dad newly diagnosed

[Juju0713]

Hi there, I’m new here. My dad has been recently dx with stage IV with multiple bone Mets, he had his first round (of six) of taxotere this past Monday and seems to be really struggling with side effects, just wondering if these typically subside within a certain timeframe or if it’s super individualized in terms of everyone’s response and what (if any) options there are for side effects, thanks a lot. Also, any other advice/tips for a newcomer to this are appreciated, reading all of your posts has been really helpful

[Tall_Allen]

It's very individual - some get by with few side effects beyond temporary hair loss. You didn't say which side effects he is finding most bothersome. They can possibly be treated. Is he also getting steroids, Neulasta, antihistamines, anti-nausea meds, and iv hydration?

Please discuss triplet therapy with his oncologist. He only gets one shot at it - now or never:

prostatecancer.news/2021/05...

[Juju0713 in reply to Tall_Allen]

He is mainly reporting severe fatigue, he says he feels like he has a really bad case of the flu. Also, he told me he has also been experiencing some intermittent sharp pain when urinating and/or attempting BM which is new onset since the treatment (he was having some trouble/pain with initiating urine stream prior to tx due to the cancer itself)….sorry if that is TMI. His urologist started him on casodex a few weeks ago prior to meeting with the oncologist. His tx plan from the MO as I am reading it states 6 rounds of the taxotere and 12 cycles of xgeva with plan to start hormone blockers post chemotherapy. I have seen some info on the triplet therapy from the small amount of research I have been doing and wonder why the MO did not mention it

[Tall_Allen in reply to Juju0713]

Mention it and try to start abiraterone or darolutamide now.

Do not start Xgeva unless he has osteoporosis. Has he had a DEXA scan to check his bone mineral density?

You didn't answer my questions: Is he also getting steroids, Neulasta, antihistamines, anti-nausea meds, and iv hydration?

[Juju0713 in reply to Tall_Allen]

no, he has not had a DEXA scan the only scans he has had are the CT and bone scan the urologist ordered after results of the prostate biopsy came back.

He did receive the nyvepria injection the day following chemo and the only other medication he has received was an anti-nausea (i think zofran) prior to the chemo, they gave him fluids the following day when he went in for f/u due to low BP. No steroids or other meds have been given to my knowledge.

I wonder why they would recommend the Xgeva then unless they are not planning to start that until after completing chemo and a DEXA? I will have to ask the MO all of this hopefully early next week. I will definitely bring up theabiraterone or darolutamide and the information you had sent about the recent studies. My dad is 61

[Tall_Allen in reply to Juju0713]

I've never heard of not giving steroids with docetaxel - it prevents some of the worst side effects. Drugs like nyvepria are usually given with Claritin to prevent bone pain.

[MichaelDD]

Just an FYI nothing is ever too much information. More is better then not enough-always.

You are to be commended for being such a great advocate!Best to you...

[Juju0713 in reply to MichaelDD]

thanks Michael 🙏