Good news from my M.O. today!!!

[redbank]

Doc says I am in complete remission as of today .Keep fighting!!!

[Shooter1]

Mine also says I an in remission, but still on Xtandi. Feels different when suddenly the Dr's say " you have a future"

[redbank in reply to Shooter1]

yeah it does staying the course for now on casodex and Lupron

[Hidden in reply to redbank]

Hi redbank,

Awwsome news, why are you still taking Casodex? I've noticed many treatment plans drops it after Lupron settles in. For instance, I started with Casodex, then 2 weeks afterwards got a 6 month dose of Eligard (Lupron). Then, another month went by, started Zytiga/Prednisone and Casodex was dropped.

Anyway, did you ever made it to Dana-Farber?

[redbank in reply to Hidden]

They decided the casodex was the course for me. No I decided to stay with the team at New England Cancer of course this is far from over but every little bit of good news I get is ok with me for right now . Keep Fighting !!!!

[Hidden in reply to redbank]

Forgot to ask, how did your doc explained remission? Does it mean, undetectable PSA, thus all treatments are suspended?

[redbank in reply to Hidden]

no all treatments to continue ,PSA is still holding @ 0.05 and spots on Lungs are now gone from previous scans .

[MichaelDD in reply to redbank]

Can I ask how many spots??!!!

[redbank in reply to MichaelDD]

there were multiple spots only two prominent ones and all have since disappeared the one that was biopsied was the more prominent one of all of them and it is now gone .

[NPfisherman]

Excellent news....congratulations, man....

[tallguy2]

Congrats!

[BigJack28]

Hi redbank and NYMets. I was just diagnosed week of Christmas with advanced prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bone (spot on hip and T7). PSA has always been normal and exams were always good so this is a complete shock and honestly I'm scared shitless. Just started Casadex on Jan 5 and got a shot of Eligard Jan 14. Don't meet the oncologist till Jan 21 but Urologist told me it's either Xtandi or Zytiga/prednisone combo. I don't know which one is better than the other. I'll take whatever treatment and as much as they want to give me (we all qant another day, right?), but everything my wife reads has me knockin on heaven's door. Any advice? Combat stories? Side effect issues? Thanks for listening

[lincolnj8 in reply to BigJack28]

I too was diagnosed right before Christmas last year at the age of 66. Psa 800, nothing good. A month later I was put on Zytiga, Prednisone, and Lupron shots (every three months). Psa has been at .01 for 4 months now. Feeling good. Yes I get hot flashes, up 3-4 times a night urinating. This is a slow cancer I understand. I'm hoping for a cure right around the corner. Like you I was scared. What a shock. But for now I'm buying time. 4-8-12 years? I don't know. But I'll take it. And I'm living life to the fullest

[paulparry in reply to lincolnj8]

Sage tablets for hot flashes and script for Oxybutynin for urinary problems.

[Hidden in reply to paulparry]

I’ll try the sage...

[paulparry in reply to Hidden]

Takes a week to build in the system but then a daily dose should help

[Hidden in reply to paulparry]

Thanks .. maybe I will smell like sage after?

[tom67inMA in reply to BigJack28]

The bad prognoses you read on the internet are generally based on old data. New drugs are continually becoming available and better ways to use the existing ones are being learned. Most men respond to treatment to some extent. Reading and maintaining a healthy weight helps. Exercise is very important.

Most of all studies apply to groups, not individuals. Some individuals do very well and can live for decades. It's very important that you believe you're one of them.

I'm three months since my diagnosis, just started third round of chemo. PSA has dropped like a rock, and my symptoms are improving. Still dealing with treatment side effects, but hoping to be a future remission story.

[Hidden in reply to tom67inMA]

Hi Tom,

Looks like we're in similar PCa timeline.

So, why are you getting chemo early on? I'm on Lupron and Zytiga/Prednisone, I've noticed ADT2 protocols can either go with Lupron/Zytiga or Lupron/Chemo, based on LATITUDE and STAMPEDE clinical trials.

[tom67inMA in reply to Hidden]

My understanding is I'm on chemo specifically because of those trials. Chemo first, because that is usually limited to 6 cycles. After that, I will be going onto Zytiga. They also recently started me on Xgeva. They're throwing everything they can at it early, and not giving anything that's immune to Eligard alone a chance to grow.

[Hidden in reply to BigJack28]

Hi Bigjack28,

The tom67inMA response is spot on!

Just to add a little bit from these amazing Advanced Prostate Cancer (PCa) warriors here, I've learned quickly with having a PCa expert Oncologist on the team. For example, asking a question about Xtandi or Zytiga is specific to PCa, a Hematologist Oncologist would just site some journal. While the PCa Oncologist will have an "hands on" explanation.

So, already fortunate by engaging here, it's in your (and Wife) best interest to keep learning along the way, favor articles from Pubmed, NEJM and other medical journals.

FYI: The picture is Derby, a 4 year old male Australian Shepherd that keeps me moving...

[BigJack28 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, there's ao much friggin data out there. Mine is a Rott named Geno. Thanks again

[thevvy in reply to BigJack28]

You have to stay positive, cobber, and ALWAYS involve your dearest in your battle as much as you can. It's a scary as hell for her too!

