My PSA is down to 0.34 from 30 --- just finished up round 4 - on xtandi as well. what do medical oncologists strive for an acceptable level of PSA control before stopping or taking a break from chemo treatment?
Is 6 rounds at 3 weeks the norm?
Thanks..
yes, 6 infusions every 3 weeks is the norm. There is no PSA goal, although lower is better. Also hoping for radiographic regression, and other biomarkers. I think anyone would be happy with a PSA of 0.34 - congratulations!
Thank you, Allen - chemo is taking a toll on me - but I'll endure.
Hi. My partner had his 5th chemo and is contemplating not having the 6th as his side effects are numb feet and this could be permanent. Tiredness, aching joints, memory issues, loss of hair all over etc. He has done the numbers and given he had radical surgery, radio, ADT and now 5 rounds of chemo (chemo being the least important) he thinks he should stop. He is an exercise fanatic and is now back in the gym properly and doesn't want to stop again. He (and I) believe that exercise is a key to fighting cancer... as is fun and low stress levels. Good luck and may 2020 be full of great surprises 
An dhe also stopped ADT after 6 months. We read a lot of the research and it appears that there is no more efficacy for 18 months than 6! The radiologist agreed as did the oncologist when questioned further. Now to tell him no chemo No 6.....
The choice of stopping treatment is his to make, of course. I would encourage him to finish the sixth round. I found the fifth and sixth rounds were the toughest to take as far as how they impacted my body. I lost the feeling in my toes too but it came back after I was finished. Science has determined that 6 chemo treatments is the ideal amount for battling the cancer. I would trust the science.
PSA 0.2 is considered ideal goal. You ,at 0.3 is very close to ideal goal.
Hi Ken, sounds like you’re doing great!!! I’m about to start the 6 chemo sessions and looking forward to walking out after the 6th treatment! Keep your spirits up, and Merry Christmas!!!
CRK2,
You are not alone as you start chemo. I’ll have my second infusion this Friday (Merry Christmas). This is my second time through chemo ( did it 3 years ago). To help prevent neuropathy I recommend keeping feet and hands on or in ice water and chewing ice during the infusion. This helped me the first time through. Also know the side effects are cumulative so your joints will ache and you will feel stiff after 3-4 rounds. I feel staying active helps with with the stiffness.
Hang tough, the side effects go away after several months.
Thanks CRK2 - hope I can hold on for the next 2.. Best to you...
You are doing great! Yes 6 rounds is the norm. I got down to around 0.1 afterwards. Of course, over the ensuing 18 months it has been gradually rising. Best wishes!
thanks Tall guy 2 --- how low did you get after 6? --- hang in there ---best to u -Ken
I bottomed out at 0.1. 15 months later and after Provenge and a second round of radiation I am back up to 1.5. (At 2.0 I believe I will start abiraterone plus perhaps a Phase II trial drug.)
Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2020!
as long as it is falling, the end result isn’t necessarily as important as the downward trend. sounds like you’re doing great, my dad is in cycle 5 (and they added carboplatin) and also doing well
In 2015 after 15 Taxotere sessions and ADT, PSA went from 840 to 0.7. A nadir of 0.1 in the summer of 2017. Back up to 9.5 despite restarting ADT.
MedOnc consult in Jan for next step.
Mele Kalikimaka and Fight on
Randy
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