Positive results from chemo (Docetaxel) & some questions

[dvcarola2]

Hi, we just finished our 5th out of 6 chemo session today (almost there)! Apart from experiencing fatigue, diarrhea, joint pains for about a week after chemo infusion (docetaxel/taxotere), hubby is tolerating it very well. PSA has gone down from 2.2 prior to chemo to 0.65 just before our 5th cycle. He goes swimming, workouts and does infrared sauna almost everyday. The best part is, he no longer has pains and there are no more blood in his urine (yey!). I do hope and pray these continue on even after chemo.

As for the next protocol, MO wants to do PD-L1 test to see if hubby will respond to immunotherapy such as Keytruda. Does anybody have experience with Keytruda? Does it work for Pca?

On another note, our genetic testing came out and here’s the result:

Mr. Dondee was reported to a single likely pathogenic variant in the MUTYH gene. He is a monoallelic (one copy) MUTYH pathogenic variant carrier (heterozygote) and do not have MAP.

Anybody knows what that means? I hope it isnt so bad since it says he doesnt have MAP?

Anyway, we remain positive and hopeful as we continue on with this journey. And because tomorrow is not promised, lets spend more enjoyable times with our loved ones. ❤️

[dvcarola2]

Thank u and thanks to docetaxel 😊

[Tall_Allen]

Great news on the successful chemo. I wish everyone who is afraid of chemo reads this. The problem with genetic tests is that most findings are not actionable.

[dvcarola2 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks TA, because of the many positive effects we have gotten so far from chemo, i really wouldnt mind if our MO asked us to do it longer, but unfortunately we can only do 6 sessions at a time 😔

[dvcarola2]

He doesnt have any hair since time immemorial and has always been good looking as well, thanks for noticing that 😂

[j-o-h-n]

gwapo at kaakit-akit

Great results - keep up the good work.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Thursday 07/18/2019 8:12 PM DST

[j-o-h-n]

You know I'm on Keytruda, for my lung melanoma (not related to Pca) and it's working.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Thursday 07/18/2019 8:20 PM DST

[dvcarola2 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Oh thats nice! We still have to do the PD-L1 test to see if that will be one of our future options. I hope side effects arent too bad though.

[j-o-h-n in reply to dvcarola2]

I've had 15 treatments of Keytruda ($30K each) for my lung melanoma with absolutely NO side effects. Oh, I forgot I became allergic to Balut.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 07/19/2019 7:01 PM DST

[dvcarola2 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Wow thats so expensive! Here i asked MO’s secretary and its about $3k each with a promo of half the price 1st shot, reg price 2nd shot and half price again for 3rd shot. MO is thinking 3 shots initially and see if thats works. He has some PCa patients responding well with it and all of their mets were totally wiped out and PSAs became undetectable!

Btw, i love balut and penoy! 😊

[j-o-h-n in reply to dvcarola2]

Thank goodness Ana's insurance covers it all. It would be wonderful if the Keytruda works.... Will pray for him....

BTW you can have my balut and penoy anytime and all the time...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 07/19/2019 7:47 PM DST

[monte1111]

Love the picture. And the smiles are a bonus! Enjoy

[Jeff54]

God bless you! Stay positive!

[Jeff54]

Walk also!

[immunity1]

I just tumbled onto your Q. MUTYH gene assoc with MAP is linked to polyp production in the gut. When homozygous (when an individual has the mutation in this gene from both parents) it is associated with bowel cancer. If heterozygous it is not a problem but your husband has 50% chance of passing the gene onto his progeny, who in turn may be be homo-, hetero- or negative (most likely) to the gene, with the same issues. Sorry the maths gets a bit complicated here without understanding Mendelian Genetics!. Rob

[dvcarola2 in reply to immunity1]

This is the portion of the report: Dondee is reported to a single likely pathogenic variant in the MUTYH gene. He is monoallelic (one copy) MUTYH pathogenic variant carrier and do not have MAP (MUTYH-associated polyposis). I think its good that he is monoallelic i think? im not sure though! And yes there is a greater possibility of colorectal cancer so we have to monitor that! Also, it says that if I also carry a monoallelic pathogenic MUTYH variant, there is a 25% chance that our children may be affected with MAP. I just hope and pray I dont have that 😔

[immunity1]

Yes, good that he is monoallelic and not homozygous; that is, just a carrier. He has NO greater chance of contracting colorectal cancer. Yes, its true if you are a carrier also (chances are you are not) there is a 25% chance of your offspring having MAP, 50% of them being just a carrier and 25% of having no mutation (clear). Cheers, Rob.