Rising PSA on taxotere

[Yank66]

Feeling discouraged today. Denny's been on Taxotere since July. After an initial rise to 100, he had a 13 point drop in his PSA to 87 in September. Yesterday's lab work shows a PSA of 92 which is where he was in July before he started chemo. He had a PSMA scan in June which showed "very widespread bone only metastatic disease". He has an increase in back pain in the last month, but gets relief with rest and Ibuprofen. I don't feel like we have time to waste on treatments that don't work. Are we right in that assumption? We have an appointment next week with the PA. What questions should we prepare? Any advice?

[NotAlwaysSunshine]

We have not had a treatment that works. 3 years of this battle. We just keep trying to find something. Started Pluvicto a couple weeks ago. Try and get in line for Lu177/Pluvicto.

[Yank66 in reply to NotAlwaysSunshine]

You sound discouraged as well. Nine and 1/2 years in the fight here. It takes it's toll, doesn't it? No cure for Denny, just buying time. We have discussed Pluvicto with the MO, but he had to have chemo first to be eligible. I understand there's a wait for it, be we are hopeful for it's promise. I hope it works for you.

[NotAlwaysSunshine in reply to Yank66]

Heck yes - so frustrating. Can't catch a break. We pray every night that Lu177 works for a long as possible. The wait was about 6/7 weeks. Not too bad.

[Tall_Allen]

He qualifies for Pluvicto now.

[Yank66 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Yes-thank you

[spw1]

Does not look like Taxotere is working. My husband had Docetaxel (in UK) and it was clear that it was not working - PSA 99 at start of treatment and after 4 sessions 468 - they insisted on giving 4 before changing to Cabazitaxel. So far the first treatment does not show promise. Pain and PSA increased. PSA last count was 821 or 676 - both samples taken at the same time same day and same lab. They want to give 3 sessions before deciding that it does not work. If only we had choice to go try Lu177 without having to travel

[Yank66 in reply to spw1]

looks like we’re in the same boat-you’re a bit ahead of us in treatments. Pluvicto is available about an hour from home, but there may be a wait involved. Our best wishes to you. Gotta keep fighting.

[EdBacon]

Cabazitaxel chemotherapy is approved for patients who progress on Docetaxel. He could give that a shot and see if it works, then go for Pluvicto after.

That's what I'm doing, on #3 cycle of Cabazitaxel. I think it's working for me so far and hope to hold off the beast a bit longer, then Pluvicto is next. The side effects have been better for Cabazitaxel as they are for many. May be worth a try. Best to see what the doctor says.

[Yank66 in reply to EdBacon]

Thank you-I messaged the PA this morning, asking if that was a possibility. That way she and the MO can discuss that and scans at their treatment meetings before we see the PA on Tuesday. It’s so hard to be patient sometimes. We feel a sense of urgency that they don’t always feel.

[EdBacon in reply to Yank66]

I know what you mean. Our life is on the line, not theirs so the casual attitude is hard to take.

I have to give kudos to my MO and the people in the department. I felt rushed into chemotherapy after Zytiga and Xtandi failed. They quickly set me up to have a port put in and then got me directly from there into my first chemo session. That was a rushed and difficult day for me. But the cancer doesn't rest so we can't either.

Meanwhile my pain had been getting worse and worse while the cancer was progressing. Even after the infusion, I was maxing out on pain meds. A few days later I was pain free. Now I'm thinking how glad I was that they moved so quickly. We just can't afford to mess around with this disease. Wishing him the best with treatments.