I've made my Angel my secretary. She makes the bookings, organises the results in a folder, and keeps me on track with my meds. Mind you after 9 months on Zytiga I need the help! Memory is shot. All this makes her feel involved and that she is helping. (which she is). Take her along to every appointment and get her involved each and every step of the way. Get her to ask questions too, so she learns along with you. My Angel has asked some good ones that I hadn't thought of, so they feel involved and helpful. I think I would rather be going through what I am, than to be in my wife's shoes!

We plan a long future together and even if we don't go, plan bush holidays in the winter.

You have found an awesome site here, with some of the members having more of an idea of whats going on than a lot of medicos!

Don't be afraid to ask questions, either on here or with your medical team. Question everything until you understand what's going on and what they are thinking and what their plans for you are.

If they get pissed with you, find some that don't.

Zytiga/prednisolone has side effects for sure, but even though they vary person to person, they generally aren't too bad. Hot flushes/flashes are the hardest to come to terms with, along with brain fog and a rotten memory. But hey, life is good!!

Live each day, for the day. You can't change yesterday, and have no control over tomorrow, so live for the moment.

Just remember cobber, ain't none of us on this planet getting outa here alive. So grab life by the throat, shake the shit out of it and have the best time you possibly can!

Stay strong

Thevvy

[SeosamhM in reply to BigJack28]

Tom67 is on target, BJ28...breathe and don't write your obit yet. You are on the "normal" entry path to PC treatment with the Casodex and Eligard. Hopefully this first round will knock PSA down and you can have time to discuss Xtandi v. Zytiga more intelligently. In my case (Gleason 9 w/ numerous bone mets), I was on Lupron and Bicalutamide only until yesterday, when I started Zytiga - this 25 months post-diagnosis. Some European studies want Zytiga earlier, I just recently found out, but there is no currently no single or best treatment path in advanced PC. It will lead to frustration and confusion, yes, but to know that there are options is empowering.

You may want to inquire whether spot radiation treatment for T7 is indicated. Radiation is not for everyone, but as I had a broken C2 with an active tumor (and T4), I called in the strike.

Remember that your path is YOURS and there are many other indicators of health that you shouldn't disregard - don't stop exercising, our nutrition is always within our (and our loved ones') power, and stay with this site. While I am indeed very educated and informed, there are some super PC nerds here that I consider experts.

Plus, the very genuine support that you can read about every day is beyond compare. Good luck. - Joe M.

[jimreilly]

wonderful news, congratulations!

[MJCA]

Awesome! Congrats!

[E2-Guy]

Fantastic news!

[dmt1121]

Congratulations! That is truly awesome. All the best.

[Daddyishealing]

Rock on !

[Roberthale7318]

It’s a wonderful feeling to know you’re getting better not worse ... congratulations brother!! My Christmas present from my MO was the word “remission“!

[JimVanHorn]

Congratulations! I hope you continue with your comments on Male-care's site called Active Surveillance - Prostate Cancer.

[joancarles]

Wowww

[Hidden]

Great news!

[Litlerny]

Great news! Hope you keep it going for many years. 😎

[Brbnbrn]

Congratulations redback! We shall continue to battle the beast. Thank you for sharing your success!

[Vitaminlover]

Wonderful news!

[Magnus1964]

Great news, stay vigilant and stay healthy.

[leo2634]

Doc told me the same in November PSA undetectable and bone Mets have subsided. Zytiga, Eligard has been my treatments since day one. I will be in the battle one year this February. Fight on Brother. Never give up never surrender. Leo

[elainea53]

Mazel Tov so glad for you

[lincolnj8]

Congrats

[Quyen]

Super.

I'm happy for you, redbank.

[elliefight4dad]

Congratulations!!!

[Bunkerboy]

Congrats👍🏻

[monte1111]

About one year to remission! Great. Gives some here a glimmer of light. Very nice to read about the triumphs.

[j-o-h-n]

Hey Red, You can take that Good News to the Bank...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Wednesday 01/16/2019 5:19 PM EST

[Haniff]

Hi Redbank,

Great news! Can you share a bit more on say, any particular diet or exercise or any other routines you did besides the medicines taken, that helped you to achieve a steady Psa of 0.05. Will appreciate any feedback.

Thanks!

Haniff

[redbank in reply to Haniff]

I wish I could say that there was a specific thing that I did to achieve this ,but the fact is I just followed Dr's. advice took my medication on time and just continued to live my life .Did yard and work drank a few cold ones and walked a good bit. Remission is a great thing to hear but I'm realistic it will at some time rear it's ugly head and remind me that the fight is not done.I will continue the regimen set up by the Doctor and continue to drink a few cold ones and live and love life . Keep fighting never stop no days off!!!!

[Haniff in reply to redbank]

Thanks Redbank!

Take care and my very best to you.

Regards,

Haniff

[thevvy]

Well done! All that studying for the tests was what did it!

Good onya cobber.

Thevvy

[Carmen2]

My husband and I are so happy for you. Keep up the fight. This thing is a rollercoaster and we are along for the ride. I pray that you have years at your current status, but if it changes, don't give up. My husband has been battling for 5 years

.and is living proof that you can beat it back. Aloha!!!

[bellyhappy]

CONGRATULATIONS...It so nice to hear the word REMISSION. Just started my treatment with Zytiga and Prednisone. Will be seeing the doctor at the end of the month to see progress.

[SeosamhM]

Simply. Awesome.

[Hidden]

Keep on rolling red bank!

[Hidden]

Fantastic ... extend your success and live long..