Stampede Trial

[Burnett1948]

Burnett1948. Thank you all for your response. I have to work out whether the pain of Chemo is worth the benefit. Again thank you.

[Tall_Allen]

Which pain? Chemo relieves pain.

[Burnett1948 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks again for replying Tall_Allen. I should have been clear. I meant to say side effects. I don’t have pain. I want to make the right treatment decision. I have been told by my Urologist and Oncologists that my cancer is throughout my body which frightens me. My Medicial Oncologist has told me I have low volume. I know you have heard all of this previously. I am getting to the point that the combined hormone and chemotherapeutic is the way to go. My MO mentioned it in our last discussion. I must say the most recent reply’s have put a bit of doubt in my mind regarding benefit. Again thanks.

[Hidden in reply to Burnett1948]

I was very reluctant when my oncologist suggested it, but then I started reading about it and reading about other's experiences.

What went through my mind was thinking about how I might feel later if I didn't do it and wondering if I would regret not having done everything I could. Then I asked myself: would I ever do chemotherapy? My answer was: yes. So I figured that from what I had read the benefit would be better to do it early vs later on.

The side effects were much less than I had feared and it was over soon enough. To me, it was like having a cold for a week, then 2 weeks of normal, then repeat. Yes, feeling like you're sick is not fun, but I've lived through much worse like the flu I had last year.

I did have complete pain relief for the first time since diagnosis during chemotherapy. Looking back now, I'm really glad I did chemotherapy and would do it again. And since I am now coming up on 4 years since diagnosis, I am thinking that it may have helped.

Wishing you the best in whatever you decide.

[Tall_Allen in reply to Burnett1948]

I don't read many of the replies on here, unless it is directly to me, so I don't know what you are referring to. I think Gregg's reply is typical of my live experience with patients undergoing chemo. Too often, patients wait too long to get it. By that time, their bodies have deteriorated so much due to the cancer that the combined effect of the chemo may be significant. Used earlier it extends life more. It also improves quality of life compared to those who skip it.

[Burnett1948 in reply to Tall_Allen]

That has become my thinking . I appreciate you pointing this out to me from your observations. Makes sense. I remember hearing at supporters meeting some years ago that chemo doesn’t help prostate cancer sufferers. It’s nice to find out now that trials etc have worked out how to get some benefit from it.

that chemo when a even though at first I didn’t have my head around chemo.

[lewicki in reply to Burnett1948]

I did two sets than went to University of Heidelberg. Did four sets of AC-225 and LU-177. PSA is .08.

[ron_bucher in reply to Burnett1948]

Mark Scholz's theory is that Taxotere will kill tiny tumors regardless of where they are. Taxotere + radiation of suspect (but not visibly cancerous) lymph nodes + 9 months of Lupron has given me 3+ years of undetectable PSA and counting. My body tolerated the Taxotere very well - far better than Lupron.

[ron_bucher in reply to ron_bucher]

p.s. Taxotere was not painful at all for me. A week after each infusion, I regained nearly full energy.

[Burnett1948]

Thanks. I re-read your post a few times. That’s a lot of treatment. Sounds like this treatment especially chemo

has you on top of your cancer. I appreciate your information. It helps me understand the revelations about ant aspects. But I’m very mindful of getting it right and I guess I have to trust my doctors. I really appreciate your information.

[MateoBeach]

Go get it man! Kick butt on that cancer - the earlier the better. I do not see any obstacles to this being of benefit for you. You do not want to be some years down the road and saying "Woulda, shoulda, coulda." Just an opinion - but on the road I took myself. Don't leave it on the table. Best always amigo.

[Burnett1948 in reply to MateoBeach]

Thank you for for your enthusiasm.