Had 15 month exam yesterday Doc says all numbers look good and I'm feeling okay. I got my Xgeva shot and we talked about new treatments on the Horizon that sound very promising. I don't think I will be the recipient of any of them due to the red tape they will need to ensure but someone will in time. Doc says I will start immunotherapy now ( Provenge ) he says I'm at the optimal stage in my treatment that this will benefit me greatly. I'm kind of excited about starting this treatment I know sounds crazy right? But I trust my Doctor and I'm going for it. Do any of you have experience you can share with me about the procedure what to expect etc. I'm also looking into a port because monthly blood draws are difficult vien wise so that would make sense. I don't know what's involved in the port thing so if you can share your experience it would be appreciated. Never give up never surrender. Leo
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leo2634
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I don't have any experience with Provenge and no advice about a port. Just wanted to say congratulations on the good results so far. Nice to start the day with good/encouraging news.
I hope the Provenge goes well and the excellent results continue!
I had Provenge. Hated that port but you do what you have to do. And its its only for 6 weeks. What is your history of treatment? Sounds like you're burning through a lot. Do you have radiological detection of disease.?
Zytiga,Eligard, Xgeva for bone Mets only treatments for the last 15 months. PSA is 0.1 and scans show improvement. I trust my Doctor unconditionally if he says this is the time for my next step I'm taking it.
Zytiga,Eligard, Xgeva for bone Mets only treatments for the last 15 months. PSA is 0.1 and scans show improvement. I trust my Doctor unconditionally if he says this is the time for my next step I'm taking it.
Your PSA is low and if your MO says it is time to blast it with Provenge, then I am hoping it hits APC cells like a nuclear weapon...Best of luck and positive vibes...
If you do a Search for "provenge" in the box at the upper right, you will get some hits on quite a few past Posts/Replies that talk about Provenge and anecdotal patient experiences.
I had Provenge about 3 years ago. During the leukapheresis part I had some side effects due to the citrate anticoagulation agent used in the machine, and some problems with my veins what with the needles in both arms for long periods of time. Many men do not have that experience. As for the Provenge infusions themselves, I think it worked, even though it didn't show up in a big PSA change. After the infusions, I felt really tired, weak, and unsteady for a few days, but it soon faded. My body definitely felt like it had had an immune system jolt.
If you may have already had any veins problems, a port is an excellent idea. It will allow you to go "hands free" during the approx. 3 hour leukapheresis sessions, and avoid a lot of needle sticks and veins trauma.
My PSA is at 0.1 and has been for the past 15 months my Doctor feels it's time for Provenge because of the low PSA and feels the added boost of Immunotherapy is beneficial to me now rather than later.
My Doctor is around 40 or so but I trust him unconditionally. He sits on several Cancer boards and always keeps his patients health first and foremost. I remember question him on the costs of these medications and procedures and his answer to me is don't worry about the costs you will not leave my office without being treated
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So far so good!
Our Saga so far...and an observation about quality of care
Great results....so far.
