chemo experiences

[Dmwalker]

I will be starting chemo for the first time with carboplatin/docetaxel next week after recovering a bit from radiation therapy to shrink the prostate. Can others tell me of their experience with this treatment?

They will also give me CSF (Zarxio).

Age 69. Reside in the Pacific northwest. Diagnosed Feb 2019. Gleason 5-4. PSA 48. Metastised to lymphs. Lupron started March 2019. Xtandi April 2020. Brought PSA to 0.2. Side effects were strong nerve pain down legs to feet, and some abdominal pain. Severe muscle loss. Gradually reduced dose to one pill a day but ab pain got worse as to render me non functional. Quit xtandi in Dec. 2020.

A whole body scan in Jan. 2021 showed "significant lobular enlargement of the prostate", along with multiple pulmonary nodules, new hepatic metastisis, and multiple bony metastisis.

A biopsy showed "poorly differentiated carcinoma" with one (CD56) neuroendocrine marker, but none of the other more common ones (synaptophysin, chromogranin). It also doesn't show traditional prostate cancer markers (ie. PSA, androgen receptor). Results of DNA test are pending. PS was 2.3, Testosterone was undetectable. 20 sessions of radiation to the prostate brought pain levels into the "tolerable" range (along with morphine and oxy).

[Tall_Allen]

Are you being treated at SCCA? If so, you probably know that Michael Schweizer is running a clinical trial for "double negative"PC:

clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show...

[Dmwalker in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks. My treatment is through Virginia Mason (although I have consulted with Dr Schweizer). Since my dna profile is not yet in, I wouldn't be eligible for that study .

[Tall_Allen in reply to Dmwalker]

It doesn't ask for a DNA profile, only IHC: "Subjects must have evidence of double-negative prostate cancer as defined by immunohistochemistry on biopsy. A fresh metastatic biopsy within 8 weeks is preferred; however, any archival tissue showing a DNPC phenotype will be acceptable for determining eligibility. "

[Dachshundlove]

Hi Dmwalker

My husband did the carboplatin/ docetaxal chemo last year. He mostly did well. Towards the end/ rounds 6 & 7 (only 4 rounds included carboplatin) he developed indigestion, which caused nausea, but taking antacids resolved that symptom. He used ice gloves and ice slippers and did not develop neuropathy.

The co-medications given along with chemo these days really reduce the side effects. Make sure you make time for rest and stay very hydrated. Feel free to ask any other questions.

[Dmwalker in reply to Dachshundlove]

Thanks for the tips. I'll post on how it goes.

[Newyork6264]

Just finished 10 session of docetaxel. Used ice on feet and hands which kept neuropathy away for most part. Got indigestion later but tums helped with that. Dry mouth and fatigue were my biggest problems. Had some pain early on but that went away after about a week. Biotin helped with dry mouth. Drink lots of water and rest.

[Dmwalker in reply to Newyork6264]

Thanks for the report. I hope it is effective for you.

[Newyork6264 in reply to Dmwalker]

So far so good. Dropped PSA from over 30 to below 5 and alk phos from 380 to 61. Plus scan showed improvements.

[Goofie]

I had 9 rounds of that combination done every 3 weeks. The side effects left me in chair most of day for 5 days of the 3 weeks til toward end and then it got worse. Nausea, fatigue as well as loss of appetite and my sense of taste got real nasty. I have a scan Thursday so find out it’s effectiveness. I have hygrade neuroendocrine small cell prostate carcinoma. DRINK LOTS of water everyday-makes a big difference.

[Dmwalker in reply to Goofie]

Thanks for replying. Your side effects sound very tough. Here's hoping the treatment was effective.