Thoughts on rising PSA

[Geter]

I have written before about pretty much the same thing. Not to sound too redundant, I need some input or advice. I'm 72 yrs old on my third hormonal treatment, Zytiga. Everything else has stopped working. PSA continues to go up (currently103). I've been on Zytiga approx. 6 months. Dr. says the next consideration is Taxotere/chemo. He has concerns about my weight and condition as I do. This is not at my age, and what I read about side effects, a way I care to go out. Any thoughts out there?

[Tall_Allen]

If your doctor thinks you can handle Taxotere, it is probably your best option.

[Geter]

Thank you for your response. Going back to Dr. in 6 weeks. will have blood work and more imaging before. I'll see where I am then

[baltha]

There is no guarantee you will have bad side effects; many do not. In any case, even if you do, most go away after weeks, months ( or years). I do not have a link but there are some ways to mitigate effects such as cold gloves etc for peripheral neuropathy. You can always quit before completing the planned course of infusions if you hate it! There is no contract!

[MarkBC]

I was 55 and in relatively good shape when I had chemo. It wasn't fun but it was easier to handle than I expected it to be. Best of luck.

[dadzone43]

You give us no details about weight and condition. I do not know what ideas you might be seeking. Sorry.

[Prostratehelp]

I was on Zytiga for about 6 months (along with Prednisone). Really didn’t work for me. Then was on Xtandi for a very short time. Could not tolerate it at all. Very bad side effects. After that I did a six month series of Radium 223. No side effects at all. (Radium 223 does not reduce PSA, It is a life extension treatment]. Next I was put on Docetaxel (chemo). Ten minutes into first treatment I experienced extreme side effects. Quick action by the two nurses and the doctor brought me out of it without being transported to the emergency room. They then put me on Gemzar (another chemo med). I tolerated this much better, although there was fatigue most of the time. After 4 months it appeared it did not work at all. PSA doubled the last month on it.

Waiting for next option.

We all have to do what we think will help. With the guidance of good doctors hopefully we can stay around a littleness longer.

Good luck.

[Bangkok]

Any thoughts of radioligand therapy?

[Geter]

my weight is 120. Stage 4 and tumors are in bones of pelvis and spine. taken over L4&5. diagnosed April 2018. gone through Casidex, Xtandy, Provenge immunology a year and a half ago, now on Zytega. Everything worked for a while or less. Last thing, Taxotere or other Chemo cocktail.

[Scribb]

"Traditional" chemo would seem to be an option worth trying. As others have said, side effects vary for individuals and you can withdraw/change courses at any stage. I am curious why you say the Zytiga is still working if your PSA continues to rise? I was taken off Zytiga when my PSA began to rise (at around 6.0). I was on Lupron (+dexamethasone) only for about three months. While my PSA continued to rise, the doubling rate DROPPED from 3 weeks to 2 months after I was taken off Zytiga. Go figure! (I believe there are papers on this very topic). Just had my second infusion of Docetaxel and my PSA has dropped to 3.0. Unfortunately there's a lot of "suck and see" in this game. MO's don't always know the answer either. Beware of any who are inflexibly proscriptive! Why wait for another 6 weeks without at least trying a potentially effective treatment? (you may have to rattle your doctors' cages to get some action buy hey, it's your life!). Good luck Geter!