PSA rising.

[Bullterrier1966]

Well just had consultation with oncologist thought things were looking up after hormone therapy brought PSA down to 7.1 from 433 at diagnosis in September 2019 but PSA has gone up to 88 bummer time for chemo. Just wondering if anybody could give me there chemo experience's. Thanks. Keep up the fight.

[Hidden]

I did 6 cycles of Docetaxel chemotherapy right after diagnosis. I was scared and reluctant to do it at first, but after doing some research I learned that most people tolerate it quite well. It's important to realize that there is a lot difference in chemotherapies and the two for prostate cancer are on the tolerable end of the chemo spectrum.

The first week, more specifically the first 5 days of each cycle are the most difficult. For me, I would compare those days to a bad cold, but not as bad as the flu for sure. I had the flu last year and remember thinking to myself that it was worse than my chemo. The second 2 weeks are pretty much back to normal.

I had nausea and meds for that, but it was never bad enough to need to them. Again, to compare it to other things I've endured in my life, it was much much better than a fishing trip on the ocean when I got really seasick and puked my guts out.

I also some diarrhea, and my eyes watered a lot. Had some ankle and leg swelling after the 3rd cycle, but it was also really hot outside. It was all tolerable and went away after a month or so.

The most important thing to remember is you only have to commit to one cycle at a time. If it's intolerable or doesn't work you can stop.

[Bullterrier1966 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the info does not seem as bad as I thought. Take care.

[Hidden in reply to Bullterrier1966]

It does get a bit tiring, but it's not bad.

I also found there was a psychological benefit to having the goal and focus of getting through each cycle. The difficulty involved was a small sacrafice that reminded me that I was actively fighting the cancer.

It might be hard to udnerstand, but I actually missed that aspect of it when I stopped chemotherapy although I was very ready to be done with it.

[Bullterrier1966 in reply to Hidden]

Yeah there is definitely a goal to aim for with this beast. Keep positive and don't let it get you down.

[j-o-h-n in reply to Bullterrier1966]

Please give us more info regarding your fight so far: Age? Location? Gleason score if available? treatment locations? Doctor's name(s)? All info is voluntary but it helps us help you and helps us too. Thank you!!!

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Saturday 07/04/2020 12:09 PM DST ** Good Bless America **

[Bullterrier1966 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Hi, I'm from Nottingham, England. All my info is in my profile. But Gleason was 9 with Mets to spine which were severe and Mets to pelvis. PSA started at 433 and came down to 7.1 on ADT. Now up to 88.

[j-o-h-n in reply to Bullterrier1966]

Thank you for you quick and detailed response. You may want to copy and paste/add these details to your bio on your home page, for future use by you and by members.

Keep fighting!!!

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Saturday 07/04/2020 12:19 PM DST ** Good Bless America **

[JNunes]

My father has started quimio (1st session), too. Same question...

He had to be hospitalized because he had fever, mucositis and low iron and potassium, levels as well as his defenses. The 1st dose was clearly excessive. It will be adjusted in the next session.

Anyway, even with the body with low immunity, fever, etc., he always was energized, even the doctors do not want to believe that the analyzes are not so good, due to the vitality he presents.

Back to 2nd session only next week, as he need another week to recover.

Best for you all.

[ROLNCIN1]

Bullterrier,

Just don't give up the fight. What hormone therapy have you been on.

My husband took Lupron for 8 years and is now adding another hormone pill too his Lupron.

BOOGEE

[Bullterrier1966 in reply to ROLNCIN1]

Hi, I'm on Decapeptyl which I will still be on along side the chemo. One thing that keeps me going is my family. Want to see my 11 year old daughter grow up. Keep up the good fight.

[Hidden]

With chemotherapy it's easy to just focus on the side effects. But if it's working to kill the cancer you also feel better as you go along.

I still had symptoms from the cancer when I started chemo so I noticed that during the last 2 weeks of each cycle I felt better than previous cycle. The first time I was completely pain free was when I was on chemo.