except as a cause of death
I understand my Urologist’s argument for chemo ASAP and I think he understands my reasons to delay it for now
Trying different supplements and diets and this forum has been of great help
My point is, I believe we have to understand the treatments and their good and bad effects, and be involved in the plan. No one seems to have the right answers to a lot of the questions we have.
Happy New Year to all and let’s continue to fight in 2019 -
Written by
Beach18
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Getting healthy certainly helps...I say cancer is like a bear in the forest.....don't feed him, and I am starving mine...getting excess body weight off---it decreases your heart's workload....exercise (walking for 30 minutes or more--if OK'd by your MD) releases endorphins which helps...have a bone densitometry study--how strong are your bones??....strong bones slow down bony mets......still have to get some food-- your protein, vegetables, some fruits, low low carbohydrates is advised by many.....read Nalakrats and pjoshea13 on supplements and diet, they have been on this road for some time....with your cardiac issues, I guess they ruled out Zytiga for you...Extensive bone mets.....found by bone scan or auxumin scan ?? There is a difference...Good luck
The auxumin pet scan is considered the better test and the PSMA scan is even better--depends on your PSA---(insurances don't want to pay)--Get the bone densitometry if you haven't had it...My MO ordered it for me this month....strong bones help....I have bone mets--I am doing some weight lifting for building bone strength...Have you had the shingles vaccine--varicella--no use in leaving any doors open for problems later---if your MO says chemo is "ASAP" and the Cardiologist says "No", then you might want to look at the MM310 trial--phase 1/2 or if the MO thinks you can wait----you are castrate sensitive--watch it---docetaxol with liposomal attachment which they say is more tumor specific and less random...result is less chemo side effects...if it works as planned...(the big question)
I meant when the Firmagon is not helping and the cancer is castration resistant, then along with the Firmagon, docetaxel or ZYTIGA and prednisone would be added, either adding a cumulative cardio toxicity
I understand the ADT is not stopped but another therapy is added on
I’m hoping something new might be approved that would be less toxic in the near future
Since you have multiple bones mets and pain, you should not just have ADT. If you do not want to have Chemo, the guidelinies recommend Zytiga/Abiraterone. This works just as well as a chemo in your situation but you have to take it for a longer time. Talk with your MO about this.
From this link: "Both trials showed that adding the hormone-blocking drug abiraterone (Zytiga®) to standard androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) allowed men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer to live longer than if they were treated with ADT alone."
I know but as you read more and more there were cardiac events that may have been triggered by both chemo and various hormone blocking agents in patients with cardiac risk factors and active cardiac disease
I’m trying to stay alive and ride the fence between the heart and cancer issues until something changes
"Abiraterone was found to significantly increase the risk of both cardiac toxicity and hypertension, whereas enzalutamide [Xtandi] significantly increases only the risk of hypertension."
So you could wait for FDA approval of Xtandi in your situation
I'm almost 7 years out 2.5 years on Lupron and 3 + on Xtandi. I also did a derth of supplements. Now I just take Zyflamend. Did they help , who knows? I certainly am getting a nice ride on Lupron and Xtandi.
I have a heart related issue too and one that might impact prostate cancer treatments. I take meds for atrial fibrillation. I had another episode last night. I had nine episodes last year. So, should I pursue ablation surgery to finally fix this problem? Tired of dealing with it all these years. I am 68.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Update on my daddy- 8 years stage four 
First post and learning as much as possible
Early treatment prior to PSA rising when my cancer doesn't seem to produce much PSA
Just started Cabazitaxel / Jevtana
Xtandi--Update--PSA I Focus on what I have--not what I do not have!
