Starting Abiraterone & Prednison 5mg - advice?

[Johnson411]

Howdy warriors, I have a high-risk metastasized PC, Gleason 9. I am currently on Lupron and Bicalutamide 50mg, (knocked my PSA to .4 and T to 20.2. Starting Abiraterone as soon as it arrives. Any thoughts on what to expect? Side effects? Thanks in advance. Side note for what it is worth: I have been vaccinated and tested positive for COVID last Thursday, these past 4 days have been brutal, but I feel much better today.

[John-carp]

Hi

Just finished the same treatment. Some Lupron fatigue but with exercise I was able to keep it in check. Prednisone made me hungry so had manage that. I also am taking something mild for mood. All in all very manageable

[bandgeek]

Sorry to hear. Have been on the Lupron/Zytiga/prednisone version of ADT 5 months. Had some fatigue and lack of energy 1st 3-4 months. Currently feeling "normal" Doing a lot of walking, and have been able to drop 20 lbs in 10 weeks. PSA dropped from 225 to 5.8. Hoping for remission of all those pesky little bone lessions. Best of luck and health.

[fireandice123]

My first treatment was very similar. I was on Lupron/Zytiga/Prednisone for about a year. It worked quite well. It knocked my PSA to undetectable in about 6 months. The main side effects I had were hot flashes, weight gain, and fatigue. All were manageable but pretty annoying. Good luck!

[Magnus1964]

Why stop Lupron and Bicalutamide. they seem to be working for you. Why switch.

[Johnson411 in reply to Magnus1964]

Not switching, adding to the mix.

[Magnus1964 in reply to Johnson411]

It seems like you are burning through a lot of drugs. I'm a big believer in using drugs sequentially. If your current treatment is working, why not save abiratorone in your arsenal for later if needed.

[Johnson411 in reply to Magnus1964]

I am not an expert (yet), but I believe due to the aggressive metastasized nature and wanting both T and PSA as low as possible before we begin radiation. Visiting with both RO and MO in the next couple of weeks and will discuss. Thanks!

[meowlicious99 in reply to Magnus1964]

hi Magnus, Isn't the trend now to move drugs earlier and earlier in the treatment. I was under the impression that stampede recommend abi early.

[Magnus1964 in reply to meowlicious99]

Maybe, but combining two ADT drugs, i.e. casodex and zytiga I don't think would lower your T and PSA any further.

[BrentW]

Exercise -- lots of it!

[winkoliu]

Please consider Magnus1964's comments seriously.

[Spyder54]

This Covid spread w Vax’d patients is worrisome. Read MateoBeach’s recent post. Abi knocked my T down to near zero, then PSA started coming down 2 wks to 4 wks later. Your PSA is already down= KEY. CONGRATS! A Win in any language is a Win! I agree w Magnus above. Add ABI to Lupron. Dont just switch. When PCa is down, hit it hard!! Hit it with everything including the kitchen sink.

Mike

St Pete

[KJMinPhx]

I do Lupron + Zytiga + p and have been doing this combo for about 2 years. Psa remains undetectable and PCa seems stopped. Mayo says there is no relation but I now have bladder cancer and ureter issues, still undetermined. Anyway, Mayo recommends Lupron + Zytiga + p and it works for me.

[TylexGP]

Diagnosis similiar no gross mets but a suspect node. Dxd in March started ADT/Zytiga and Pred in May. PSA has gone from 10.1 to .35 over the last two months. My next blood draw is next week which will be 3 months on ADT/Zytiga/Pred. I had HDR Brachytherapy done 8 days ago. My symptoms have been mostly the hot flashes, emotion s a little closer to the surface, some elevation in liver function tests, and the pred munchies. All in all I feel pretty darn good sometimes I even forget I have PCA. Hoping for further decline with next weeks blood draw. I wish you well and hope you have minimal side effects.